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How to Become A Facilities Manager

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What is a Facilities Manager

A Facilities Manager runs the day-to-day and long-term management of buildings across all kinds of organisations. They make sure physical spaces are safe, clean, and working well for the people inside. It is a hands-on, high-impact career for anyone who loves keeping things running smoothly.

On any given day, Facilities Managers organise maintenance, deal with repairs, and work with contractors. They also manage budgets, write reports on building costs, and make sure health and safety rules are followed. Working across sectors like healthcare, education, and real estate means no two days are ever the same.

Leadership is a big part of the job too. Facilities Managers guide maintenance teams and build strong working relationships with suppliers and senior staff. Their decisions directly affect how well an organisation works and how safe its spaces are.

This career is great for people who enjoy problem-solving, variety, and making a real difference at work. With strong employment numbers and solid pay, it offers real long-term prospects. From hospitals to schools to corporate towers, Facilities Managers are needed everywhere.

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Career Outlook for Facilities Manager

Facilities management is a stable and in-demand career in Australia. Around 21,700 people work as Facilities Managers across the country (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). The median age is 49, and about 84% work full-time at roughly 42 hours per week.

Average weekly pay is around $2,213, or about $115,000 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). Future demand is rated as Moderate. Healthcare, government, education, and real estate are the biggest sectors for this role. Job security is strong, with low unemployment in this field.

The sector keeps growing as more organisations invest in their buildings and green targets. Facilities Managers who grow their skills will find plenty of room to move up. Senior Facilities Manager and Head of Property are natural next steps.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to Become a Facilities Manager

Step 1: Build early experience in building or property work

Start in a hands-on role such as maintenance technician, building supervisor, or property coordinator. These roles give you a working knowledge of building systems, contractor work, and day-to-day operations. Aim for at least 2 to 3 years in an operations role before moving into management. This practical grounding is what employers look for in a first Facilities Manager hire.

Step 2: Complete the Diploma of Facilities Management (10938NAT)

Enrol in the Diploma of Facilities Management (10938NAT) at a registered training organisation (RTO). This takes around 12 to 18 months to finish. It covers building operations, maintenance planning, contract work, and financial reporting. Confirm the current code and find a provider on training.gov.au.

Step 3: Build your WHS and building safety knowledge

Facilities Managers are legally responsible for the safety of building users. Study the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and your state’s WHS rules. Short courses in WHS or building codes help you understand your legal duties. Safe Work Australia (safeworkaustralia.gov.au) publishes free guidance for building managers.

Step 4: Join the Facility Management Association of Australia (FMA)

Apply for membership with the Facility Management Association of Australia (fma.com.au). FMA is the national peak body for this profession. Membership gives you access to training, industry events, and a strong peer network. You can also work towards the Facility Management Professional (FMP) credential. Most employers see this as a mark of professional skill.

Step 5: Move into a Facilities Manager role and keep growing

Apply for junior or Assistant Facilities Manager roles once you are qualified and experienced. Aim for at least 2 to 3 years of hands-on work before your first application. As you grow, move towards Senior Facilities Manager or Head of Facilities positions. Keep your skills fresh through FMA events, short courses, and industry publications.

What does a Facilities Manager do?

A Facilities Manager makes sure buildings work well every single day. They plan maintenance, work with contractors, and manage budgets. They also make sure all spaces meet health and safety rules. This role is about keeping things organised, getting things fixed fast, and leading the team that makes it happen.

Tasks

Facilities Managers keep buildings safe and running well for everyone inside them. They handle a wide variety of tasks every day, from small maintenance jobs to major building upgrades. Strong planning and people skills are what make them effective.

  • Plan and run facility operations – manage daily and long-term building activities.
  • Coordinate repairs and maintenance – schedule and oversee all building repair work.
  • Track operating expenses – prepare and present reports on building costs and income.
  • Lead support staff – recruit and manage maintenance and administrative teams.
  • Apply safety and compliance rules – enforce health, safety, and building regulations.
  • Manage vendor relationships – work with contractors and service providers to keep standards high.
  • Write and apply facility policies – create clear procedures to improve safety and efficiency.
  • Carry out routine inspections – check the building regularly to spot issues early.
  • Control the facility budget – manage spending to keep operations within budget.
  • Run sustainability programs – introduce energy-saving and waste-reduction initiatives.

Skills for Success

To do well as a Facilities Manager, you need a mix of practical and people skills. Strong communication helps you work with contractors, managers, and building users each day. Good planning skills let you juggle many tasks, deadlines, and budgets at once.

You also need to know WHS rules and building codes, as safety is always the top priority. Being quick to solve problems is a real asset in this role. Leadership matters too, since you will guide and motivate a team of maintenance and support staff.

Skills & Attributes

  • Organisational skills
  • Communication skills
  • Problem-solving ability
  • Knowledge of building systems and maintenance
  • Project management
  • Budget and cost management
  • Team leadership
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Attention to detail
  • WHS and safety regulation knowledge
  • Facilities management software proficiency
  • Vendor and contract negotiation
  • Adaptability
  • Customer service focus
  • Strategic planning

Average Salaries

The average yearly salary for a Facilities Manager in Australia is around $115,000 (source: Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). This is based on median weekly pay of $2,213. Pay ranges from about $95,000 for entry-level roles to $155,000 or more for senior roles (SEEK, 2026). Salaries are highest in healthcare, engineering, and government.

min $95 K

max $155 K

av $115 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.