Management
Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers
Also called: Apartment Manager, Commercial Property Manager, Community Association Manager, Community Manager
US median pay
$69,990
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+3.7%
about average or slower
Openings a year (US)
36,900
460,400 employed
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
Preparation 4/5 · Considerable preparation
What this job is
Plan, direct, or coordinate the selling, buying, leasing, or governance activities of commercial, industrial, or residential real estate properties. Includes managers of homeowner and condominium associations, rented or leased housing units, buildings, or land (including rights-of-way).
What they do day to day
- Manage and oversee operations, maintenance, administration, and improvement of commercial, industrial, or residential properties.
- Direct collection of monthly assessments, rental fees, and deposits and payment of insurance premiums, mortgage, taxes, and incurred operating expenses.
- Plan, schedule, and coordinate general maintenance, major repairs, and remodeling or construction projects for commercial or residential properties.
- Prepare detailed budgets and financial reports for properties.
- Act as liaisons between on-site managers or tenants and owners.
- Solicit and analyze bids from contractors for repairs, renovations, and maintenance.
- Meet with clients to negotiate management and service contracts, determine priorities, and discuss the financial and operational status of properties.
- Clean common areas, change light bulbs, and make minor property repairs.
- Inspect grounds, facilities, and equipment routinely to determine necessity of repairs or maintenance.
- Direct and coordinate the activities of staff and contract personnel and evaluate their performance.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Coordination3.8/5
- Negotiation3.6/5
- Social Perceptiveness3.5/5
- Management of Personnel Resources3.2/5
- Management of Financial Resources3.2/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.2/5
- Time Management3.1/5
- Persuasion3.1/5
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service4.4/5
- English Language4.0/5
- Administration and Management4.0/5
- Economics and Accounting3.9/5
- Public Safety and Security3.7/5
- Administrative3.5/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 4 of 5 — Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree and several years of related experience.
Typical entry education (BLS): High school diploma or equivalent, plus less than 5 years of related work experience.
Who this job suits
Mostly Enterprising
Leading, persuading and starting things
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Social
Helping, teaching and caring for people
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.