How to Become a Columbus Property Manager… and Earn $107,661! [2023]

Here in Ohio, the number of certified property management professionals is increasing – and with good reason. For instance, the median annual salary for a Columbus property manager is $107,661, according to Salary.com as of October 2023. And that amount does not include bonuses, commission, benefits, or other factors that impact base pay. Now, also consider excellent market access, the standard of living, and a valuable tax climate; you can easily see why individuals seek out Columbus, Ohio to start their property management career. Find out the full salary ranges as well as licensing and certification options to become a licensed property manager in Columbus, Ohio. We also explore multiple paths for professional property managers, including residential and commercial property management. This information may help you decide the path you want to take!

How Much Does a Property Manager Make in Columbus, OH?

As mentioned above, certified property managers in Columbus, OH have a median annual salary of $107,661 as of October 2023. However, the salary typically ranges between $90,204 and $122,566. These figures depend on many important factors, such as education, certifications, additional skill sets, and the amount of experience in your profession.

 

Recommendations for a Columbus Property Manager Starting Out

Are you looking to begin a career as a Columbus, Ohio property manager? Consider this your guide to standing out from the crowd. An Ohio real estate license is required to work in many areas of real estate, including commercial property management services. However, professional property managers can continue their education and receive additional certifications and designations. Continuing education has many benefits; in addition to receiving a certificate, adding a designation to your name, expanding your knowledge, advancing your career, and earning more salary, licensed property managers with advanced training stand out from those who have only completed the minimum requirements. Below are our recommendations for the top certifications, licenses, and schools to become certified property managers in Columbus, Ohio (and throughout Ohio).

1.) Government-Issued Real Estate License & REALTOR® License:

Many states, including Ohio, require that professional property managers have a real estate broker’s license; the only exception to this law is a property owner. Key duties of licensed property managers are typically leasing, renting, negotiating, and managing property listings — or assisting in these duties; these are all considered real estate activities under existing Ohio real estate licensing laws. Besides, as a Columbus property manager, the more you can do, the more you will succeed. Why depend on a real estate broker when you can handle that job?

Ohio REALTORS partnered with Ohio Association of Community Colleges (OACC) to provide an affordable and accessible way to take on-site and online pre-licensing courses. Visit ohiorealtors.org or ohiocommunitycolleges.org to inquire.

2.) Residential Management Professional (RMP®):

This NARPM® certification is highly recognized among Columbus property managers. To achieve this certification, you must meet certain requirements, including:

• Real estate license
• Two years (minimum) of experience
• Experience managing at least 25 rental units

3.) Certified Property Manager (CPM):

This designation is awarded by the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) and recognized by the National Association of Realtors (NAR). To achieve a Certified Property Manager designation, you must take seven courses (although there are a few fast-track options). The general subject matter of these seven courses is as follows:

• Budgeting, cash flow, and reporting for investment real estate
• Marketing and leasing strategies (either for retail properties, multifamily properties, or office buildings)
• Leading a property management team
• Managing maintenance operations
• Financing and loan analysis for investment real estate
• Performance and valuation of investment real estate
• Asset analysis of investment real estate

You must also create a sample property management plan and have several years of experience before becoming a Certified Property Manager. Becoming a certified commercial property manager requires a lot of time and dedication. However, this designation will undoubtedly set you apart from your peers.

4.) Certified Professional Property Specialist (CPPS):

This certification is ideal for those new to the property management industry and seeking entry as a Columbus property manager. However, this designation differs slightly from the other professional property manager certifications. Professionals responsible for managing equipment, materials, and other moveable or durable assets will benefit from a CPPS. If you seek a career as a Columbus, OH property manager for a residential or commercial building, you will quickly gain confidence from your future employer with this designation; they will feel assured that you can manage their equipment, materials, and other assets with the utmost professionalism. You may also become eligible for other certifications once you obtain this certification from the National Property Management Association (NPMA). For many, this is a necessary first step. To qualify:

• Document your work experience.
• Take both the CPPS Module 1 exam and the CPPS Module 2 exam.
• Upon passing both exams, you will receive an email from NPMA that includes your CPPS certificate.

5.) Choosing the Right College:

Whether you seek a Property Management Certification, an associate’s degree in Property Management, a bachelor’s degree in Property Management, or a Masters’s degree in Property Management, where you go to school is an important decision – and investment. After all, a successful career as a licensed property manager starts with your education.

• Determine the cost of the school.
• Learn the school’s acceptance rate.
• Evaluate property management schools based on course value.
• Measure the overall performance of the school
• Research the course requirements.
• Read up on the school’s return policies.
• You may also want to look at student life (safety, diversity, athletics), especially if you will live on campus.
• Look at reviews from certified property managers who attended the school; try to find feedback on how easy the school and courses were to navigate.

 

Real Estate or Property Management Colleges & Universities in Ohio

If you want to become a Columbus property manager, you’re in the right place! There are 52 colleges and universities in the Greater Columbus, Ohio region, one of the country’s largest concentrations of higher education. These schools have more than 134,000 students enrolled and 22,000 graduates annually. And there are 97 colleges and universities in Ohio. Of these schools, approximately 29 are accredited schools in Ohio that offer property management programs. You can choose from a real estate school, a property management school, and online schools offering real estate or property management programs. We recommend you choose a school with a program that will set you apart from others who want to venture into Columbus real estate property management services.

