How to become a property, real estate, and community association managers
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).
Steps to get there
Most employers expect most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not..A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
What property, real estate, and community association managers do
- 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.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
- Monitoring
- Active Learning
- Mathematics
Is property, real estate, and community association managers a good career?
On the numbers, this job pays above the typical job. Median pay is 37% above the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.
Where it pays most
- Washington $119,320
- Massachusetts $103,410
- Colorado $100,080
- New York $99,390
- District of Columbia $94,080
Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers salary by state and city
Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.