A property, real estate, and community association manager oversees residential or commercial properties, handles tenant relations, and manages budgets and maintenance. You'll need a bachelor's degree and considerable preparation. Here is what the work involves, what it takes, and how to get in.
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Property, real estate, and community association managers oversee the day-to-day operations of residential, commercial, or community properties. You handle tenant relations, coordinate maintenance and repairs, manage budgets and financial records, and ensure properties meet legal and safety standards. Your work involves making decisions about property issues, gathering information from staff and tenants, communicating with supervisors and contractors, and using computer systems to track operations. You establish relationships with residents and vendors while coordinating the activities of maintenance teams and other staff.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers earn a median of $69,990 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is steady. Employment is projected to grow 4 percent from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as average for all occupations, with about 39,000 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
You will need a bachelor's degree to enter this field, which represents considerable preparation. Your education should cover administration and management, economics and accounting, law and government, and customer service principles. Strong skills in speaking, reading, writing, and critical thinking are essential. Many people in this role develop expertise through coursework in business, real estate, or property management, combined with entry-level positions in property operations. Consider internships or assistant roles to gain practical experience before moving into a management position.
Most paths to property management start with a bachelor's degree in business, real estate, or a related field. Since education routes and timelines vary, Pathly can map the property, real estate, and community association manager path that fits you with your counselor to map out the steps that fit your goals.
Many property, real estate, and community association managers must be licensed, and professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
Licensing is handled at the state level and the requirements vary, so check the licensing board in your state. Pathly shows your state's specific steps inside your roadmap.
You are enterprising, comfortable making decisions, solving problems, and managing people and budgets. You enjoy building relationships and coordinating teams to reach business goals.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).