Career comparison
Facilities Manager vs. Maintenance Supervisor
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Facilities managers earn more at the median ($106,660 vs. $79,860), while facilities managers usually get to work faster (Several years of experience of training). Facilities managers keep buildings safe, working and efficient. Maintenance supervisors lead the mechanics and technicians who keep equipment running.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Facilities Manager | Maintenance Supervisor | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $106,660 ($51.28/hr) | $79,860 ($38.39/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $64,480 – $176,120 | $49,600 – $126,790 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +4.6% (about as fast as average) | +4.1% (about as fast as average) |
| Openings per year | 14,200 | 48,900 |
| Typical entry education | Bachelor's degree | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | Several years of experience | Several years of hands-on experience |
| Key credential | Certified Facility Manager (CFM) | CMRP |
| Work setting | Facilities managers work in offices, mechanical rooms, roofs and grounds of buildings and campuses.. | Supervisors work in plants, shops, fleet garages and facilities.. |
What each job does
Facilities Manager
- Oversee building maintenance
- Manage contractors
- Plan budgets
- Ensure code compliance
- Manage energy use
Maintenance Supervisor
- Assign work orders
- Plan preventive maintenance
- Supervise technicians
- Order parts
- Troubleshoot complex problems
How they’re similar
Both careers involve problem-solving, high responsibility, hands-on work, and teamwork. They sit in different fields, business & office and mechanics, maintenance & manufacturing, but share transferable skills such as problem-solving and leadership.
Which should you choose?
Choose facilities manager if…
- I like how buildings work
- I solve problems fast
- I can manage contractors
Choose maintenance supervisor if…
- I’m a skilled technician
- I like leading crews
- I solve tough problems
Still torn? Take the Facilities Manager fit quiz and the Maintenance Supervisor fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, facilities manager or maintenance supervisor?
Facilities Managers earn more at the median: $106,660 versus $79,860 for maintenance supervisors, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Facilities Managers typically train faster (Several years of experience) than maintenance supervisors (Several years of hands-on experience).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects facilities managers to grow +4.6% from 2025–35, compared with +4.1% for maintenance supervisors.