How to become a residential advisor

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.

Steps to get there

Most employers expect most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree..Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

What residential advisors do

• 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.
• Mediate interpersonal problems between residents.
• Enforce rules and regulations to ensure the smooth and orderly operation of dormitory programs.
• Collaborate with counselors to develop counseling programs that address the needs of individual students.
• Develop and coordinate educational programs for residents.

Skills that matter most

• Active Listening
• Speaking
• Monitoring
• Critical Thinking
• Reading Comprehension
• Writing
• Active Learning
• Learning Strategies

Is residential advisor a good career?

On the numbers, this job is close to the average across occupations. Median pay is 17% below the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.

Where it pays most

• New Hampshire $49,010
• Minnesota $48,770
• Washington $48,640
• North Dakota $48,590
• New York $48,380

Residential Advisors salary by state and city

Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.