Vacation Rental Manager Salary

By LeadLake Team   /   Job Category   /   2026
Back to Vacation Rental Manager Job Description

Determining Salary Factor

The average annual salary for a Vacation Rental Manager in the United States is $42,570. However, this figure can vary based on factors such as education level, years of experience, and the size and location of the company.

In addition to their base salary, Vacation Rental Managers may also receive extra compensation in the form of commissions and bonuses.

The median annual salary for this role is $52,500, with the top 10% earning up to $80,500 annually. On an hourly basis, the average pay for a Rental Manager at Vacation rentals is approximately $25.24, with an average hourly rate of $12.26, which is 31% below the national average.

What factors affect the vacancy rate in a rental property?

There are several factors that may influence the vacancy rate of your rental properties. These include the current state of the economy, local demand for rental properties, your property management style, and the rent price you set.

Salary Growth

One way to increase your salary as a vacation rental manager is through smartly increasing the rent. Consider evaluating the current market rates and making adjustments accordingly.

Another strategy is to add more rentals to your property management portfolio. Expanding the number of properties you manage can create more income potential.

Leveraging technology can also help boost your salary. Utilize platforms and software that streamline your operations and attract more guests.

Offering additional services to your guests can be another way to grow your salary. Consider providing options such as concierge services, housekeeping, or transportation.

Lastly, managing both short-term and long-term rental properties can help diversify your income streams and increase your salary as a vacation rental manager.

How resilient is the vacation rental industry?

The vacation rental industry has demonstrated remarkable resilience, continuing to thrive despite challenging circumstances. As a prominent leader in the industry, the team at iGMS stays informed about the latest developments to ensure they remain at the forefront.

In their report and statistics for 2021, iGMS explores the current trends in the vacation rental industry. By staying up to date with these trends, they are able to provide valuable insights and guidance to their clients.

By understanding these trends, property owners and managers can make informed decisions to optimize their rental businesses.

How can stayfi help a vacation rental?

Create a personalized WiFi splash page for your vacation rental where guests can log in to the WiFi. With StayFi, you can ensure that your brand is remembered by every guest, not just Vrbo or Airbnb.

NoiseAware is a convenient noise monitoring system that allows you to protect all of your properties from noise issues, property damage, and false complaints. It provides a centralized platform to monitor and address these concerns in one place.

Are vacation rental reservations still at a deficit?

According to a report by iGMS, vacation rental reservations in the US are currently at a deficit of -40%, while in the EU, the deficit stands at -60%. The continued downward trend is expected until there is an increase in demand for airline travel. Moreover, local demand for vacation rentals remains uncertain due to ongoing restrictions, and international demand remains weak.

What happened to vacation rental revenue in 2020?

Due to decreased occupancy rates, hosts were compelled to raise prices for their offerings in order to maintain a steady income. According to the data, the average nightly rate in the US peaked at $202.5 in July and remained higher for the remainder of 2020 compared to the previous year.

Salary Progression

The average annual pay for a Vacation Rental Manager in the United States is $42,570.

The base salary for a Vacation Rental Manager ranges from $34,150 to $54,529, with an average base salary of $43,270.

The average hourly pay for a Vacation Rental Manager is approximately $12.26, which is 31% below the national average.

The salary for a Vacation Rental Manager with 1+ years of experience in property management, preferably in the vacation rental industry, is estimated to be between $49,300 and $62,500 a year.

The salary for a full-time Vacation Rental Manager role that requires a high level of engagement with property managers is estimated to be between $71,000 and $90,000 a year.

Entry-level vs Experienced

The average salary for employees with less than two years of experience is around 62,600 USD.

On the other hand, individuals with an experience level between two and five years are projected to earn approximately 80,400 USD, which is 29% higher than those with less than two years of experience.

Certification

Certifications and licenses are not obligatory for individuals starting out as vacation rental managers. However, in certain states, there are licensing requirements for this role. The specifics of these requirements differ among states, but they generally entail having industry experience and passing an examination.

How much does vacation rental property management cost?

Vacation rental property management fees vary depending on the location and services provided. It is important to be cautious of managers who promise higher short-term returns in exchange for lower management fees. To find the right vacation rental property manager, follow the guidelines on how to hire the right one.

Should you hire a vacation rental property manager?

Managing a vacation home with a constant turnover of tenants can be a time-consuming endeavour. However, hiring a vacation rental property manager can transform your Airbnb investment into a truly passive income opportunity. This allows you to enjoy the benefits of your investment without the stress of managing it full-time.

If you're an Airbnb host looking to earn passive income, consider employing a vacation rental property manager. They can free up your time and ensure that your investment remains hassle-free.

How to earn more

Here are some strategies to increase your income as a property manager:

Firstly, consider raising the rent on your properties in a strategic manner. Conduct market research and analyze rental trends to identify the optimal price increase that is both reasonable and offers a competitive advantage.

Secondly, expand your property management portfolio by acquiring more rental properties. This will allow you to increase your rental income and generate more profit.

Thirdly, leverage technology to streamline your property management tasks and enhance efficiency. Utilize software and online platforms to automate processes, such as tenant screening, rent collection, and maintenance requests, which can save time and reduce costs.

Additionally, consider offering additional services to your tenants, such as cleaning, landscaping, or maintenance services. By providing these extras, you can increase your revenue and offer added value to your customers.

Last but not least, manage both commercial and residential rental properties, if feasible. This diversification can bring in more income as it expands your target market and allows you to cater to different types of tenants.

How much do vacation rental managers make per booking?

According to the research findings, there were significant variations in the rental revenue per booking among different channels utilized by vacation rental managers. In the year 2020, the average booking revenue from Vrbo amounted to $1,505, whereas the average booking revenue from Airbnb was $941. The booking revenue from Booking.com was even lower at $695.

Overall, Vrbo emerged as the preferable choice for vacation rental managers in terms of performance compared to Airbnb. However, it is important to note that these findings should be considered within the context of their relative market positions and dynamics.

How to make money on a vacation rental?

Enhancing the aesthetics and functionality of your vacation rental can greatly contribute to your income. By creating a visually appealing and comfortable space for your guests, you can not only provide a better experience but also increase your marketing potential. Utilizing social media platforms such as Instagram, where guests share images of themselves in your home, can help boost your rental's visibility and attract more bookings.