Life As a Residential Advisor
Residential Advisor Example Coordinate activities in residential facilities in secondary 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.
Life As a Residential Advisor
- Oversee departmental budget.
- Provide transportation or escort for expeditions, such as shopping trips or visits to doctors or dentists.
- Direct and participate in on- and off-campus recreational activities for residents of institutions, boarding schools, fraternities or sororities, children’s homes, or similar establishments.
- Collaborate with counselors to develop counseling programs that address the needs of individual students.
- Supervise, train, and evaluate residence hall staff, including resident assistants, participants in work-study programs, and other student workers.
- Develop and coordinate educational programs for residents.
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Qualities of a Residential Advisor
Below is a list of the skills most Residential Advisors say are important on the job.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.
Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
Types of Residential Advisor
- Assistant Hall Director
- Residential Assistant
- Residence Life Coordinator
- Community Educator
- Dormitory Supervisor
Residential Advisor Job Outlook
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 118,800 jobs in the United States for Residential Advisor. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 12.9% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 15,300 new jobs for Residential Advisor by 2026. The BLS estimates 22,500 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Residential Advisor are Tennessee, Arizona, and Utah. Watch out if you plan on working in Wyoming, Alaska, or Vermont. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
How Much Does a Residential Advisor Make?
The average yearly salary of a Residential Advisor ranges between $19,470 and $44,100.

Residential Advisors who work in Minnesota, Connecticut, or Nebraska, make the highest salaries.
How much do Residential Advisors make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $25,000 |
Alaska | $33,720 |
Arizona | $35,910 |
Arkansas | $28,060 |
California | $34,830 |
Colorado | $31,420 |
Connecticut | $37,090 |
Delaware | $26,120 |
District of Columbia | $37,320 |
Florida | $27,730 |
Georgia | $27,370 |
Hawaii | $33,000 |
Idaho | $29,080 |
Illinois | $32,330 |
Indiana | $30,310 |
Iowa | $26,830 |
Kansas | $28,050 |
Kentucky | $24,580 |
Louisiana | $29,380 |
Maine | $29,750 |
Maryland | $30,690 |
Massachusetts | $34,900 |
Michigan | $28,830 |
Minnesota | $38,140 |
Mississippi | $24,810 |
Missouri | $27,920 |
Montana | $29,460 |
Nebraska | $36,160 |
Nevada | $28,460 |
New Hampshire | $34,060 |
New Jersey | $35,410 |
New Mexico | $27,920 |
New York | $35,740 |
North Carolina | $32,380 |
North Dakota | $32,710 |
Ohio | $28,760 |
Oklahoma | $24,420 |
Oregon | $33,050 |
Pennsylvania | $28,050 |
Rhode Island | $30,850 |
South Carolina | $24,770 |
South Dakota | $26,160 |
Tennessee | $21,760 |
Texas | $26,340 |
Utah | $27,670 |
Vermont | $36,970 |
Virginia | $31,340 |
Washington | $33,660 |
West Virginia | $25,750 |
Wisconsin | $30,110 |
Wyoming | $34,880 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Residential Advisors
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Residential Advisors:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Web browser software
- Data entry software
- Email software
- Word processing software
- Budgeting software
- Website development software
- Survey software
How do I Become a Residential Advisor?
Learn what Residential Advisor education requirements there are.

How many years of work experience do I need?

Who Employs Residential Advisors?

Residential Advisors work in the following industries:

Related Careers
Career changers with experience as a Residential Advisor sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
- Lodging Managers
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School
- Nannies
- Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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