How to Become a Property Manager (2026)

By Stephanie DayakUpdated Sep 7, 2026

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As real estate values increase, so does the demand for property managers. If you're curious about how to become a property manager, understanding the role, potential property manager salary per state, and opportunities for property management jobs is essential. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to get into property management.

Key Points

Property management involves overseeing the daily operations of various real estate properties, including tasks like rent collection and maintenance.
To become a property manager, start by gaining experience or education in real estate, check whether your state requires a license, then obtain a property management certification and apply for entry-level positions to begin your career.
Certification programs for property managers typically take from a few months to about 1 to 2 years.
In the U.S., the median property manager salary is $69,990 per year, which equates to approximately $33.65 per hour.

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What Is Property Management?

Property management involves overseeing and handling the daily operations of real estate properties, such as residential, commercial, or industrial spaces. This includes tasks like collecting rent, managing maintenance and repairs, addressing tenant concerns, and ensuring the property complies with local laws.

What Is a Property Manager?

A property manager is a professional who manages real estate properties on behalf of owners. They handle various aspects of property operations, ensuring that the property is maintained and tenants' needs are addressed.

What Does a Property Manager Do?

A property manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of real estate properties to ensure they run smoothly. Their duties include:

Showing Properties: Meet with prospective tenants or owners to show available properties and discuss lease terms or ownership details.
Collecting Fees: Handle the collection of monthly rent or fees from tenants or property owners.
Inspecting Facilities: Regularly inspect buildings and grounds, including equipment, to ensure everything is in good condition.
Arranging Repairs: Coordinate repairs and maintenance, including acquiring new equipment if needed.
Paying Bills: Manage financial responsibilities such as paying bills for insurance, maintenance, payroll, and taxes.
Contracting Services: Arrange for services like landscaping, maintenance, and trash removal.
Handling Complaints: Investigate and resolve tenant complaints, disturbances, and violations.
Maintaining Records: Keep detailed records of rental activities, tenant requests, and financial transactions.
Preparing Budgets: Develop budgets and financial reports to monitor the property’s financial performance.
Ensuring Compliance: Comply with laws related to fair housing and anti-discrimination when advertising or leasing properties.

Where Do Property Managers Work?

Property managers work across a range of settings, each requiring different skills and responsibilities. Here are the primary workplaces for property managers:

Residential Complexes: Property managers handle apartment buildings, condominiums, and housing developments, ensuring tenants' needs are met and properties are well-maintained.
Commercial Buildings: They manage office spaces, retail centers, parking lots and other commercial properties, focusing on tenant relations, lease agreements, and building upkeep.
Industrial Properties: Property managers oversee warehouses, factories, and distribution centers, handling maintenance, safety compliance, and tenant services.
Community Associations: They work with homeowners' associations (HOAs) and similar organizations to manage community facilities, enforce rules, and coordinate maintenance.
Real Estate Firms and Property Management Companies: Property managers are employed by these organizations to oversee multiple properties, manage operations, and provide client services.

What Do You Need to Be a Property Manager?

To become a property manager, you need a blend of education, experience, and specific skills. The key property manager requirements include:

Education: Typically, a high school diploma or equivalent is required. Some roles may prefer or require a degree in real estate, business, or a related field.
Experience: Relevant experience in real estate or business management helps, as it provides practical knowledge and skills.
Certification: Obtaining a property management certification can enhance your credentials.
Skills: Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills are crucial for managing properties and interacting with tenants.
Knowledge: Understanding property laws and regulations is essential to ensure compliance and effective management.

Do You Need a Real Estate License to Be a Property Manager?

It depends on where you work. Property manager licensing is set state by state rather than at the federal level, and the requirements fall into four patterns.

