How to Become an Administrative Services and Facilities Manager: Education, Salary, and Job Outlook for 2026

Becoming an administrative services and facilities manager involves meeting specific education and credential benchmarks to ensure career advancement. While requirements vary by industry and employer, foundational education and certifications are key to success.

Here are important credentials and qualifications often sought in facilities manager certification requirements and administrative services manager credentials and qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree: Most employers prefer candidates with degrees in business administration, facilities management, engineering, or related fields. Some institutions offer specialized facility management programs. For instance, De Anza College pioneered California's first state-approved Facility Management Associate Degree in 2017.
• Certified Facility Manager (CFM): This credential from the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) is considered the industry gold standard. It requires a bachelor's degree plus three years of experience or an associate degree plus five years of experience.
• Facility Management Professional (FMP): A suitable certification for those with less experience, offering a broad foundational understanding of the field.
• LEED Green Associate and Certified Sustainable Facility Professional (SFP): These certifications focus on sustainable building expertise and advanced environmental practices, increasingly important in modern facilities management.
• Records and Information Management Certifications: For administrative services roles, credentials from specialized organizations in information management add value.
• Master of Business Administration (MBA): Many advance toward senior leadership by pursuing an MBA, emphasizing business strategy and management skills.

Industry-specific preferences may apply; healthcare facilities often favor healthcare-related experience, while manufacturing values engineering backgrounds. Continuously updating skills in technology, sustainability, and data analytics is essential as the field evolves.

Students considering degrees should research programs carefully-options like the best accelerated bachelor's degree online can offer flexible pathways to fulfill education requirements efficiently and effectively.

Success as an administrative services and facilities manager depends heavily on a strong skill set that combines technical knowledge, leadership, and regulatory awareness. Mastering these skills is crucial for efficient facility operations, safety compliance, and team coordination.

Developing expertise in these areas prepares professionals to handle diverse challenges and advance their careers.

• Technical and Operational Knowledge: Manage and supervise essential building systems like HVAC, electrical, and plumbing, ensuring proper maintenance and inspections.
• Regulatory Compliance: Keep updated with local, state, and federal safety and environmental regulations and enforce them rigorously.
• Project Management: Oversee construction and renovation projects, making sure they meet deadlines and budgets.
• Budgeting and Cost Control: Create budgets, monitor expenses, and identify savings while maintaining facility quality.
• Technology Proficiency: Utilize facility management software, building automation tools, and CAD systems for effective space and asset management.
• Risk Assessment and Emergency Planning: Detect potential hazards, develop safety protocols, and prepare plans for emergencies.
• Vendor Management: Choose, negotiate with, and supervise contractors and service providers for optimal performance.
• Leadership and Communication: Inspire teams, delegate responsibilities, and encourage collaboration across departments.
• Analytical Thinking: Analyze data and processes to optimize efficiency and resolve operational issues.
• Sustainability: Implement energy-saving practices and sustainable solutions to minimize environmental impact.

Building a career in administrative services and facilities management involves gaining practical experience and progressively taking on more responsibility. Early roles focus on developing core skills, while advanced positions demand management expertise and strategic oversight.

Professional certifications and specializations can enhance opportunities for advancement.

• Start in entry-level positions such as facilities coordinator, maintenance technician, or administrative assistant to learn the basics of building operations and support services.
• After several years and often a bachelor's degree in business, engineering, or facilities management, move into roles like assistant facilities manager or facilities manager, where you oversee daily operations, budget management, staff supervision, and maintenance coordination.
• With five to ten years of experience and additional qualifications, advance to senior facilities manager or regional facilities manager, managing larger teams or multiple locations and focusing on compliance and strategic planning.
• Progress into executive roles such as director or vice president of facilities management, leading organizational strategy and long-term budgeting at regional, national, or global levels.
• Consider specializing in areas like energy efficiency, sustainability, space planning, or health and safety to increase career versatility and leadership potential.
• Lateral career moves can include property management, project management, or consulting, with some managers launching their own firms after gaining industry experience.
• Obtain certifications like Certified Facilities Manager (CFM) or health and safety credentials (NEBOSH, IOSH) to accelerate career growth and access senior or specialized roles.

