If you are a master of organization, a problem-solver at heart, and someone who thrives on making a workplace function like a well-oiled machine, a career as a Facilities Coordinator could be your perfect fit. These professionals are the unsung heroes of any organization, ensuring the physical environment is safe, efficient, and productive. But beyond job satisfaction, what is the financial outlook?
This in-depth guide will explore the average facilities coordinator salary, breaking down the critical factors that can significantly increase your earning potential. A typical salary for this role can range from $48,000 to over $78,000 annually, with significant opportunities for advancement and higher pay based on your skills, experience, and strategic career choices.
What Does a Facilities Coordinator Do?
Before we dive into the numbers, let's clarify the role. A Facilities Coordinator is the operational backbone of an organization's physical space. They are responsible for the day-to-day management and logistics of a building or campus. Their duties are incredibly diverse and essential, often including:
- Vendor and Contractor Management: Scheduling and overseeing maintenance, janitorial, and security services.
- Maintenance and Repairs: Coordinating routine maintenance and responding to urgent repair requests to minimize downtime.
- Health and Safety Compliance: Ensuring the workplace adheres to OSHA regulations and internal safety policies.
- Space Planning: Assisting with office moves, reconfigurations, and managing seating arrangements.
- Budgeting and Invoicing: Tracking facilities-related expenses and processing payments.
- Supply and Inventory Management: Ordering office supplies, furniture, and essential equipment.
In essence, they ensure the entire facility runs smoothly so that employees can focus on their work without disruption.
Average facilities coordinator salary
When analyzing salary data, it's important to look at multiple sources to get a well-rounded picture. Nationally, the average facilities coordinator salary falls into a solid mid-range bracket, making it an accessible and rewarding career path.
- Salary.com reports that the median annual salary for a Facilities Coordinator in the United States is approximately $65,116, with a typical range falling between $56,584 and $75,173.
- Payscale data indicates a slightly lower average base salary of around $54,700 per year, with their reported range spanning from $42,000 to $71,000.
- Glassdoor estimates a total pay average of $64,480 per year, which includes base salary and potential additional compensation like cash bonuses.
It's also useful to look at the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). While the BLS doesn't have a specific category for "Facilities Coordinator," the role falls under the broader umbrella of "Administrative Services and Facilities Managers." For this category, the median annual wage was $104,970 in May 2022. It's important to note that this figure includes higher-level managers with more strategic responsibilities. A Facilities Coordinator role would typically represent an entry-to-mid-level position within this broader group, aligning with the salary ranges provided by the aggregators above.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Your salary isn't set in stone. Several key factors can dramatically influence your earning potential. Understanding these levers is the first step toward maximizing your income in this field.
### Level of Education
While a bachelor's degree isn't always a strict requirement, it is increasingly preferred and can lead to a higher starting salary. Degrees in Business Administration, Management, Engineering, or a dedicated Facilities Management program are highly valued.
Beyond a degree, professional certifications are one of the fastest ways to boost your credibility and pay. Key certifications include:
- Facility Management Professional (FMP®): An excellent credential for those starting their career, demonstrating foundational knowledge.
- Certified Facility Manager (CFM®): The gold standard in the industry, this competency-based certification signals a high level of expertise and is often held by senior coordinators and managers, commanding a higher salary.
### Years of Experience
Experience is arguably the most significant factor in determining your salary. As you gain more hands-on expertise, your value to an employer skyrockets.
- Entry-Level (0-2 years): In this stage, you're learning the ropes. Expect a salary at the lower end of the spectrum, likely between $45,000 and $55,000. Your focus is on executing tasks and understanding the fundamentals of building operations.
- Mid-Career (3-7 years): With solid experience, you'll operate more autonomously and begin to handle more complex projects. Your salary will likely align with or exceed the national average, ranging from $55,000 to $70,000.
- Senior/Lead Coordinator (8+ years): At this level, you may be managing small teams, overseeing larger projects, or developing facility strategies. Your earnings can push well into the $70,000s and beyond, often bridging the gap toward a full Facilities Manager role.
### Geographic Location
Where you work matters. Salaries for facilities coordinators vary significantly based on the cost of living and demand in a particular metropolitan area. Major urban centers with high commercial real estate density typically offer higher pay.
- High-Paying States: States like California, New York, Washington, Massachusetts, and the District of Columbia consistently offer salaries that are 15-30% above the national average to compensate for a higher cost of living.
- Average-Paying States: Many states in the Midwest and Southeast will offer salaries closer to the national median.
- Lower-Paying States: Rural areas and states with a lower cost of living will typically offer salaries on the lower end of the national range.
(Source: Salary data by location can be verified on aggregators like Salary.com and Payscale.)
### Company Type
The type of company and the industry it operates in have a direct impact on your paycheck. Companies with complex, mission-critical facilities are often willing to pay a premium for top talent.
- Industry: Tech companies, data centers, biotechnology firms, and financial institutions often pay the most due to their reliance on sophisticated and secure infrastructure.
- Company Size: Large, multinational corporations with multiple sites and extensive real estate portfolios typically have larger facilities budgets and offer higher salaries than smaller businesses.
- Public vs. Private Sector: The private sector generally offers higher base salaries. However, government or university positions (public sector) may provide superior benefits, job security, and pension plans that can offset a lower base pay.
### Area of Specialization
As you advance in your career, developing a specialization can make you a more valuable and sought-after candidate. Specialized knowledge is often tied to higher compensation.
- Healthcare Facilities: Requires knowledge of infection control, life safety codes (JCAHO, CMS), and the management of sensitive medical equipment.
- Data Centers: A highly lucrative specialization focused on managing critical power, cooling, and security systems where uptime is paramount.
- Corporate Real Estate: Focuses on space optimization, lease administration, and long-term strategic planning for a company's property portfolio.
- Industrial/Manufacturing: Involves overseeing heavy machinery, complex production lines, and stringent industrial safety protocols.
Job Outlook
The future for facilities professionals is bright. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment for Administrative Services and Facilities Managers will grow by 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
This growth is driven by several factors: the need to maintain and modernize aging buildings, a growing emphasis on energy efficiency and sustainability, and an increased focus on creating strategic workplace environments that attract and retain top talent.
Conclusion
A career as a Facilities Coordinator offers a dynamic, stable, and financially rewarding path for organized and proactive individuals. With a solid national average salary and a clear trajectory for growth, your earning potential is largely in your hands.
To maximize your salary, focus on these key takeaways:
- Invest in Education and Certifications: A relevant degree and industry credentials like the FMP® or CFM® can significantly increase your value.
- Build Your Experience: Embrace complex projects and seek greater responsibility to move from an entry-level to a senior position.
- Be Strategic About Location and Industry: Consider high-demand markets and industries with critical facility needs.
- Develop a Specialization: Cultivating expertise in a niche like healthcare or data centers can open doors to higher-paying roles.
By understanding these factors and proactively managing your career, you can build a successful and lucrative future as the essential force that keeps the workplace running.