Best Real Estate Schools in Ohio

Below are some of the best real estate schools in Ohio, based on overall ratings.

• Marion Technical College
• Edison State Community College
• Terra State Community College

Best Property Management Schools in Ohio

Below are some of the best property management schools in Ohio for an undergraduate Property Management degree, based on overall ratings.

• Columbus State Community College
• Cuyahoga Community College District
• Remington College
• Apollo Career Center
• Mid-EastCTC-Adult Education
• Trumbull Career & Technical Center
• Auburn Career Center
• ETI Technical College
• Penta County Joint Vocational School

Best Online Real Estate Schools in Ohio

If you’re considering online real estate schools, there are many options. Below are some of the best online real estate schools in Ohio, based on overall ratings. These particular schools offer a mix of in-person and online learning formats for people seeking their real estate license and licensed real estate agents wanting to further their education. They provide various real estate license courses (pre-licensing and post-licensing), exam preparation, and continuing education real estate courses.

• Hondros
• The CE Shop
• Kaplan
• Tuxedo Training Real Estate School

 

What is a Career Path for a Certified Property Manager?

When it comes to property management, Columbus, Ohio has a lot of career opportunities. Once you’ve become a Certified Property Manager, you can choose many paths, including residential or commercial property management. Below are some ideas for the career path of a professional property manager.

Senior Property Manager

A Senior Property Manager oversees the day-to-day operations of one or more residential or commercial properties. Their primary responsibilities typically include coordinating maintenance (including routine and emergency matters), hiring and managing contractors, taking charge of property improvement projects, and resolving escalated operations issues. In addition, Senior Property Managers oversee budgets, leasing administration, and tenant service requests. They also may assist with selling and buying properties. A bachelor’s degree and at least 3 years of managerial experience are required to qualify for a Senior Property Management position. How much does a Senior Property Manager in Columbus, OH make? Salary.com says the average salary is $142,976, as of October 2023.

Commercial Property Manager III

A Commercial Property Manager III oversees the day-to-day operations of one or more larger commercial properties. Their core tasks typically include overseeing sales and leasing activities, tenant management, maintenance, and escalated operational matters. In addition, a Commercial Property Manager III may supervise subordinate property managers and manage budgets for the property, collections, and initiatives for property improvement. At least three years of managerial experience is typically required to qualify for a Commercial Property Manager III position. How much does a Commercial Property Manager III in Columbus, OH make? Salary.com says the average salary is $121,328, as of October 2023.

Area Commercial Property Manager

From the path of a Commercial Property Manager III, you can become an Area Commercial Property Manager. An Area Commercial Property Manager is in charge of the commercial property management activities in a specific region. Their core tasks typically include maximizing sales and profitability, ensuring satisfactory tenant relations, developing and implementing effective operational policies and procedures, and training and managing property managers. At least five years of managerial experience, including a deep knowledge of overall departmental function is typically required to qualify for a Commercial Property Manager III position. How much does a Regional Property Operations Manager in Columbus, OH make? Salary.com says the average salary is $168,736, as of October 2023.

Residential Property Manager III

Or you can go in a different direction and choose the path of a Residential Property Manager III. A Residential Property Manager III oversees the day-to-day operations of one or more large residential properties or communities. Their core tasks typically include overseeing sales and leasing activities, tenant management, and maintenance. At least three years of managerial experience is typically required to qualify for a Residential Property Manager III position. How much does a Residential Property Manager III in Columbus, OH make? Salary.com says the average salary is $96,932, as of October 2023.

Area Residential Property Manager

From the path of a Residential Property Manager III, you can become an Area Residential Property Manager. An Area Residential Property Manager oversees the residential property management activities in a specific region. Their core tasks typically include maximizing sales and profitability, ensuring satisfactory tenant relations, developing and implementing effective operational policies and procedures, and training and managing property managers. At least five years of managerial experience, including a deep knowledge of overall departmental function, is typically required to qualify for an Area Residential Property Manager position. How much does an Area Residential Property Manager in Columbus, OH make? Salary.com says the average salary is $126,986, as of October 2023.

Regional Property Operations Manager

A Regional Property Operations Manager oversees all day-to-day operations for multiple properties within a specific area. A Regional Property Operations Manager is responsible for the overall performance of each property within their area. Their core tasks typically include budget analysis, policy compliance, overseeing facility operations and maintenance, and resolving escalated tenant concerns. Regional Property Managers frequently conduct on-site visits to assess the operations at each property, assess tenant experiences, perform market research and analyses, help meet marketing objectives, and determine ways to increase property values. How much does a Regional Property Operations Manager in Columbus, OH make? Salary.com says the average salary is $215,209, as of May 2023.

As with most metro areas, certified property managers in Columbus, Ohio are plentiful, but there are always new opportunities once you have your certification.

 

The Difference 85 Years of Columbus Property Management Experience Makes

At The Robert Weiler Company, our commercial real estate property management team has led the Columbus, OH commercial real estate industry since 1938. Our commercial property managers are licensed and certified and have extensive experience managing commercial real estate in Columbus, Ohio and throughout Central Ohio. If you need help managing your commercial property, call us at 614-221-4286. Discover how a Columbus property manager at The Robert Weiler Company can help you today.