Property managers in the US can earn a decent income, especially those with experience and a strong portfolio of properties. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for property managers in the US is around $62,000.
The pay can vary greatly depending on factors such as location, experience, and type of property. For example, property managers in major cities like New York or Los Angeles tend to earn higher salaries than those in smaller towns or rural areas.
What Property Managers Make
Property managers can earn a decent income, but it varies widely depending on several factors. The national average property manager salary in the United States is $54,183/year as of July 2019, according to Glassdoor.
Some property managers can earn much more than this average, especially if they work for well-performing companies. In fact, property managers at companies like Nokia and Ernst & Young are among the highest-paid, with average salaries ranging from $86,267 to $100,968 per year.
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Experience also plays a significant role in determining a property manager's salary. The more experienced you are, the higher you'll get paid. According to Glassdoor, years of experience can affect a property manager's salary, with experienced property managers earning more than those with less experience.
The type of real estate properties you manage can also impact your salary. For example, apartment managers earn around $41,000 per year, while self-storage facility managers can earn up to $71,000 per year.
Here are some of the highest-paying companies for property managers, based on Glassdoor data:
Overall, property managers can earn a good income, but it's essential to consider factors like education, certifications, experience, and property type when determining your salary.
Compensation
Property managers can earn a significant income, with salaries structured around base pay and bonuses. Bonus amounts can vary greatly, often based on performance or commissions.
A property manager's salary may include a combination of both base pay and bonuses. This can make their total compensation quite substantial.
Commission structures can vary from company to company, but typically range between 10 and 20 percent of the property value. This can be a lucrative pay component for property managers.
Many companies offer a combination of a base salary plus a commission for property managers who close deals. This can make a big impact on their earnings.
Your skills and determination to succeed are just as important as your commission structure in generating profits from property management.
Factors Affecting Pay
Base salaries for property managers vary greatly depending on location. In the highest paying cities, the salary may exceed the national average base salary.
Experience level is another crucial factor, with more experienced property managers commanding higher salaries. Years of education also play a role, with more educated property managers earning more.
Location is a key factor in determining salaries, with salaries in some cities being well below the national average base salary.
Variables That Affect
Your location matters, big time. Property managers in the highest paying cities, such as New York, NY, and San Francisco, CA, can expect to earn significantly more than those in other areas.
Experience and education level also play a crucial role in determining salaries. Property managers with more experience and higher levels of education can command higher salaries.
Here are the top 5 cities with the highest average salaries for property managers:
The states with the highest average salaries for property managers are also worth noting, with New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut taking the top spots.
Hiring: Independent vs Company
Hiring an independent property manager can be a cost-effective solution, but it may not provide the same level of accountability as a professional company.
Independent managers often have lower fees, typically ranging from 8-12% of the rental income.
Professional companies, on the other hand, may charge higher fees, often between 10-15% of the rental income.
The general expenditure for hiring an independent manager is often lower than hiring a company property manager.
However, hiring a company property manager can provide a sense of security and accountability, which may be worth the extra cost.
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How Companies Make a Profit
Property management companies make their money in two ways: through fees and through the properties. They charge an upfront deposit to the tenant, which is usually equivalent to one month's rent, to ensure they can pay their bills and keep up with the property.
The average profit margins for property management companies are around 10% to 15%. This means that for every 100 dollars of revenue, they make $10 to $15 in profit.
They also pass on costs like insurance and taxes to the renter, which can add up quickly. If a tenant's house burns down and they didn't pay their fire insurance premiums, the landlord can make them pay those premiums to replace what's been lost.
Most property management companies charge a monthly management fee ranging from 8% to 12% of the rental income. This can be a significant expense for landlords, especially if they're raking in $1,500 per month on rent.
Fees and Pricing
Property managers can earn a significant income, but the fees they charge can vary greatly depending on the type of service and the location. Typically, property management fees range from 7-10% of the monthly rental income.
The main fee you'll see is the management fee, which covers day-to-day tasks like collecting rent and handling tenant issues. This fee is usually a percentage of the collected rent.
A setup fee may also be charged, ranging from $0 to $300 per unit managed, depending on the location and company policy. This fee helps cover initial costs associated with getting your properties in the system and ready to go.
Some property managers charge a flat rate, regardless of income fluctuations, while others use a percentage-based fee. This can make budgeting easier, but it may be pricier during low occupancy periods.
Here's a comparison of the typical fees charged by independent managers and company managers:
- Independent Manager: Typically charges 7-10% of rental income per month.
- Company Manager: Generally charges 8-12% of rental income per month.
To determine the right price, property managers should research the average market rate and consider factors like the number of units, properties managed, and services offered. This will help them find a balance between attracting clients and earning a profit.
