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  1. Occupations
  2. Residential Advisors

Residential Advisors

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.

SOC: 39-9041.00

Common Job Titles

  • Residence Hall Director
  • Residence Life Director
  • Resident Assistant
  • Resident Director

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • MindsetEngage with residents experiencing personal, academic, or interpersonal challenges in dormitory and group home settings, applying active listening and social perceptiveness.
    Proficient
  • KnowledgeAssess resident needs and determine appropriate referrals to counseling or support resources using critical thinking and judgment, balancing immediate intervention with long-term support.
    Proficient
  • KnowledgeCoordinate facility activities, room assignments, and resident programming in residential education environments, managing multiple priorities under time constraints.
    Proficient
  • MindsetIntegrate conflict resolution strategies with community-building principles when mediating disputes among residents with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
    Proficient
  • KnowledgeApply public safety protocols and emergency response procedures in residential settings, monitoring for hazards and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
    Proficient
  • MindsetAdvocate for resident welfare and equitable access to resources when communicating with institutional leadership and external service providers.
    Proficient
  • KnowledgeEvaluate facility maintenance needs, supply requirements, and furnishing requests following institutional policies and budget constraints, working with vendors and maintenance staff.
    Developing
  • KnowledgeOperate record-keeping systems and administrative databases using Microsoft Office suite and other software to document incidents, maintain logs, and track resident information.
    Developing
  • MindsetSupport resident development and community engagement initiatives through educational programming, team-building activities, and mentorship interactions.
    Developing
  • KnowledgeAnalyze behavioral patterns and community dynamics applying knowledge of psychology and sociology to inform intervention strategies and policy recommendations.
    Developing

Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Residential Advisors (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

82,810

Wage Distribution by Percentile

Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $28,490. 25th percentile: U.S. $33,890. 50th percentile: U.S. $39,180. 75th percentile: U.S. $47,590. 90th percentile: U.S. $58,350. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.

  • U.S.
MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$28,490
10% of workers earn the following or more$58,350
Workers on average earn$41,590

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Customer and Personal Service4.5/5
  • Administration and Management4.2/5
  • Public Safety and Security4.0/5
  • Education and Training4.0/5
  • English Language3.9/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge

Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

  • Google Docs
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word

Technology Skills

  • Budgeting software
  • Email software
  • Survey software
  • Web browser software
  • Website development software
  • Word processing software

Tools & Equipment

  • 10-key calculators
  • Automated lock systems
  • Cash drawers
  • Compost bins
  • Computer data input scanners
  • Computer inkjet printers
  • Copy machines
  • Desktop computers
Tools & Technology: Tools & Equipment

Related Occupations

Occupations with similar skills and knowledge requirements

Most Similar

  • Social and Community Service Managers 11-9151.00
  • Rehabilitation Counselors 21-1015.00
  • First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers 39-1022.00
  • Child, Family, and School Social Workers 21-1021.00
  • Social and Human Service Assistants 21-1093.00

Moderately Similar

  • First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services 39-1014.00
  • Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors 21-1012.00
  • Patient Representatives 29-2099.08
  • Recreation Workers 39-9032.00
  • First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers 37-1011.00

Related

  • Home Health Aides 31-1121.00
  • Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary 11-9032.00
  • Education Administrators, Postsecondary 11-9033.00
  • Personal Care Aides 31-1122.00
  • Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare 11-9031.00
  • Directors, Religious Activities and Education 21-2021.00
  • Mental Health Counselors 21-1014.00
  • Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers 21-1023.00
  • Health Education Specialists 21-1091.00
  • Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs 43-4061.00

Related Programs

Education programs that prepare you for this occupation

  • Associate's DegreeSocial Work TechnicianIssuer: Lawson State Community College
  • Master's DegreeClinical Mental Health CounselingIssuer: Appalachian State University
  • Post-Baccalaureate CertificateAdvanced CounselingIssuer: Montclair State University
  • Post-Baccalaureate CertificateCollege CounselingIssuer: Southern Arkansas University Main Campus
  • Master's DegreeCollege Student Personnel AdministrationIssuer: University of Central Arkansas
  • Master's DegreeCollege Student Counseling & Personnel ServicesIssuer: University of Florida
  • Post-Baccalaureate CertificatePostsecondary Access and Success ProgramsIssuer: Colorado State University-Fort Collins
  • Bachelor's DegreeElementary EducationIssuer: Montclair State University
  • Post-Baccalaureate CertificateCollege AdvisingIssuer: Murray State University
  • Master's DegreeStudent Affairs AdministrationIssuer: Appalachian State University