Most of us aren't aware of what it takes to keep a building running smoothly and efficiently, but this is the work of a facilities manager. If facilities management interests you, a facilities management associate degree could be the ticket to propel you into the field.
Online Facilities Management Education
Many facilities managers have risen through the ranks of their organizations. By pursuing an education online, you can have the flexibility of combining on-the-job experience with distance learning. An associate degree can help you gain the credentials you typically need to manage a building, whether for a large business, institution or property management company.
Consider taking a course online in the following topics to supplement your existing skills:
- Construction and project management
- Strategic planning
- Operations and maintenance
Facilities Management: A Growing Field
Business leaders are increasingly aware of the importance of efficiently run buildings. That's why the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts strong demand for facilities managers in the coming years.
Potential careers with facilities management education:
Administrative Services Managers:
- Number of jobs, 2014: 287,300
- Job growth (2014-2024): 8% (as fast as average)
- Median salary for administrative services managers in May 2015: $86,110
- Top 10% earners in May 2015: More than $153,570
- Top-paying industries in May 2015: Securities and Commodity Contracts Intermediation and Brokerage, Other Financial Investment Activities, Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing
- Top-paying states in May 2015: New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island
Construction Managers:
- Number of jobs, 2014: 373,200
- Job growth (2014-2024): 5% (as fast as average)
- Median salary for construction managers in May 2015: $87,400
- Top 10% earners in May 2015: More than $155,200
- Top-paying industries in May 2015: Computer Systems Design and Related Services, Insurance Carriers, Scientific Research and Development Services
- Top-paying states in May 2015: New Jersey, Rhode Island, Alaska, District of Columbia, New York
Other possible careers:
- Cost Estimators
- Property Manager
- Purchasing Agent
Source(s):
- Administrative Service Managers, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-2017 Edition, Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/administrative-services-managers.htm
- Administrative Service Managers, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2015, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes113011.htm
- Construction Managers, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2015, Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes119021.htm
- Construction Managers, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-2017 Edition, Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/construction-managers.htm