If you’ve ever rented an apartment or lived in a house that someone else owned, chances are you’ve dealt with a property manager. These are the people who handle day-to-day issues, collect rent, schedule repairs, and make sure tenants follow the rules. But have you ever wondered—how much do property managers actually make?
Let’s break it down in simple, easy words. We’ll cover their salary, what affects their income, and whether it’s a good career choice. This guide will give you a full picture of what property managers earn in different settings.
What Is a Property Manager?
Before we talk about money, let’s first understand what property managers do. A property manager is someone hired by the owner of a property to take care of it. This can be for:
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Residential properties (like apartments, houses)
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Commercial buildings (like offices or shops)
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Vacation rentals (like Airbnb or holiday homes)
Their main duties include:
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Collecting rent
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Dealing with maintenance and repair problems
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Finding new tenants and handling leases
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Making sure rules are followed
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Reporting to the property owner
Basically, property managers keep everything running smoothly between the owner and the tenant.
How Much Do Property Managers Make on Average?
Now, let’s talk about the money side. In the United States, property manager salaries can vary based on many things. But here’s a general idea:
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Entry-Level Property Managers (0-2 years of experience):
$35,000 to $45,000 per year -
Mid-Level Property Managers (3-5 years of experience):
$50,000 to $65,000 per year -
Experienced or Senior Property Managers (5+ years):
$70,000 to $100,000+ per year
Some property managers, especially those working for large real estate companies, can earn even more depending on bonuses or commissions.
Do Property Managers Get Paid Hourly or Salary?
It depends on the job. Some property managers are full-time employees and get a salary. Others might work part-time or on a contract basis, and get paid hourly.
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Hourly Rates can range from $15 to $40 per hour, depending on experience and location.
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Salaried Positions usually offer benefits like health insurance, paid vacation, and bonuses.
Factors That Affect Property Manager Salaries
Not every property manager makes the same amount. Several things affect how much they can earn:
1. Location
Just like rent prices, property manager pay also depends on where the job is. Cities like New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Miami usually pay more because the cost of living is higher and properties are more expensive.
Smaller towns or rural areas may offer lower salaries, but the workload might be lighter too.
2. Type of Property
Managing a small apartment building is very different from managing a large shopping mall or a group of vacation rentals. Here’s how it usually works:
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Residential property managers often earn less than those managing commercial or industrial buildings.
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Luxury properties or vacation rentals may offer higher pay, especially if there are bonuses based on guest ratings or occupancy.
3. Experience Level
This one’s simple: the more experience you have, the more you can earn. Experienced property managers often handle larger portfolios and get better-paying roles.
4. Certifications and Education
While you don’t always need a college degree to become a property manager, having one (especially in real estate, business, or finance) can help. Also, certain certifications like:
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Certified Property Manager (CPM)
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Residential Management Professional (RMP)
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Real Estate License
can boost your value in the market and help you get paid more.
5. Size of the Company
Working for a small local business might mean lower pay but more flexibility. Big real estate companies may offer higher salaries, structured growth, and yearly bonuses.
Do Property Managers Get Bonuses or Commissions?
Yes, many do.
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Bonuses: Some companies offer bonuses based on tenant satisfaction, how well the property is maintained, or how fast empty units are rented out.
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Commissions: If the property manager helps sell or lease properties, they may receive a percentage (like 5% to 10%) of the deal.
So, if a manager is good at what they do, they can earn extra beyond their base salary.
Is Property Management a Good Career?
It can be, especially if you like working with people, solving problems, and managing things. Here are some pros and cons:
Pros
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Steady job market: There’s always demand for property managers.
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No strict college requirement
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Opportunities to grow into senior positions
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Can start your own property management business
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Potential for bonuses and extra earnings
Cons
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Can be stressful dealing with complaints and emergencies
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Work may involve evenings or weekends
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Must handle difficult tenants or maintenance issues
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Requires multitasking and time management
Freelance or Self-Employed Property Managers
Some people don’t work for a company—they manage properties on their own or for private landlords.
In these cases, their earnings vary based on how many properties they handle. Some charge:
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A flat monthly fee per property (e.g., $100–$300 per unit)
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Or take a percentage of rent (often 8%–12%)
Example:
If rent is $1,500 and the manager gets 10%, that’s $150 per month for just one property. With 10 properties, they could make $1,500/month just from managing rentals.
Tips to Make More as a Property Manager
If you’re already in property management or considering it as a career, here are ways to boost your earnings:
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Get certified – recognized training can help you stand out.
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Specialize – become an expert in vacation rentals, commercial buildings, or luxury homes.
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Use tech tools – many landlords look for managers who know how to use software for tracking rent, repairs, and tenant info.
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Build a network – more clients = more income.
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Offer extra services – like rent collection, cleaning, or tenant screening.
Final Words
So, how much do property managers make? It varies, but generally ranges from $35,000 to over $100,000 a year, depending on experience, location, and the type of property they manage.
It’s a solid career path for those who are organized, people-friendly, and enjoy solving problems. With experience and the right skills, property management can offer not just a steady income—but a way to grow your own business too.
