Residential Advisors
Residential Advisors coordinate daily activities and maintain operations in dormitories, group homes, and similar facilities. They handle supply ordering, maintenance requests, room assignments, and resident records. These positions are found in secondary schools, colleges, and residential care settings where staff oversee communal living spaces.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against residential advisors and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves managing facility logistics, such as ordering supplies and scheduling maintenance repairs. Residential Advisors respond to resident requests, document maintenance issues, and maintain household records. They may mediate conflicts between residents, assign or reassign rooms based on needs, and coordinate with other staff. Administrative tasks and facility inspections are regular responsibilities.
Who this work suits
Holland code SCE. Social work is helping, teaching and working closely with people. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to do well in this role if you enjoy working directly with people and value helping others solve problems. You prefer structured environments with clear procedures and details, and you're organized enough to track records and coordinate multiple facility operations simultaneously.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience). Most people in this occupation hold a certificate or training program.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | $40,790 | $49,010 | $58,860 | 420 |
| Minnesota | $46,480 | $48,770 | $56,460 | 3,410 |
| Washington | $43,560 | $48,640 | $56,970 | 1,810 |
| North Dakota | $41,710 | $48,590 | $57,500 | 260 |
| New York | $41,100 | $48,380 | $60,500 | 6,150 |
| Massachusetts | $43,310 | $48,190 | $58,910 | 5,120 |
| Montana | $44,650 | $47,230 | $53,260 | 350 |
| Oregon | $41,990 | $47,160 | $54,530 | 840 |
| Maryland | $38,600 | $46,950 | $56,240 | 2,640 |
| California | $39,040 | $46,650 | $57,590 | 8,120 |
| Alaska | $46,050 | $46,180 | $47,950 | 380 |
| Nebraska | $36,250 | $45,980 | $47,070 | 230 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Master in Residential Marketing (MIRM) — National Association of Home Builders
- Residential Plans Examiner (R3) — International Code Council
- Residential Child and Youth Care Professional (RCYCP) — National Resource Center for Youth Services
- Residential Evaluation Specialist (RES) — International Association of Assessing Officers
- Master Residential Electronics Systems Integrator (RESIma) — ETA International
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against residential advisors and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 39-9041.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.