Administrative services and facilities managers play a critical role in ensuring organizations operate efficiently. Their responsibilities span from managing administrative functions to overseeing facility maintenance and operations.

Understanding the average administrative services manager salary in the United States is essential for those considering this career path.

According to recent data, the median annual wage for administrative services managers is $108,390, while facilities managers earn a median of $104,690 as of May 2024. Entry-level professionals typically start around $53,690, but experienced managers with strong supervisory backgrounds can surpass $100,000 per year, especially in high-cost states like California.

The facilities manager salary by experience level reflects this trend, demonstrating significant growth with increased tenure and expertise.

Education is an important factor in career advancement here. Most roles require a bachelor's degree, but pursuing advanced degrees or certifications can lead to senior positions and greater pay. For professionals seeking to enhance their qualifications, exploring degree programs for older adults online offers flexible options that fit diverse schedules and career stages.

Other key influences on income include specialization, such as in healthcare or technology facilities management, and geographic location. Metropolitan areas and states with higher living costs tend to pay more, reflecting regional market demands and costs of living.

Securing internships is a crucial step for those pursuing a career as administrative services and facilities managers. Internships offer real-world exposure that sharpens key skills and enhances employability.

Below are some of the most common facilities management internships in the United States and administrative services internship opportunities for students.

• Facilities management intern positions at large corporations: These internships immerse students in building operations, maintenance scheduling, vendor management, and compliance with safety standards, building strong organizational and project management abilities highly valued in the field.
• Office of Administration at the White House: Internship programs here focus on process improvement, policy development, and business operations, helping participants develop communication, strategic planning, and time management skills within public sector operations.
• Healthcare administration internships: Offered by healthcare providers, these roles involve assisting with facility logistics, document management, and compliance activities, equipping students with important knowledge of healthcare regulations and operational efficiency.
• Industry-specific internships in educational institutions and manufacturing companies: These positions support capital projects, space planning, and familiarize interns with facility regulations unique to each sector, allowing students to gain versatile skills and expand professional networks.

For those researching affordable educational pathways, understanding how much is an associate degree can provide valuable insight into potential training costs related to facilities management internships in the United States and related administrative services internship opportunities for students.

Progressing as an administrative services and facilities manager requires more than just work experience; it demands a strategic mix of education, skill-building, and professional networking. Success in this field aligns with staying updated on emerging technologies and specializing in areas that add significant value to organizations.

• Advanced education and certifications: A bachelor's degree is essential, but pursuing a master's degree like an MBA or certifications such as Certified Facility Manager (CFM) enhances your qualifications and marketability. Knowledge in areas like energy management and smart building technologies significantly increases earning potential.
• Targeted specialization: Focusing on sustainability, compliance, energy efficiency, or tech integration can improve job security and compensation. Leading key projects like facility upgrades or system implementations showcases leadership and drives career growth.
• Professional networking and mentorship: Joining industry groups such as the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) opens doors to mentorship, insider job opportunities, and collaborative initiatives that boost your professional profile.
• Hands-on project involvement: Volunteering for technology-focused or cross-departmental projects broadens your skill set and demonstrates adaptability, essential for advancing in dynamic work environments.

Continually updating your skills with current trends-especially in smart building systems, IoT, and predictive analytics-can increase salary prospects by up to 40%. The field is growing steadily, with ongoing demand driven by workforce turnover and the need for specialized expertise.

Administrative services and facilities managers play a vital role in creating efficient, safe, and well-managed workplaces across various industries. Their responsibilities span building operations, staff coordination, compliance, and sustainability efforts.

Understanding where these roles are most in demand can help professionals target industries with strong growth and opportunities.

Below are key sectors employing administrative services and facilities managers, especially in major US cities:

• Corporate sector: Managing office complexes for major companies like Google, JPMorgan Chase, or Ford, focusing on building operations, space allocation, and sustainability initiatives to support large employee bases.
• Government agencies: Federal, state, and local agencies such as the U.S. General Services Administration and Department of Veterans Affairs employ managers to oversee public facilities including courthouses and military installations.
• Healthcare systems: Large hospital groups like Mayo Clinic, Kaiser Permanente, and Cleveland Clinic rely on facilities managers to ensure safety, compliance, and operational efficiency in healthcare settings.
• Educational institutions: From public school districts to universities like Harvard University and the University of California system, facilities managers handle campus operations, maintenance, and security, contributing to effective learning environments.
• Nonprofit organizations and cultural institutions: Museums, foundations, and institutions such as the Smithsonian Institution hire managers to coordinate building maintenance and event logistics.
• Technology-driven workplaces: Companies adopting hybrid work models and smart building technologies increasingly demand facilities managers to optimize employee experience and sustainability.

