Community association management is a relatively new occupation but has become vital and sophisticated. It has evolved into a career path that embraces tradition, business acumen, credentialing, and a grasp of increasingly complex state, federal, and international laws. When the profession was formed – in the 1970s – most managers entered it from a wide range of other occupations. Professionals in real estate, law, construction, accounting, finance, insurance, hospitality, facilities management, and even military service have become leaders whose combined talents and abilities helped build a rich foundation for this vocation. 

There are between 60,000 and 65,000 community association managers and more than 365,000 community associations in the U.S. alone, according to the 2023 Community Association Fact Book published by the Foundation for Community Association Research. As of December 2024, data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the median annual wage for community association managers was $78,400, and employment in the industry is projected to continue to grow over the next decade. These figures do not include the growing number of management companies, managers, and support staff in other parts of the world. The momentum of developing communities will continue. As common-interest community living becomes more widespread— and the number of retiring industry leaders also grows—the need for qualified, well-trained managers will also increase.