Understanding what you should earn is the first step to making informed career decisions. Whether you're considering your first facilities management role, planning your next move, or negotiating an offer, this guide provides the definitive salary benchmarks you need.

We've analysed the latest 2024-2025 data across role levels, regions, sectors, and qualifications internally and externally to give you accurate, actionable salary intelligence. The UK facilities management sector has experiencing significant wage divergence. While generalist roles saw modest growth of 2.4% in 2024, specialist positions in engineering jumped 11% and project management roles increased nearly 20%.

Here's everything you need to know about FM salaries right now.

Reference: FM Salary Ranges by Role (2025)

Data compiled from MostonRECRUIT past roles and requirements (2025)

Salary Breakdown by Role Level

Entry Level: Facilities Assistant & Coordinator

• Facilities Assistant roles represent the entry point into FM, typically involving administrative support, basic maintenance coordination, and compliance documentation. The salary bandwidth is considerable, ranging from £21,820 to £44,702. The upper end of this range reflects specialised environments such as corporate headquarters, data centers, or high-compliance facilities where assistants require technical knowledge.

• Facilities Coordinator positions bridge entry-level and management, combining administrative duties with light operational responsibility. Expect £27,000 to £45,000 depending on asset complexity and whether you manage multiple sites.

At this level, building your qualifications through IWFM Level 3 or 4 certifications makes the biggest difference to progression speed.

Core Management: Facilities Manager

The standard Facilities Manager role shows significant variation based on whether you manage a single complex site or multiple simpler locations. Single-site FM positions start at £33,889 and can reach £74,875 at the upper threshold.

The wide range reflects the dramatic difference between managing a small office building versus overseeing a mission-critical asset like a hospital, manufacturing facility, or large corporate campus. If you hold direct P&L responsibility, budget management authority, or manage hard services (mechanical, electrical, building fabric), expect compensation at the higher end.

Senior Level: Multi-Site & Regional Management

Senior Facilities Managers managing multiple sites or holding regional portfolios command £39,620 to £101,055. This level requires strategic oversight, team leadership, and often involves significant travel across your portfolio.

Regional Facilities Manager positions average £42,900, with a range of £31,000 to £56,000. These roles typically report directly to director level and carry full operational accountability for all FM services across defined geographic territories.

At this tier, IWFM professional membership and NEBOSH qualifications become increasingly important for securing the upper salary ranges.

Executive Level: Head of Facilities & FM Director

Leadership positions offer the highest ear. These figures typically exclude performance bonuses, which at director level often add 15-20% to total compensation.

The market now values specialised technical leadership equally with traditional operational management. Head of Engineering roles reach identical maximum salaries (£124,979), reflecting urgent demand for technical expertise in asset management and systems integration.

Geographic Pay: Where Location Changes Everything

Location significantly impacts FM salaries. A Facilities Manager in London earns substantially more than the same role in a regional city, but the premium varies more than general regional guides suggest.

London and South East Premium

London maintains a consistent 22% premium above the UK national average. Hard data confirms this, with the median Facilities Manager salary in London at £68,160.

The South East commands a 10% premium. Major hubs like Brighton show median FM salaries of £63,580, approaching London levels due to proximity and high living costs.

Major Cities

Standard regional differentials don't tell the full story. While the North West and West Midlands officially show only a -1% variance from national average, actual city medians are far higher:

• Manchester: £60,500 median

• Birmingham: £59,250 median

• Edinburgh: £35,500 average

This discrepancy matters. If you're negotiating a role in Manchester, using a national average adjusted by -1% would significantly undervalue your market rate. Always benchmark against specific city data, not broad regional modifiers.

Scotland and Wales

Scotland generally benefits from a 9% uplift, though this appears concentrated in major cities rather than uniform across the nation. Wales reflects a slight -2% modifier.

Which Sectors Pay Most?

Sector choice dramatically impacts earning potential, with rigid public sector pay scales contrasting sharply against competitive corporate compensation.

Public Sector: NHS and Government

NHS Facilities Manager roles typically align with Agenda for Change Band 7, offering £41,659 to £47,672. Senior operational positions may reach Band 8a at £55,690 to £62,682.

The structural challenge is clear. The NHS Band 7 maximum of £47,672 sits only marginally above the private sector median of £45,000, and well below corporate rates reaching £74,875. For specialized technical roles, this pay gap widens further. Private sector engineering managers earn £51,255 to £113,220 [LINK: Maxwell Stephens 2024], making it difficult for public sector organizations to compete on base salary alone.

