What Residential Advisors do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Residential Advisors this way: "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."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Enforce rules and regulations to ensure the smooth and orderly operation of dormitory programs"; "Provide emergency first aid and summon medical assistance when necessary"; "Mediate interpersonal problems between residents"; "Administer, coordinate, or recommend disciplinary and corrective actions"; "Communicate with other staff to resolve problems with individual students".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is high school diploma or equivalent. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is short-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Residential Advisors
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 94,100 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 97,400 in 2035, an increase of 3,300 jobs (+3.5%). That matches the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 16,500 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 17.5% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $42,240, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Residential Advisors earn the most
Across the 2 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $45,310 in New Jersey to $47,793 in New York, a gap of $2,483 (1.05 times). 2 of those 2 states average above the BLS national median of $42,240 and 0 average at or below it.
New Jersey employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 7,260, which is 51.4% of the 14,120 counted across them. New York follows with 6,860.
Highest-paying states
New York ($47,793) and New Jersey ($45,310) lead the ranking, while New Jersey ($45,310) and New York ($47,793) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Occupations related to Residential Advisors
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (39-9000) include Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors, Recreation Workers and Childcare Workers.
Frequently asked questions about Residential Advisors
What is the national median wage for Residential Advisors?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $42,240. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $45,310 to $47,793.
Which state pays Residential Advisors the most?
New York, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $47,793. New Jersey is next at $45,310.
What is the job outlook for Residential Advisors?
BLS projects employment to grow by 3.5% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 16,500 openings a year.
What education do Residential Advisors need?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent and short-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.