Residential Advisor

Explore This Path

Ideal for those passionate about fostering community and student development.
Make a positive impact by supporting and guiding students in their living spaces.
Unique role combining leadership, problem-solving, and community building.

💰 Earn $38K-$54K

📚 High School Diploma or GED

⏱️ 12–24 MONTH TRAINING

📈 5.2% JOB GROWTH

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What You’ll Do

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.

Communicate with other staff to resolve problems with individual students.
Observe students to detect and report unusual behavior.
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.
Make regular rounds to ensure that residents and areas are safe and secure.

Scoop

Minimum Education

High School Diploma or GED

Career Prospects

Excellent (Increasing by 5% or more)

Training Time

1 to 2 years

Job Openings

18,600 Annually

Median Earnings

$44,390 in California

$37,950 Nationally

$25K

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Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Influencing or leading others
Relating with or serving others
Using data or completing tasks

You are skilled in 💫

Active Listening
Coordination
Critical Thinking
Social Perceptiveness
Speaking

You value 🙏

Having support
Having freedom
Personal relationships

Deep Dive

Residential Advisor

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Vocational School

A vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years

Workforce Development Program

A workforce development program typically enhances participants' opportunities to succeed in the workforce through employment skill-building, career counseling, connections to employers, and pathways to high-demand and high-wage jobs.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship typically offers a combination of hands-on training and classroom instruction, leading to practical skills, industry-specific knowledge, and the potential for long-term employment in a specific trade or profession.

🎓 Paid Work

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-5 years

Associate's Degree

An associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-3 years