The job market for multifamily property managers is in good shape right now—salaries are increasing and the demand is rising. This is good news for property managers who want to advance in their careers. But it also means they have to find ways to stand out to get the best opportunities.
In this article, we discuss why property managers and other multifamily property professionals have a good opportunity to boost their careers today. We also suggest tips to help you stand out and land the best job.
Why Now’s a Great Time to Grow Your Career in Property Management
According to the National Apartment Association (NAA), the salary for property managers rose by 1.8% from 2023 to 2024.¹ The Bureau of Labor Statistics also expects that jobs for property managers will keep on increasing to 3% until 2033, creating over 15,000 open positions.²
These stats confirm that multifamily property management remains one of the most stable and fast-growing career paths in real estate. And these positive industry trends are not just for the managers. Even leasing professionals and maintenance technicians are also seeing higher salaries by 2.6% and 4.6% respectively, according to the NAA report.
Rising rent demand—driven by the growing cost of homeownership—continues to fuel multifamily development across the country. In turn, multifamily development companies keep building more residential areas to cater to the demand.
In 2024, 608,000 multifamily housing units were built, which is the highest number in almost four decades³—and they need all the skilled employees they can get.
Strategies to Help You Land the Best Property Management Roles Today
Because the lucrative opportunities are numerous, you need proven ways to make sure you stand out in today’s job market and get high-paying, stable positions. Here’s how to stand out in a competitive market—and position yourself for top-tier jobs and pay:
1. Get Certified in Property Management
There are many multifamily property managers who are not certified, which is fine. But if you have a respected certification, you bring your resume to the next level.
These credentials prove your skills meet industry standards—helping you stand out from uncertified candidates. Examples of certifications you can consider getting include:
- Certified Property Manager
- Accredited Residential Manager
- Certified Apartment Manager
In many cases, a certification can be the differentiator between two strong candidates—and may give you an edge in salary negotiations.
2. Take a Class on Housing Laws
Another type of training you should get is compliance. Employers want to avoid costly compliance issues—so they often prefer candidates already trained on Fair Housing regulations.
There are programs offered by reputable institutions that help you understand housing-related laws properly. One example is the NAA’s Fair Housing Online Course. This course teaches the legal foundations of multifamily housing, helping you avoid common compliance pitfalls.
3. Get Comfortable with Property Management Software
Most top employers use tech tools to run their communities efficiently. If you’re already familiar with platforms like Yardi or AppFolio, you’re a step ahead—and easier to onboard.
4. Gain Experience in a Specific Property Type
Specializing in a niche—like student or affordable housing—makes you more valuable to employers looking for targeted experience. It gives you skills others might not have—making you harder to replace.
For example, if you specialize in housing for students, employers will value how you handle short-term leases and coordinate with university partners. That kind of niche expertise can give you a clear competitive edge.
5. Polish Your Portfolio Across All Relevant Platforms
Recruiters today don’t just depend on resumes. They also depend on other documents candidates give them, such as cover letters and portfolios, as well as relevant online sources, such as websites and LinkedIn accounts.
Make sure to cover all these bases by first creating a master document with all your achievements, from higher occupancy rates to budget savings and positive feedback from tenants. Use that master doc to update your resume, optimize your LinkedIn profile, and build a clean, well-organized digital portfolio.
6. Network With Other Professionals
Sometimes, the best job openings with very competitive packages never get posted on job boards. They often get filled through networking and referrals, which is why as you browse job posts, you should also spend time networking with other property professionals. Here are some ways you can do this:
- Join local apartment associations (state or city)
- Connect with other property managers and recruiters on LinkedIn
- Attend events by groups like the NAA or the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM)
The more people who know your name and work, the more likely you are to hear about the next big opportunity before it hits the job boards.
7. Learn How to Negotiate Your Salary Well
Many job seekers avoid negotiating because they think it will affect their application negatively. But if your resume is good and you know your value, there’s no need to worry. Accepting the first offer gives you no chance to have a higher salary. But the chances of succeeding in your negotiation are never zero. Even a little increase is worth it. To negotiate salaries effectively, here are some steps you can take:
- Research the standard salary range of the position you’re applying for.
- Know your value and be ready to talk about your achievements, experiences, and what you can bring to the table.
- Know what arrangements are negotiable and non-negotiable for you.
- Practice expressing your proposal. Keep it polite, professional, and clear.
And if you’re working with a staffing partner, they can help you handle the negotiation process professionally—so you get what you’re worth.
8. Get Help from a Staffing Firm That Specializes in Property Management
If you need help finding the best employers and applying to them, staffing firms can help increase your chances of success.
They don’t just match companies and job seekers. They are also valuable job-hunting partners because they already know what employers want and already have good relationships with them.
Working with a property management-focused staffing firm can help you skip the long job search and connect with the right employers faster. So, choose a partner who understands the industry and can help you present yourself at your best.
Need a partner who knows the multifamily industry—and can help you land the right role, faster?
The Liberty Group can help you land the most promising property management roles out there!
At The Liberty Group, we specialize in matching multifamily property managers with top employers across the country. Whether you’re looking for onsite roles, management opportunities, or direct hire placements, we’ll help you find positions that reflect your skills—and negotiate offers that reflect your value.
Ready to grow your property management career? Explore our current openings or contact your local Liberty branch to get started.
References:
- National Apartment Association. Apartment Labor Market Dynamics Report: Q4 2024, 21 Feb. 2025, https://naahq.org/news/apartment-labor-market-dynamics-report-q4-2024.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers.” Occupational Outlook Handbook, U.S. Department of Labor, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/property-real-estate-and-community-association-managers.htm. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
- National Association of Home Builders. “Multifamily Completions Climb Near a 40-Year High.” NAHB Now, 8 July 2025, https://www.nahb.org/blog/2025/07/multifamily-units-38-year-high.