If you're exploring facilities manager jobs in major US cities or want to learn about industries hiring administrative services managers in 2025, consider researching educational pathways. This list of top online colleges can help you find flexible programs to gain the necessary qualifications and advance your career.

The field of administrative services and facilities management is facing a rapidly shifting landscape. Prospective professionals must be ready to address a range of challenges that affect workforce availability, technology, security, budgets, and compliance.

• Workforce shortage: By 2025, the industry expects a 53% gap in qualified facility management experts due to retiring employees and fewer skilled entrants, creating tough competition and heavier workloads for current managers.
• Technology adoption: Effective management increasingly depends on understanding IoT devices, smart building systems, and predictive maintenance tools, yet resistance to change and limited training opportunities can hinder skill development.
• Cybersecurity risks: As buildings integrate more connected technologies, managers must be knowledgeable in data security practices and work closely with IT teams to protect automation systems from cyberattacks.
• Budget constraints: Rising operational expenses, such as a 15% increase in commercial electricity costs, force managers to optimize energy efficiency while maintaining safety and comfort, often requiring significant initial investment.
• Regulatory complexities: Ongoing updates in sustainability standards and safety regulations demand continuous compliance monitoring and collaboration with regulatory agencies to manage costs and requirements.

To succeed, future managers should focus on lifelong learning, mastering both traditional and innovative facility practices, and honing problem-solving skills that adapt to evolving industry demands.

Success as an administrative services and facilities manager requires a solid blend of technical knowledge and leadership skills. Mastery of facility operations, safety regulations, and asset upkeep forms the foundation of effective management. Continuous development and strategic collaboration also play vital roles.

• Acquire certifications like IOSH, NEBOSH, or IWFM to validate your expertise in health, safety, and facilities management standards.
• Enhance communication by acting as a liaison between departments and fostering your team's growth through training and documentation of key workflows.
• Optimize operations by centralizing maintenance requests, automating job orders, and routinely updating procedures to boost efficiency.
• Engage in ongoing education to stay informed about emerging technologies and best practices within the industry.
• Build professional networks via industry associations for mentorship opportunities and market insights.
• Develop strong analytical and financial skills to collaborate effectively with finance teams on budgeting and strategic planning.
• Align facilities management goals with your organization's mission by partnering with executive leaders and leveraging data-driven decision-making.

Determining if this career is right for you involves assessing your interests and abilities against the demands of the role. Administrative services and facilities management requires a mix of organizational skills, communication, and problem-solving in dynamic environments.

Here are key points to consider when evaluating if the skills needed to be an administrative services and facilities manager align with your strengths and preferences.

• Organizational and Communication Skills: The job demands strong coordination between executives, staff, and contractors, managing everything from building maintenance to emergency preparedness.
• Adaptability to Work Environments: You must be comfortable with varied work settings, including office duties, on-site inspections, and occasional urgent issues outside regular hours.
• Leadership and Problem-Solving: Enjoyment of leadership roles, multitasking, and system improvements are good indicators of fit, as is motivation by managing budgets and troubleshooting.
• Tolerance for Responsibility: This role requires owning the safety and smooth operation of facilities; discomfort with responsibility or multitasking could make the job stressful.
• Career Stability and Growth: Facilities management offers strong job security and values continual learning to stay current on technology, regulations, and sustainability practices.

Assessing if administrative services manager is a good career in 2025 also means recognizing the importance of lifelong learning and curiosity. Professionals who develop both technical and interpersonal skills tend to thrive.

For potential candidates exploring career options, reviewing resources on high paying jobs trade school might provide valuable insights into earning potential and training pathways.

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• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024). Administrative services and facilities managers: Occupational outlook handbook. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/administrative-services-managers.htm