How to Become a Property Manager: Steps and Skills Required

It’s never too late to make a career move, especially if you’re interested in the real estate business.

Although the realtor career path is the most well-known in the industry, the job opportunities in real estate go far beyond just selling property. If you have experience with management or customer service and are interested in real estate operations, you might like to explore how to become a property manager.

It’s true that property managers manage property, but that’s not all they’re responsible for. They’re also in charge of marketing their listings, finding tenants, scheduling repairs, overseeing the day-to-day operations of their building(s), and using property management software to simplify all these processes. A career in this space can be incredibly rewarding, but before you can earn the title, there are several steps you’ll need to take. 

In this article, we’ll lay out the exact path you need to follow in order to kickstart your career as a property manager. By following these steps, you’ll be on your way to a rewarding real estate career in no time.

What does a property manager do?

A property manager handles the daily operations of rental properties, connecting tenants with property owners. They ensure everything runs smoothly and that tenants are satisfied, whether the properties are residential or commercial.

Their primary duties are:

• Tenant management: Showcase available units, negotiate lease agreements, collect rent, and resolve tenant issues.
• Tenant satisfaction and security: Prioritize tenant satisfaction, manage rent collection, implement security measures, and develop safety policies.
• Property maintenance: Conduct regular property assessments, coordinate maintenance and repairs, and ensure an appealing environment.
• Financial management: Oversee bill payments, manage contracts, and evaluate property operations.

How much does a property manager make?

The salary of a property manager varies widely depending on factors like location, the type of properties managed, and the manager's experience level. On average, property managers in the United States earn about $60,000 annually. In larger metropolitan areas or for those managing high-value properties, salaries can exceed $100,000 per year.

Furthermore, many property managers also receive performance-based bonuses or commissions, which can significantly boost their overall income.

How to become a property manager: 3 important steps

If you’re looking to make a career switch to property management, now is the right time. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 467,100 property and community managers jobs in 2023, and the employment rate is projected to grow by 3% from 2023 to 2033. Joining a growing industry is a smart move for any job seeker.

The steps below provide a general outline of what you’ll need to do in order to seek employment as a property manager.

Step 1: Identify the minimum requirements

Some states have specific requirements that must be met in order to legally become a property manager. Make sure you meet the minimum education requirements that are standard in your local job market. Some companies will hire qualified candidates with a high school degree or equivalent, but most are looking for a bachelor’s degree in business, real estate, or a related field. 

Also, almost all states require that property managers earn a real estate license. Many essential property management tasks are considered to be real estate activities, so having a strong educational background in real estate is crucial to your success.

To get your license, you’ll need to enroll in an in-person or online real estate license school to take classes that prepare you for the licensing exam. The coursework covers real estate fundamentals, as well as more specialized topics such as real estate laws and contract clauses.

Be sure to browse local job boards to see what employers are looking for. Having a college degree or earning a real estate license will impact your journey to becoming a property manager significantly, so be sure to do your research to see which rules apply to you.

Step 2: Get certified

In addition to having a degree and/or a real estate license, you’ll also want to look into property management certifications. Getting a certification isn’t required, but it will give you an edge over other candidates when you start applying for jobs.

Types of property management certifications

Specialized certifications are administered by a variety of different property management organizations. Having a certification shows potential employers that you’re serious about being an expert in your field, plus you’ll qualify for member-only benefits at the organization. These benefits will vary from one organization to the next, but they typically include perks such as free professional development courses, conferences, and a network of like-minded professionals.

Below, we’ve listed several popular property management organizations and the certifications they offer.

1. The Institute of Real Estate Management

The Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) offers four types of property management certifications:

• Certified Property Manager (CPM) is the standard certification.
• Accredited Residential Manager (ARM) is for residential property managers.
• Accredited Commercial Manager (ACoM) is for commercial property managers.
• Accredited Management Organization (AMO) is for real estate management firms.

2. The Building Owners and Managers Association International

The Building Owners and Managers Association International (BOMA) is an organization that serves the commercial real estate industry. They offer one primary certification:

• Certified Manager of Commercial Properties (CMCP) is for commercial property managers in the early stages of their real estate career.

3. The National Association of Residential Property Managers

The National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM) serves the residential property management community. The certifications they offer are for more experienced property managers seeking continued education.

• Residential Management Professional (RMP) for property managers that have experience managing at least 100 units over a two-year period.
• Master Property Manager (MPM) is for property managers who have already obtained an RMP and have experience managing at least 500 units over a five-year period.
• Certified Residential Management Company (CRMC) is for residential property management firms.

These are just three examples of professional property management organizations that offer certification courses for individuals looking to take their education and expertise to the next level.

Step 3: Seek out property management job listings

The final step is to officially kick off your job search. Build a resume that reflects all the work you did in the previous steps and highlights any important soft skills you have. With zero previous property management experience, you want to start out by looking for associate or assistant property manager job listings. As an associate, you will report directly to a senior level property manager and be able to learn from them directly on the job. Before you know it, you’ll have enough experience under your belt to start tackling more advanced tasks on your own.

In the digital age, many companies are using property management software to help run and maintain their daily operations. Candidates with previous experience using these types of solutions are in high demand, but showing you have the ability to learn how to use these tools quickly will also help you during the interview process.

Own the room

Property management is a specialized sector of the real estate industry that is showing no signs of slowing down. Now that you know what it takes to become a property manager, it’s up to you to decide whether or not to take the plunge. If you build your experience on top of a strong foundation in real estate education, you’ll be on your way to a long and successful property management career.

Property management not your thing? Learn about real estate investing instead.

This article was originally published in 2019. It has been updated with new information.