A real estate license. California and Florida treat leasing, renting, and collecting rent for an owner as real estate brokerage, so the work needs a license from the California Department of Real Estate or, in Florida, under the state's broker statute. California has no separate property manager license and exempts resident on-site apartment managers. Florida adds a distinct community association manager license for condominium, cooperative, and homeowners association work.
A dedicated property management license. Oregon licenses property managers separately from brokers, after a 60-hour pre-license course, a state exam, and a background check. Montana and South Carolina each ask for a 30-hour course and an exam, South Dakota for a 40-hour course and a 75 percent exam score, and the District of Columbia issues its own property manager license, with licensed brokers exempt from the education and exam requirements.
A license plus a permit. Nevada is the hybrid case. A property manager holds a real estate license first, then adds a property management permit that calls for 24 hours of education and a passing exam score. Unlicensed activity there can draw a fine of up to $5,000 or the amount gained from the violation, whichever is greater.
No license at all. Maine's Real Estate Commission states plainly that rental, leasing, and property management activity is not real estate brokerage there, and Idaho's licensing division says property management and leasing are not regulated in the state. Vermont excludes leasing real estate from its statutory definition of a broker.

Because these rules vary widely and can change, confirm the current requirements with the real estate commission or licensing agency in the state where you plan to work before you accept a role or sign a management agreement.

How to Become a Property Manager

To get into property management, you can begin by gaining relevant experience or education in real estate.

To become a property manager, start by gaining relevant education or experience in real estate or business. Next, check whether your state requires a real estate license, a dedicated property management license, or a permit, and complete the coursework and exam that license calls for. Then consider obtaining a property management certification to boost your qualifications and stand out in the job market. Then, seek entry-level positions or internships to gain hands-on experience. Once you have the necessary skills and experience, apply for property management jobs to begin your career in this field.

How Much Does a Property Manager Make?

The salary of a property manager can vary based on factors such as location, experience, and property size. As of May 2025, the median annual wage for property, real estate, and community association managers in the United States was $69,990, or $33.65 per hour. Understanding the property manager salary can help you estimate potential earnings.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the following are the annual median wages for property, real estate, and community association managers in states and territories across the U.S., from the same May 2025 release.

Alabama: $58,240
Alaska: $76,800
Arizona: $63,740
Arkansas: $47,760
California: $77,030
Colorado: $100,080
Connecticut: $73,940
Delaware: $67,600
District of Columbia: $94,080
Florida: $70,810
Georgia: $75,380
Guam: $73,110
Hawaii: $70,190
Idaho: $51,370
Illinois: $74,980
Indiana: $60,600
Iowa: $57,980
Kansas: $58,510
Kentucky: $52,790
Louisiana: $49,990
Maine: $60,930
Maryland: $81,900
Massachusetts: $103,410
Michigan: $60,350
Minnesota: $64,890
Mississippi: $53,620
Missouri: $61,640
Montana: $58,050
Nebraska: $61,610
Nevada: $55,670
New Hampshire: $75,500
New Jersey: $82,850
New Mexico: $62,230
New York: $99,390
North Carolina: $61,430
North Dakota: $58,500
Ohio: $59,050
Oklahoma: $64,640
Oregon: $78,060
Pennsylvania: $65,680
Rhode Island: $80,260
South Carolina: $62,810
South Dakota: $49,490
Tennessee: $64,870
Texas: $61,320
Utah: $64,290
Vermont: $62,810
Virgin Islands: $74,850
Virginia: $79,810
Washington: $119,320
West Virginia: $54,860
Wisconsin: $77,730
Wyoming: $60,060

How to Get Property Management Certification?

To get property management certification, follow these steps to enhance your qualifications and improve your career prospects:

Research certification options: Start by researching various property management certification programs available, such as those offered by the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM), the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM), or the National Apartment Association (NAA). If you are aiming at apartment or residential community management, the NAA's Certified Apartment Manager (CAM) is the standard credential there, and it calls for at least 12 months of onsite property management experience plus 40 hours of coursework.
Meet eligibility requirements: Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements for the certification program you choose. This often includes having a certain amount of experience or education in property management.
Complete required education: Sign up for and complete any required coursework or training programs. These courses will cover essential topics and skills needed for property management. To begin your education, you can use Dreambound, which partners with various schools across the U.S. to offer property management classes near you. It’s a comprehensive platform that helps connect students with educational opportunities to advance their careers.
Pass the certification exam: Prepare for and pass the certification exam. This test will assess your knowledge and understanding of property management principles and practices.
Apply for certification: Submit your application for certification along with any required documentation and fees to the certifying organization.
Maintain certification: After obtaining certification, follow any ongoing requirements to maintain it, such as continuing education or renewal fees.

