Property & Real Estate Managers
Description OES Code:15011
Plan, organize, direct, control, or coordinate buying, selling, or leasing activities of real estate properties for clients or employer. Include managers of rented or leased housing units, buildings, or land (including rights-of-way). Exclude workers whose duties are not primarily managerial. Workers who are engaged primarily in direct buying, selling, or renting of real estate should be reported as Sales Workers.

Wages, California
Entry Level Hourly Wage $8.22
25th Percentile $10.20
50th Percentile $18.83
75th Percentile $27.69

Wages, San Joaquin County
Entry Level Hourly Wage minimum
25th Percentile $6.40
50th Percentile $8.39
75th Percentile $13.56

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
Property and Condominium Managers often earn more than Apartment Managers, but usually do not live on the premises in a rent- reduced or rent-free apartment. Most managers also get a monthly utility allowance and occasionally some fringe benefits.

Full time Property Managers work 40 hours or more a week, which includes evenings and weekends. Part-time managers work between 10 and 30 hours a week.

Most employers provide paid vacation, sick leave, and medical insurance. Some provide dental and life insurance, and a few also offer retirement plans and vision insurance.

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 18,500
Projected Employment 2008 24,000
Percent Change 1998-2008 29.7%
Separations 1998-2008 2,900

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
Employment 1999 210
Projected Employment 2006 240
Percent Change 1999-2006 14.3%
Separations 1999-2006 20

Employment Trends by California County

Working Conditions
When managing large properties, Property Managers work in a project office, with two or three assistants. Offices are clean, modern, and well-lighted. In medium-sized buildings, where full-time managers usually perform some maintenance duties, they move throughout the building and grounds. Apartment Managers usually don't have a separate office and they are often required to live in the apartment complexes where they work, so they are available to handle emergencies that may occur during off duty times. Apartment Managers frequently work weekends showing vacant units to prospective tenants. They receive compensatory time off for night and weekend work and may receive time off during the week.

Advancement
Working under the supervision of a Property Manager, those with little or no experience enter the job as an On-site Manager of an apartment complex or condominium. Experienced On-site Managers may advance to positions with more responsibilities and more pay while managing larger properties. Further opportunities exist in higher level positions in property management firms.

Getting the Job & Other Information
Prospective Property Managers should check newspaper classified ads or apply directly to property management firms (listed in the telephone directory yellow pages under "Real Estate Management'') or condominium homeowner associations. Referrals may also be found through the California Apartment Association.

For a list of current job listings, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education and Training
Most employers prefer to hire college graduates with a Bachelor's degree in business administration, finance, real estate, or public administration. Work related experience of three months to four years is also preferred. Employers look for workers with the ability to work independently, read and follow instructions, and maintain financial records. Legible and effective writing, good communication and public contact skills, knowledge of business math, and the ability to plan and organize the work of others also ranked high among employers.

In some metropolitan areas, basic and advanced courses in apartment management are given by industry groups such as the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM), and local affiliates of the National Apartment Association. IREM awards national certification with the Accredited Resident Manager (ARM) certificate; the National Apartment Association offers a similar designation as Certified Apartment Managers (CAM). The California Apartment Association offers a certificate in residential management. Employers often encourage their Apartment Managers to complete this training and usually pay for the courses.

Skills & Other Requirements
Managers must deal with all types of people. They do a lot of talking and moving around the facilities, especially when investigating complaints and problems. All Property Managers must understand and fully comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Federal Fair Housing Act, as well as local fair housing laws, to ensure non-discriminatory practices.

References
California Occupational Guide #423

Related Occupations: Personnel Specialists & Managers, Appraisers, Real Estate

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)