It pays to be a facility manager. That's one of the conclusions of a new survey of facility managers, Profiles 2007, conducted by Building Operating Management and the International Facility Management Association (IFMA).

Individuals with less than four years of FM experience reported earning a salary of $63,000, a healthy number for someone just entering the field. The November issue of Building Operating Management takes a look at that number (among others) and examines some reasons it has grown.

For long-established facility executives, there are more important questions however. "How can I improve my salary" is a natural question. Fortunately, 65-page salary survey, includes a regression analysis, in addition to dozens of salaries. A regression analysis can show the independent impact of various factors on salaries.

Experience obviously plays a major role in salary. Each year spent in FM added $779 to an individual’s salary, according to the survey. Earning professional designations can also add to salary.

For more information, the full report can be ordered from IFMA.