Best Paying Jobs in Building Operators: Top 10 High-Paying Roles in Building Maintenance and Management

Building operators play a crucial role in maintaining the functionality and efficiency of commercial and industrial buildings. They are responsible for ensuring the proper functioning of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, as well as maintaining the safety and security of the building. Building operators perform a wide range of tasks, including monitoring systems, conducting preventative maintenance, and responding to emergencies. In this article, we will discuss the best paying jobs in building operators and explore the skills and qualifications needed to succeed in these roles.

best paying jobs in building operators

Building operations encompass a wide range of jobs that involve managing and maintaining buildings, including mechanical and electrical systems, security, and environmental controls.

These jobs require a high level of technical expertise and knowledge, and as a result, they are often high-paying. Some of the best-paying jobs in building operators include Chief Building Engineer, Operations Manager, Energy Manager, HVAC Technician, Electrician, Facilities Manager, Building Automation Systems Specialist, Building Information Modeling Specialist, Sustainability Manager, and Fire Protection Engineer.

Each of these roles requires specific skills and experience, ranging from technical expertise in mechanical systems to project management and sustainability management. These professionals play a critical role in ensuring the safe, efficient, and cost-effective operation of buildings across a wide range of industries, making them highly sought after and well-compensated.

1. Chief Building Engineer

The chief building engineer is responsible for overseeing the entire building operations team and ensuring that the building’s systems are operating efficiently. They manage maintenance schedules, oversee repairs and upgrades, and ensure that all safety protocols are being followed. The chief building engineer is also responsible for managing the budget for the building’s operations department.

To become a chief building engineer, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, or a related field. Additionally, you need extensive experience in building operations and management. Chief building engineers can earn an average salary of $93,000 per year, according to data from Payscale.

2. Operations Manager

An operations manager in building operations is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of a building. They oversee building maintenance, security, and safety protocols and ensure that all systems are functioning properly. Operations managers also manage the team of building operators and technicians.

To become an operations manager in building operations, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, or a related field. Additionally, you need several years of experience in building operations and management. Operations managers can earn an average salary of $78,000 per year, according to data from Payscale.

3. Energy Manager

An energy manager in building operations is responsible for managing the energy usage of a building. They oversee the energy management systems, conduct energy audits, and develop energy efficiency strategies. Energy managers work closely with the building operators and technicians to implement energy-saving measures.

To become an energy manager in building operations, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field. Additionally, you need several years of experience in energy management and building operations. Energy managers can earn an average salary of $72,000 per year, according to data from Payscale.

4. HVAC Technician

HVAC technicians are responsible for maintaining and repairing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in buildings. They troubleshoot problems with HVAC systems, install new systems, and conduct preventative maintenance.

To become an HVAC technician, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and an HVAC certification. Additionally, you need several years of experience in HVAC installation and maintenance. HVAC technicians can earn an average salary of $53,000 per year, according to data from Payscale.

5. Electrician

Electricians in building operations are responsible for maintaining and repairing the electrical systems in buildings. They troubleshoot electrical problems, install new electrical systems, and conduct preventative maintenance.

To become an electrician, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and an electrician certification. Additionally, you need several years of experience in electrical installation and maintenance. Electricians can earn an average salary of $54,000 per year, according to data from Payscale.

6. Facilities Manager

Facilities managers are responsible for managing the maintenance, security, and operations of a building. They oversee building maintenance schedules, coordinate repairs and upgrades, and manage the budget for the building’s facilities department. Facilities managers typically have a degree in facilities management, engineering, or business management, and several years of experience in building operations. They can earn an average salary of $75,000 per year, according to data from Payscale.

7. Building Automation Systems (BAS) Specialist

BAS specialists are responsible for designing, installing, and maintaining building automation systems. These systems control the mechanical and electrical systems in a building, such as heating, cooling, lighting, and security. BAS specialists typically have a degree in electrical engineering or a related field, as well as experience in building automation systems. They can earn an average salary of $72,000 per year, according to data from Payscale.

8. Building Information Modeling (BIM) Specialist

BIM specialists are responsible for using computer software to design and manage building information models. These models contain detailed information about the building’s systems and can be used to simulate and optimize building operations. BIM specialists typically have a degree in architecture or engineering, as well as experience in building information modeling software. They can earn an average salary of $74,000 per year, according to data from Payscale.

9. Sustainability Manager

Sustainability managers are responsible for developing and implementing sustainability initiatives for a building. They develop and manage programs to reduce energy consumption, water usage, and waste generation, and ensure that the building is meeting environmental regulations. Sustainability managers typically have a degree in sustainability, environmental science, or a related field, as well as experience in sustainability management. They can earn an average salary of $75,000 per year, according to data from Payscale.

10. Fire Protection Engineer

Fire protection engineers are responsible for designing and implementing fire protection systems in buildings. They evaluate building designs, create fire safety plans, and oversee the installation and maintenance of fire protection systems. Fire protection engineers typically have a degree in fire protection engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field, as well as experience in fire protection engineering. They can earn an average salary of $83,000 per year, according to data from Payscale.

Conclusion

Building operators play a vital role in maintaining the functionality and efficiency of commercial and industrial buildings. The best paying jobs in building operations require a combination of education, experience, and specialized skills. If you are interested in pursuing a career in building operations, consider pursuing a degree in engineering, construction management, or a related field, as well as gaining experience in building operations and management. With the right combination of education and experience, you can pursue a lucrative career in building operations and make a significant impact on the functionality and efficiency of commercial and industrial buildings.