What Do Residential Advisor Do?
Job Description & Duties 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.
List of Residential Advisor Job Duties
- Develop and coordinate educational programs for residents.
- Communicate with other staff to resolve problems with individual students.
- Answer telephones, and route calls or deliver messages.
- Counsel students in the handling of issues such as family, financial, and educational problems.
- Determine the need for facility maintenance and repair, and notify appropriate personnel.
- Enforce rules and regulations to ensure the smooth and orderly operation of dormitory programs.
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What Every Residential Advisor Should Know
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
- Unit Coordinator
- Cottage Supervisor
- House Father
- House Parent
- Housing and Residence Life Director
Residential Advisor Employment Estimates
There were about 118,800 jobs for Residential Advisor in 2016 (in the United States). 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. There will be an estimated 22,500 positions for Residential Advisor per year.

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.
What is the Average Salary of a Residential Advisor
The typical yearly salary for Residential Advisors is somewhere 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 |
What Tools do Residential Advisors Use?
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
Becoming a Residential Advisor
What education or degrees do I need to become a Residential Advisor?

How Long Does it Take to Become a Residential Advisor?

Who Employs Residential Advisors?

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

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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