Understanding Fees
Property management fees can be a mystery, but they're essentially the cost of expert help in managing your residential properties. The main fee you'll see is the management fee, which typically ranges from 7-10% of the monthly rental income.
This fee covers day-to-day tasks like collecting rent and handling tenant issues, giving you peace of mind knowing someone else is taking care of these duties. The management fee can be a percentage of the collected rent or a flat rate, which affects overall costs.
Some managers charge a percentage fee based on collected rent, while others use flat rate billing regardless of income fluctuations. This makes budgeting easier but potentially pricier during low occupancy periods.
You may be wondering how much to charge clients as a property manager. Research shows that the average property management fee is 6-12% of the rental property's monthly rent. To find the perfect price, consider the number of units, the number of properties you manage, and the type of services you offer.
Fees can come in two forms: a flat rate or a percentage of the monthly rent income from each property. The latter is more common and usually falls between 8% to 12% of the rental revenue. Some companies also charge setup fees per new tenant or units managed, which can range from $0 to $300 per unit managed.
Here's a comparison of the fees charged by independent managers and company managers:
- Independent Manager: Typically charges 7-10% of rental income per month.
- Company Manager: Generally charges 8-12% of rental income per month.
Keep in mind that these ranges are averages and can vary significantly depending on factors such as location, services provided, and the number of properties managed.
Vacancy Fee
A vacancy fee is a reduced rate charged by managers until they find another tenant for an empty property. This fee is an incentive to get the unit filled quickly.
Managers will charge this fee because empty units don't make money.
Pricing Strategies
Independent managers typically charge 7-10% of rental income per month, while company managers generally charge 8-12% of rental income per month.
To charge the right price, you need to be realistic and do your research. Start by checking what other managers are charging to get an average for the local market, which is 6-12% of the rental property's monthly rent.
Charging too high can push away potential clients, while charging below-market-rate management fees can make it harder to respond to clients' needs and may lead to a decline in service quality.
The number of units and properties managed, as well as the type of services offered, should also be taken into consideration when determining the perfect price that attracts clients and allows for a profit margin.
Here's a rough estimate of what you can expect to earn as a property manager based on the management fee: Management Fee RangeEstimated Earnings7-10%$700-$1,000 per month (for a $10,000/month rental property)8-12%$800-$1,200 per month (for a $10,000/month rental property)
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Industry Insights
The average property manager salary varies significantly across different industries. In fact, the professional industry offers the highest average salary, with property managers earning $50,963 on average.
In contrast, the real estate industry has the lowest average salary, with property managers earning $47,098. This is a notable difference, especially considering the unique demands and challenges of managing properties in these industries.
Here are some key industry averages to keep in mind:
- Professional industry: $50,963
- Finance industry: $50,163
- Real estate industry: $47,098
Property Types
Property Types play a significant role in determining property management fees.
In California, property managers who work for apartment communities typically make more than those who manage condominiums or homeowners associations.
Property managers who work with multifamily properties tend to have a more manageable workload compared to those who manage single-family homes.
Managing single-family homes usually requires more work per unit than multifamily properties because they have separate locations and needs.
Property managers in New York, on the other hand, also earn higher average salaries compared to most states.
The type and number of properties you own can greatly impact the level of work involved in property management.
Highest Paying Cities
If you're looking to boost your property management career, it's essential to know which cities offer the highest paying opportunities. According to recent data, the top cities for property managers are New York, NY, San Francisco, CA, and Vancouver, WA.
These cities offer salaries significantly higher than the national average, with New York, NY, leading the pack with an average salary of $60,617. San Francisco, CA, and Vancouver, WA, follow closely with average salaries of $58,760 and $57,217, respectively.
Here's a snapshot of the top 5 cities for property managers:
If you're thinking of relocating to one of these cities, it's worth noting that they're not only great for property managers but also for real estate investors. These cities offer a high demand for property management services, making them an attractive option for those looking to advance their careers or start their own property management businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of property manager makes the most money?
According to salary ranges, a Facilities Director typically earns the highest annual income, between $92,000-$202,000. This role often oversees the management of a company's physical assets and facilities.
How much does a certified property manager make in Florida?
In Florida, a certified property manager's average yearly salary is around $58,500, ranging from $33,900 to $122,520. However, salaries may vary depending on location, experience, and specific employer.
Sources
- CPM designation (irem.org)
- Property Manager Salary (November 2024) (zippia.com)
- How Do Property Management Companies Make Money (pickspace.com)
- How Much Do Property Managers Charge: A Breakdown (indianapolispropertymanagement.com)
- Glassdoor (glassdoor.com)
- Salary.com (salary.com)
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