Residential Advisors
O*NET 39-9041.00 · SOC 39-9041
Residential Advisor is a solid career choice. Median pay is $42k a year with +3.5% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 16,500 openings a year. AI exposure: Low.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Mediate conflicts between residents in dormitory settings
- →Enforce housing policies and community living standards
- →Plan and host educational or social programs for residents
- →Respond to resident emergencies and contact appropriate services
- →Conduct regular floor meetings to address resident concerns
Education & How to Get In
Most Residential Advisor positions require an associate degree or vocational training. Many community colleges and technical schools offer relevant programs that can be completed in 1–2 years, often with hands-on clinical or lab experience built in.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
People-facing, clinics, schools, or client sites
Collaborative, frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Residential Advisor involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Residential Advisor?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Residential Advisor Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
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Job Outlook
Employment of Residential Advisors is projected to grow 3.5% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·43% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
- ·Industry sector with low automation exposure
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Residential Advisor make?
The median Residential Advisor earns $42k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Residential Advisor jobs?
Our model puts Residential Advisor at 24 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is low risk, AI-resistant. The main drivers: 43% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace; industry sector with low automation exposure.
Is Residential Advisor a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 3.5% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 16,500 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Residential Advisor?
Most Residential Advisor roles expect an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational certificate rather than a four-year degree.
How long does it take to become a Residential Advisor?
Typically one to two years, typically an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational program. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 3 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Residential Advisor career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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