Residential Advisors

Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed

Coordinate activities in resident facilities in secondary school and college dormitories, group homes, or similar establishments. Order supplies and determine need for maintenance, repairs, and furnishings. May maintain household records and assign rooms. May assist residents with problem solving or refer them to counseling resources.

Pay & job outlook

Median pay: $42,240/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)

$29,870$61,060

Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.

Job outlook: +3.8% projected growth, 2024–2034 — about as fast as average.

About 17,400 openings per year, on average, over the decade.

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.

Top skills

Social PerceptivenessActive ListeningMonitoringSpeakingCoordinationCritical ThinkingService OrientationNegotiationTime ManagementPersuasion

Top knowledge areas

Customer and Personal ServiceAdministration and ManagementPublic Safety and SecurityEducation and TrainingEnglish LanguageSociology and AnthropologyAdministrativePersonnel and Human Resources

Core tasks

• Communicate with other staff to resolve problems with individual students.

• Observe students to detect and report unusual behavior.

• Supervise, train, and evaluate residence hall staff, including resident assistants, participants in work-study programs, and other student workers.

• Provide emergency first aid and summon medical assistance when necessary.

• Make regular rounds to ensure that residents and areas are safe and secure.

• Mediate interpersonal problems between residents.

• Enforce rules and regulations to ensure the smooth and orderly operation of dormitory programs.

• Determine the need for facility maintenance and repair, and notify appropriate personnel.

Frequently asked questions

What's the median pay for Residential Advisors?

The median pay for Residential Advisors is $42,240 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What's the job outlook for Residential Advisors?

Employment for Residential Advisors is projected to change +3.8% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.

What education is typically required for Residential Advisors?

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.

How many job openings are there each year for Residential Advisors?

About 17,400 openings per year, on average, over the decade.