Where to Find Property Management Jobs?

Finding property management jobs can be straightforward if you know where to look. Here are some key places to search for opportunities:

Online Job Boards: There are various websites where you can find listings for property management positions across different locations.
Company Websites: Visit the career pages of real estate and property management companies to find job openings directly from employers.
Industry Associations: Check organizations like the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) or the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM) for job listings and networking opportunities.
Networking Events: Attend industry conferences, seminars, and local real estate events to connect with professionals and learn about job openings.
Recruitment Agencies: Specialized recruitment firms often have listings for property management jobs and can help match you with suitable positions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a property management certificate?

The time required to obtain a property management certificate varies based on the program, but generally, it can take from a few months to about 1 to 2 years to complete the necessary coursework, pass the exam, and receive certification. The Certified Property Manager (CPM) designation, for instance, typically takes 1 to 2 years, depending on the individual's pace and the specific program.

Can you become a property manager online?

Yes, you can complete property management coursework online and at your own pace, though states that require a license usually administer the exam in person at a testing center. For example Penn Foster's property management course can be done online in as little as 6 months.

Which course is best for property management?

The best course for property management is one recognized by industry bodies like the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) or the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM). IREM offers valuable certifications, including the ACoM for commercial management, the ARM for residential management, and the CPM for comprehensive management. These programs cover key topics such as lease administration, maintenance, and financial management, and include coursework and exams tailored to different property management areas.

What are the costs of becoming a certified property manager?

The costs of becoming a certified property manager can vary widely based on the certification program. For IREM certifications, such as the ACoM and ARM, you should budget $699 per course as a member or $909 as a non-member, plus fees for the ethics course and the exam. The CPM designation, which requires eight courses, costs the same per course, in addition to a one-time $425 fee to start the designation, ethics course fees, and exam costs. Additional expenses may include study materials, membership fees, and ongoing education to maintain your certification.

Can you work as a property manager without a license?

In some states, yes. Licensing is set state by state: California and Florida treat renting and collecting rent for someone else as real estate brokerage and require a real estate license, while Oregon, Montana, South Carolina, South Dakota, and the District of Columbia issue a separate property manager license, and Maine, Vermont, and Idaho require none. Where a license is required, expect prelicense coursework and a state exam, with course requirements that run from 30 to 60 hours in most of those states and Nevada adding a 24-hour permit course on top of a real estate license. Confirm the current rules with your state's real estate commission before accepting a role.

What's the difference between a property management license and a real estate license?

A real estate license covers brokerage broadly, including selling, buying, leasing, and renting property for other people, and in states such as California and Florida it is also what permits property management work. A dedicated property management license is narrower, authorizing rental management, rent collection, and tenant matters, but not sales. Oregon, Montana, South Carolina, South Dakota, and the District of Columbia issue that standalone license, usually after a shorter prelicense course. Nevada combines the two, pairing a real estate license with a property management permit.

What kind of property manager makes the most money?

The highest-paying property manager positions often include senior-level roles with substantial responsibilities. According to ZipRecruiter, the top-paying jobs in property management are:

Senior Site Manager: $80,500 to $150,000 per year
Director of Property Management: $74,500 to $145,500 per year
Site Engineer: $77,500 to $130,000 per year
Site Manager: $50,000 to $121,000 per year
Senior Property Manager: $71,500 to $111,500 per year
Regional Property Manager: $78,000 to $105,000 per year

These roles involve overseeing multiple properties or large-scale operations, reflecting their higher compensation due to the increased level of responsibility and expertise required.

In what state do property managers make the most money?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), property managers in Washington have the highest median annual wage at $119,320. This is followed by Massachusetts with $103,410, Colorado with $100,080, New York with $99,390, and the District of Columbia with $94,080. Salaries can vary significantly based on location, experience, and the size of the properties managed.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a property manager can lead to a fulfilling career. In this blog, we’ve covered why property manager certification is important, the different types of property manager jobs you can pursue, and how property manager salaries can vary. With the right training and certification, you’ll be prepared to apply for entry-level property management roles. Get started with Dreambound.