What Does a Facilities Manager Do? Duties, Pay & Outlook

What does a facilities manager do?

Facilities managers plan, direct and coordinate operations of buildings and grounds, including maintenance, safety, utilities and space. The median pay is $106,660 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about Several years of experience, and employment is projected to grow +4.6% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

Median pay
$106,660
$51.28/hour · May 2025
Job growth
+4.6%
2025–35, about as fast as average
Openings per year
14,200
Average, 2025–35
Typical entry education
Bachelor's degree
BLS classification
Time to train
Several years of experience
Typical program length
U.S. jobs
165,900
Employment, 2025

What facilities managers do

Facilities managers take care of buildings. They oversee maintenance, repairs, cleaning and security, manage HVAC and energy use, plan space and renovations, manage contractors and budgets, and make sure buildings meet safety codes.

Most have a bachelor’s degree in facilities management, engineering or business, plus experience. Many come up through the trades.

Typical duties

Oversee building maintenance
Manage contractors
Plan budgets
Ensure code compliance
Manage energy use
Plan renovations and space
Lead emergency response

Work environment and schedule

Facilities managers work in offices, mechanical rooms, roofs and grounds of buildings and campuses.

Schedule: Full time, with on-call duty for building emergencies.

A day in the life

7:00 AMWalk the building.
8:00 AMReview work orders.
9:30 AMMeet an HVAC contractor.
11:00 AMReview energy bills.

See a full day in the life of a facilities manager →

Facilities Manager salary

Half of facilities managers earned more than $106,660 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $64,480 for the lowest 10% to $176,120 for the top 10%.

$64,48010th$106,660Median$176,12090th

Full facilities manager pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a facilities manager

Earn a bachelor’s or learn a trade
Work in maintenance or operations
Supervise staff
Earn the FMP or CFM
Manage facilities

A bachelor’s degree in facilities management, engineering or business is typical, though trade experience can substitute in some roles.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a facilities manager →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

Building systems
Maintenance planning
Budgeting
Contractor management
Code compliance

People skills

Problem-solving
Leadership
Communication
Calm under pressure

All facilities manager skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

Good pay
Hands-on and office mix
Every building needs one
Variety

Cons

On-call emergencies
Budget pressure
Aging equipment
Contractor problems

Certifications and licenses

Certified Facility Manager (CFM): IFMA credential.
Facility Management Professional (FMP): IFMA.
Certified Energy Manager: AEE credential.
OSHA 30: Safety training.

Career path

Maintenance Technician: Hands-on.
Maintenance Supervisor: Lead crews.
Facilities Manager: Run buildings.
Director of Facilities: Lead campuses.

Learn the job before day one

Our Facilities Manager training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as build a preventive maintenance plan and cut a building’s energy bill, safety and how to land your first job.

View Facilities Manager training Is this career right for me?

Building Maintenance Technician

Keep apartments, offices, schools and facilities running with everyday repairs.

$49,590
3–12 months on the job

Property Manager

Run apartment communities and commercial buildings for owners and residents.

$69,990
1–3 years of experience

Administrative Services Manager

Run the support services that keep an office working.

$114,130
Several years of experience

HVAC Technician

Install, maintain and repair heating, cooling, ventilation and refrigeration systems.

$61,010
6–24 months

Compare: Facilities Manager vs. Building Maintenance Tech · Facilities Manager vs. Property Manager · Facilities Manager vs. Administrative Services Manager · Facilities Manager vs. HVAC Technician

Facilities Manager FAQ

Do facilities managers need a degree?

Usually a bachelor’s, though trade experience can count.

What is the CFM?

A top credential from IFMA.

Are they on call?

Often, for building emergencies.

How much does a facilities manager make?

The median annual wage for facilities managers was $106,660 ($51.28 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $64,480 and the highest 10% earned more than $176,120.

How long does it take to become a facilities manager?

Most people need about Several years of experience of training. A bachelor’s degree in facilities management, engineering or business is typical, though trade experience can substitute in some roles.

Do you need a degree to be a facilities manager?

Usually, yes. BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education, although skills, certifications and experience can sometimes substitute.

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 11-3013 (Facilities managers).
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
O*NET OnLine summary for Facilities managers (U.S. Department of Labor).
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

Facilities Manager