The trade-off comes through exceptional pension benefits. NHS Defined Benefit schemes hold significant actuarial value that offsets lower base pay for long-term career planning.

Corporate and Commercial Real Estate

These sectors represent peak FM compensation, routinely pushing salaries toward the 75th percentile and beyond. Managing large portfolios, mission-critical environments, or holding P&L responsibility drives pay to the upper threshold of £101,055 for senior roles.

FM Service Providers

Major providers like Mitie, ISS, and CBRE offer competitive packages. Technical maintenance roles average £33,695 to £33,853, often including company vehicles and structured progression pathways.

Education Sector

Universities and schools position themselves mid-range, with experienced Facilities Managers earning £38,000 to £65,000. The sector offers stable employment and strong career development but typically lacks the executive compensation levels of corporate environments.

Beyond Base Salary: Total Compensation Package

Understanding total compensation is critical for accurate offer evaluation, particularly at senior levels where base salary represents only part of the package.

Car Allowance and Company Vehicles

Regional and multi-site roles typically include car allowances ranging from £3,600 to £10,300 annually (£300 to £860 monthly), with amount determined by seniority and travel requirements. Many FM service providers offer company vehicles instead, particularly for technical staff.

Performance Bonuses

While the UK average bonus is £2,242 [ONS 2024], FM management bonuses are proportionally higher. Mid-level FM roles typically attract 10-15% performance bonuses tied to operational KPIs, compliance metrics, and cost savings. Director-level positions often exceed 15%.

Pension Contributions

Competitive employers offer 6-10% employer pension contributions, significantly above statutory minimums. When comparing offers, factor in the long-term value of pension matching, particularly if you're weighing public sector roles with robust Defined Benefit schemes against private sector packages.

Private Medical Insurance

PMI is standard for management-level FM roles and serves as a key retention tool. Its inclusion or absence should influence your negotiation strategy.

How Qualifications Impact Your Salary

The FM sector increasingly rewards formal credentials, with clear financial returns on professional development investment.

IWFM Certifications

IWFM qualification level directly correlates with salary. The IWFM Level 4 (Operational Management) serves as the critical benchmark for middle management entry and justifies compensation increases when progressing from coordinator to manager level.

Safety Certifications

NEBOSH qualification holders consistently earn more than those with IOSH certifications due to the depth and rigor of the course content. NEBOSH is increasingly required for strategic risk and compliance management roles, pushing pay toward higher percentiles.

Degree and RICS

Advanced qualifications like MBAs correlate with the highest sector earnings. RICS accreditation significantly enhances earning power for those involved in capital projects and property valuation.

Practical ROI: Investing £2,000-£5,000 in IWFM Level 4 and NEBOSH can justify salary increases of £3,000-£8,000, delivering payback within 12-18 months.

Career Progression Timeline and Salary Growth

FM careers follow predictable progression patterns, with distinct salary tiers based on tenure:

0-2 Years (Entry/Graduate): £30,000 - £40,000
Roles: Facilities Assistant, Trainee FM
Focus: Building technical knowledge, pursuing IWFM Level 3

3-5 Years (Experienced Coordinator/Junior FM): £40,000 - £45,000
Roles: Coordinator, Single Site FM
Focus: IWFM Level 4, first management responsibility

6-10 Years (Seasoned FM/Multi-Site Manager): £45,000 - £60,000
Roles: Experienced FM, Multi-Site Manager
Focus: NEBOSH, expanding portfolio scope

10+ Years (Senior FM/Director): £60,000 - £124,560+
Roles: Senior FM, Regional Manager, Director
Focus: Strategic leadership, P&L responsibility

How to Negotiate Your FM Salary

Salary negotiation is where market knowledge translates into tangible financial gain. Here's what you need to know.

Timing Your Salary Discussion

Never disclose your current salary or expectations in initial screening calls. Respond with: "I'm focusing on finding the right role and responsibilities. Once we've established mutual fit, I'm confident we can agree on appropriate compensation." Push salary discussion to the offer stage when you have maximum leverage.

