Financial Services

Property Manager

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AVG. SALARY

$64,700

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EDUCATION

High school (GED) +

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JOB OUTLOOK

Stable

What To Learn

High School

Suggested Steps to Prepare for a Property Manager Career (Grades 6-12)

Check out the recommended classes, activities and skills below for each grade level. These recommendations are very general -- discuss your specific course plan with your school counselors and teachers.

AI-assisted and curriculum-reviewed guidance. Talk with your counselor or teacher about your specific plan.
Grades 6-8

Helpful Classes

  • Math
  • Communication
  • Technology
  • Social Studies

Things to Try

  • Track income and expenses for a class activity using a simple budget sheet, Compare prices, taxes, discounts, or savings options and explain the math, Organize sample receipts, invoices, or records and check them for errors, Interview a property manager or finance worker about accuracy, records, and decisions

Focus Skills

  • Numerical reasoning
  • Accuracy
  • Recordkeeping
  • Data analysis
  • Communication

Helpful Classes

  • Algebra I
  • Business
  • English
  • Computer Applications
  • Personal Finance

Recommended Learning Areas

  • personal finance
  • spreadsheets
  • business math
  • recordkeeping
  • communication

Things to Try

  • Build a personal or club budget in a spreadsheet and update it each week, Practice checking totals, percentages, and trends using sample sales or expense data, Sort sample invoices, payments, or account records and note missing information, Shadow a property manager or office finance worker to see how records are reviewed

Focus Skills

  • Numerical reasoning
  • Accuracy
  • Recordkeeping
  • Data analysis
  • Communication

Helpful Classes

  • Geometry
  • Accounting
  • Economics
  • Business Communication
  • Spreadsheet Applications

Recommended Learning Areas

  • accounting basics
  • budgeting
  • financial records
  • data tables
  • business communication

Things to Try

  • Use spreadsheets to compare spending patterns, balances, or profit and loss examples, Create a mock payroll, billing, or bookkeeping worksheet and check for errors, Analyze a company or nonprofit budget summary and explain what the numbers suggest, Practice writing short notes that explain financial results in plain language

Focus Skills

  • Numerical reasoning
  • Accuracy
  • Recordkeeping
  • Data analysis
  • Communication

Helpful Classes

  • Statistics
  • Accounting
  • Economics
  • Business Law
  • Data Analysis

Recommended Learning Areas

  • financial analysis
  • auditing
  • taxation
  • economics
  • spreadsheet modeling

Things to Try

  • Complete a finance or accounting project using formulas, charts, and supporting records, Review sample tax, payroll, loan, or audit documents and identify key details, Compare financial trends across months or departments and summarize the findings, Interview a finance professional about reporting, controls, and compliance

Focus Skills

  • Numerical reasoning
  • Accuracy
  • Recordkeeping
  • Data analysis
  • Communication

Helpful Classes

  • Calculus or Statistics
  • Finance
  • Economics
  • Accounting
  • Business Writing

Recommended Learning Areas

  • investment concepts
  • risk analysis
  • compliance
  • financial reporting
  • forecasting

Things to Try

  • Build a portfolio with budgeting, forecasting, audit, or financial analysis samples, Compare pathways in accounting, banking, insurance, economics, or financial planning, Use real public financial reports to explain trends, risks, and performance, Create a capstone that turns raw numbers into clear business recommendations

Focus Skills

  • Numerical reasoning
  • Accuracy
  • Recordkeeping
  • Data analysis
  • Communication

Beyond High School

Here's a list of programs that you should consider if you're interested in this career:

Education Level

Education training and experience are required at different levels for success in different occupations.

High school (GED), plus work experience

Property, real estate, and community association managers typically need a high school diploma combined with several years of related work experience for entry-level positions. Some managers also must have a state-issued license. Employers may prefer to hire college graduates for positions in commercial management positions related to overseeing a property’s finances or contracts.

Insider Info

Additional Information

A high school diploma is necessary to land a job in property management, even at the entry level.

Kristy Ludwar is an on-site property administrator at a large office building. She says a course in administration is a good idea for aspiring project managers.

Much of the training comes on the job. Workers can come into this job at an entry level and move their way up.

"Since the job varies so much, you can pull out a lot of different skills from your toolkit," says Ludwar, noting administration, construction and technology.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says candidates with college degrees in business administration, real estate or related fields are likely to find the best jobs.

Joshua R. Thosath says business courses and a real estate license are helpful in this career. He's a senior property manager in Spokane, Washington. He entered the field with a high school diploma and limited college coursework. Depending on the role, accounting, marketing or maintenance technology could come in handy, he says.

Some property managers get a real estate broker's license. The license enables them to assist owners in marketing and selling properties.

Extra Requirements

Property managers are required to obtain professional credentials or licensure in some states. Requirements vary by state, but many managers working in states without requirements still obtain designations to show competence and professionalism. BOMA International, the Community Associations Institute, the Institute of Real Estate Management, the National Association of Residential Property Managers, and the Community Association Managers International Certification Board all offer various designations, certifications, and professional development courses. Most states require recertification every 2 years.

For additional information, visit these websites: