Facilities Engineer vs. Facilities Manager: What Are the Differences?

Facilities engineers and facilities managers are responsible for ensuring that buildings and other structures are well-maintained and safe. These professionals typically have a background in engineering or management. In this article, we compare and contrast the job duties, education requirements and salary information for facilities engineers and facilities managers. We also provide helpful tips for those interested in pursuing a career in facilities management.

What is a Facilities Engineer?

Facilities Engineers are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of buildings and their systems. This can include HVAC, electrical, plumbing and fire safety systems. They develop and implement plans to improve the efficiency of these systems. Facilities Engineers also develop budgets for their projects and track spending. They often work with vendors to purchase the necessary materials and equipment for their projects. Facilities Engineers typically work in office buildings, but they can also work in hospitals, schools, factories or other types of buildings.

What is a Facilities Manager?

Facilities Managers are responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of buildings and grounds. They develop and implement plans to ensure that facilities are well-maintained, safe and comfortable for employees, customers and other visitors. Facilities Managers also develop budgets and track spending for their department. In some cases, Facilities Managers may also be responsible for managing a team of maintenance workers or other staff. They often work closely with other departments, such as human resources, to ensure that facilities are up to code and that all safety regulations are being followed.

Facilities Engineer vs. Facilities Manager

Here are the main differences between a facilities engineer and a facilities manager.

Job Duties

Facilities engineers are more involved in the design, construction and maintenance of buildings. They develop plans for new facilities or renovations to existing ones and oversee these projects from start to finish. Facilities managers handle day-to-day operations once a building is complete. Their duties may include things like hiring and supervising facility staff, scheduling regular building maintenance and responding to customer service requests.

The daily job duties of both roles may vary depending on the needs of their employer and the requirements of the building they’re managing. For example, if there’s an unexpected power outage at a building, the facilities manager may work with IT and electrical engineers to resolve the issue. Similarly, the facilities engineer may troubleshoot mechanical issues with HVAC systems.

Job Requirements

Facilities engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in engineering, although some employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree. Facilities managers usually only need a bachelor’s degree, but they may benefit from pursuing a master’s degree or certification in facilities management. Additionally, both positions may require experience working in the field before being promoted to a manager role.

Work Environment

Facilities engineers work in a variety of environments, including manufacturing facilities, hospitals and schools. They may travel to different locations for projects or repairs. Facilities managers typically work in office settings, but they may also visit construction sites and other areas where their employees are working.

The work environment for both positions can be fast-paced and stressful. Both professionals often work long hours and weekends to ensure that the buildings they oversee remain functional.

Skills

There are several similarities in the skills used by facilities engineers and facilities managers. Both roles require excellent problem-solving skills to identify issues with buildings or systems and develop solutions. They also both need strong project management skills to oversee repairs, renovations or new construction projects. Communication skills are important for both positions, as they often need to interact with other departments, contractors and vendors.

However, there are some differences in the skills needed for these two positions. Facilities engineers typically need more technical skills, such as knowledge of HVAC systems, electrical systems and plumbing. They may also benefit from having CAD (computer-aided design) skills to create plans for repairs or renovations. Facilities managers do not necessarily need as many technical skills, but they should have a good understanding of building codes and regulations. They also need budgeting and financial skills to manage department budgets and track spending.

Salary

Facilities engineers earn an average salary of $85,307 per year, while facilities managers earn an average salary of $76,074 per year. Both of these salaries may vary depending on the size of the company at which you work, location of your job and the level of experience you have prior to pursuing either position.