What's Negotiable

High flexibility: Car allowance amount, bonus percentage, start date (impacts bonus eligibility), flexible working arrangements, professional development budget

Moderate flexibility: Base salary (typically 5-10% movement possible), additional holiday days, notice period

Low flexibility: Pension contribution (usually fixed by policy), PMI coverage, standard benefits

Using This Guide

When you receive an offer, benchmark it against the role level, regional, and sector data above. If the offer falls below the 50th percentile without justification, you have clear evidence to negotiate upward.

How Recruiters Add Value

Specialist FM recruiters like MostonRECRUIT negotiate with real-time market intelligence. At MostonRECRUIT, our 14 years placing FM professionals across 10,000+ roles means we know exactly what employers will pay and which elements have flexibility. We've secured 10-15% higher offers for candidates by leveraging our market knowledge and employer relationships that direct applicants lack.

Negotiation support is free for candidates. We're compensated by employers, meaning you get expert advocacy without cost.

2025 Market Trends: Skills Commanding Premium Pay

Understanding where the market is moving helps you target high-growth specialisations.

Sustainability and ESG

Sustainability manager salaries increased 23% in 2024, driven by regulatory demands and corporate ESG targets. If you build expertise in energy management, carbon reduction, or environmental compliance, you position yourself for accelerated compensation growth.

Technology and Data Analytics

Smart building integration, IoT systems, and data analytics now command substantial premiums. The 2025 FM landscape prioritises AI-optimised operations and connected technologies. Professionals who bridge operational FM with technical competence in Building Management Systems (BMS) and data interpretation earn 15-25% above peers in traditional roles.

Engineering Specialisations

Engineering roles saw 11% salary growth in 2024, far outpacing generalist FM growth of 2.4%. HVAC, electrical, and mechanical engineering specialists remain in severe shortage, giving these professionals significant negotiating power.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average facilities manager salary in the UK?
The median Facilities Manager salary in the UK is approximately £45,000, with a range of £33,900 to £74,900 depending on site complexity, sector, and location.

How much do facilities managers earn in London?
London-based Facilities Managers earn a median salary of £68,160, representing a 22% premium over the national average due to higher living costs and market demand.

Which qualifications increase FM salaries the most?
IWFM Level 4 and NEBOSH certifications provide the strongest ROI. IWFM directly correlates with management-level salary increases, while NEBOSH holders earn consistently more than IOSH-qualified peers.

Do facilities managers get bonuses?
Yes. Mid-level FM roles typically include 10-15% performance bonuses tied to operational KPIs. Director-level positions often exceed 15% of base salary.

What is the salary difference between NHS and private sector FM?
NHS Facilities Managers on Band 7 earn £41,659 to £47,672, while private sector corporate roles range from £45,000 to £74,900. The gap is offset partially by superior NHS pension schemes.

How much does an IWFM certification increase your salary?
While exact percentages vary, IWFM certification shows direct positive correlation with salary at all levels. The Level 4 qualification typically justifies £3,000-£5,000 increases when moving into management positions.

What car allowance should I expect as a Regional FM?
Regional and multi-site FM roles typically offer £3,600 to £10,300 annually, with senior positions at the higher end. Some employers provide company vehicles instead.

Can I negotiate my facilities manager salary offer?
Yes. Base salary typically has 5-10% flexibility. Car allowance, bonus percentage, start date, and professional development budgets often have greater negotiation room than fixed benefits like pension contributions.

Your Next Steps

Now that you understand FM salary benchmarks, take these actions:

1. Benchmark your current position
Compare your salary against the role level and regional data above. If you're more than 10% below median, you have clear evidence for requesting a review or exploring new opportunities.

2. Identify qualification gaps
If you lack IWFM Level 4 or NEBOSH certification and earn below the 75th percentile, calculate the ROI on professional development. Most qualifications pay for themselves within 12-18 months through salary increases.

3. Research target sectors
If you're in education or public sector and approaching career ceiling, corporate and commercial real estate sectors offer 30-50% higher compensation for equivalent experience levels.

4. Partner with specialists
MostonRECRUIT's FM recruitment team provides confidential market rate discussions, salary benchmarking for your specific situation, and negotiation support. With access to 200,000+ FM professionals in our network and 14 years of sector expertise, we know what you should be earning and how to secure it.

Ready to maximise your FM earning potential? View our current facilities management opportunities or speak with our team for confidential guidance on your next career move.

Sources: All salary data compiled from PayScale 2025, Salary.com 2025, NHS Jobs, ONS, IWFM, and MostonRECRUIT's proprietary placement data across thousands of FM roles.