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 DirectorResidence Life DirectorResident AssistantResident Director
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey 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
| Metric | U.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
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
Google DocsMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft Word
Technology Skills
Budgeting softwareEmail softwareSurvey softwareWeb browser softwareWebsite development softwareWord processing software
Tools & Equipment
10-key calculatorsAutomated lock systemsCash drawersCompost binsComputer data input scannersComputer inkjet printersCopy machinesDesktop computers