Facilities Manager

Your Fit

Income

$102K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

4.6%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Facilities Manager?

A Facilities Manager is responsible for the maintenance, upkeep, and improvement of commercial or institutional buildings, ensuring that they meet legal requirements and health and safety standards. They play a crucial role in ensuring that the physical environment of a business is functional, safe, and efficient.

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Facilities Manager.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Facilities Manager earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$61K per year	$78K per year	$102K per year	$134K per year	$169K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $54K above the national average.

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What does a Facilities Manager do?

Work environment

Facilities Managers typically work in office settings within the buildings they oversee. They may work in various industries, including educational institutions, healthcare facilities, corporate buildings, and public infrastructures. Their role often involves both desk-based and on-site activities.

Quick task list

Oversees building and grounds maintenance.
Ensures compliance with health and safety standards.
Manages budgets and keeps records of facilities expenditures.
Supervises and coordinates with maintenance and custodial staff.
Implements and manages facility refurbishment and renovation projects.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Sustainability Management: Specializing in eco-friendly practices and green building techniques.
Security Management: Focusing on the security and safety aspects of facility management.
Technology Integration: Specializing in the incorporation of new technologies for building management.

Description

Facilities Managers play a vital role in the operational efficiency of a building or a complex. Their job is multifaceted, encompassing everything from routine maintenance to strategic planning. They must ensure that the facilities meet government regulations and environmental, health, and security standards. This role requires a good understanding of mechanical systems, electrical systems, and other critical infrastructural elements of a building.

In addition to technical skills, a Facilities Manager needs strong organizational and leadership qualities. They must coordinate a variety of activities, often simultaneously, and manage teams that perform maintenance, custodial, or security tasks. Budget management is also a key part of their role, requiring them to be adept in financial planning and resource allocation.

Staying abreast of the latest trends in facility management, such as energy efficiency, technology integration, and sustainability, is increasingly important. They must also be adept at crisis management, capable of responding swiftly and effectively to emergencies or unexpected problems.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Playing a critical role in the smooth operation of essential services.
The diversity of tasks and challenges.
Opportunities to implement sustainability and efficiency improvements.
Positive impact on the working environment and employee well-being.

You might make a good Facilities Manager if you are...

Skilled in problem-solving and critical thinking.
Proficient in project management and organization.
Adept at communication and team leadership.
Interested in building operations and maintenance.
Motivated by challenges and varied tasks.

Pros:

Diverse responsibilities, making the workday varied and interesting.
Opportunities to positively impact the environment and sustainability.
High demand across various industries.

Cons:

Potential for high-stress situations, especially during emergencies.
Requires balancing multiple tasks and managing tight budgets.
Often involves dealing with unforeseen challenges and crises.

How to become a Facilities Manager

Typical education

Most Facilities Managers have a bachelor's degree in facilities management, business, engineering, or a related field. Additionally, experience in maintenance, project management, or a related area is often required.

High school preparation

Courses:

Business Studies for management skills.
Sciences, especially Physics, for understanding building systems.
Mathematics for budgeting and financial planning.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Leadership roles in school clubs or teams.
Volunteering in community development or local events.
Part-time work or internships in maintenance or administrative roles.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a bachelor's degree in facilities management, business administration, or engineering.
Gain hands-on experience through internships in facility management or related fields.
Obtain certifications like Certified Facility Manager (CFM) or Facility Management Professional (FMP).
Attend workshops and conferences related to building management and sustainability.

More resources

International Facility Management Association (IFMA) - Provides resources, certification information, and networking opportunities.
Facilities Management Journal - Offers industry news and insights.
Facility Executive - Features articles on facility management trends and best practices.
Building Owners and Managers Association International (BOMA) - Offers resources, education, and research on building management and operations.

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