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Resident Activities Aide Salary in the United States

How much does a Resident Activities Aide make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Resident Activities Aide in the United States is $35,000 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.

However, a Resident Activities Aide's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $42,833
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $31,700 to $39,100
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $28,696

Key Factors That Influence Resident Activities Aide Salaries

A Resident Activities Aide's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

Top Paying Cities for Resident Activities Aides

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $44,100
  • San Francisco: $43,600
  • Oakland: $42,700

What Skills Can Increase a Resident Activities Aide's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Planning (Mentioned in 16.79% Job Postings): An act or process of making or carrying out plans. Establishment of goals, policies, and procedures for a social or economic unit city planning business planning.
  • Geriatrics (Mentioned in 3.22% Job Postings): Geriatrics, or geriatric medicine, is a medical specialty focused on providing care for the unique health needs of older adults. The term geriatrics originates from the Greek geron meaning "old man", and iatros meaning "healer".
  • Activity Planning (Mentioned in 1.23% Job Postings): Produce a detailed schedule showing which staff carry out each activity; produce a detailed plan against which actual achievement may be measured; produce timed cash flow forecast; replan the project during its life to correct drift from the target.
Skills Demand Percentage
Planning 16.79%
Geriatrics 3.22%
Activity Planning 1.23%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Resident Activities Aide's salary.

  • Verbal Communication: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
  • Communication Skills: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
  • Commitment: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Verbal Communication $39,200
12%
Communication Skills $38,150
9%
Commitment $37,800
8%

Resident Activities Aide Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Resident Activities Aide salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $37,149. While startup companies pay approximate $31,635.

Resident Activities Aide Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $31,635
Growth Stage 51~500 $33,403
Established 501~5000 $35,926
Enterprise 5000+ $37,149

Resident Activities Aide Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Resident Activities Aide roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Resident Activities Aide positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Resident Activities Aide as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Resident Activities Aide

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare$42,000$20.020%

How Education impacts a Resident Activities Aide's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Resident Activities Aides enter the field with a Associate's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Resident Activities Aide with a Associate's Degree is between $30,930 and $33,213).

Resident Activities Aide Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Resident Activities Aide
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 1.2%
High School 41.0%
Associates 13.0%
Bachelors 41.6%
Masters 2.5%
Doctorate 0.6%

Resident Activities Aide Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Resident Activities Aide's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$31,700
Average $35,000/year
$39,100
$2,642
Average $2,917/month
$3,258
$610
Average $673/week
$752
$15
Average $17/hour
$19
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $39,100 $3,258 $752 $19
Average $35,000 $2,917 $673 $17
25th Percentile $31,700 $2,642 $610 $15

Resident Activities Aide Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Resident Activities Aide, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Resident Activities Supervisor role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $58,500 - a projected growth of 67% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Resident Activities Aide

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Resident Activities Aide

Here are companies hiring for Resident Activities Aide and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Resident Activities Aide

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Resident Activities Aide?

The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Resident Activities Aide roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. How much does CNA make per hour in USA?

As of the latest data, the salary for a Resident Activities Aide ranges from $33,100 to $42,100 annually. This translates to an hourly wage between approximately $15.92 and $20.19, depending on experience and location. The midpoint salary is around $37,100, equating to about $17.83 per hour.

3. How much do carers get paid in USA?

In the USA, the salary for a Resident Activities Aide ranges from $33,100 to $42,100 annually, with a median salary of $37,100. Entry-level positions typically start at $33,100, while more experienced aides can earn up to $42,100 per year.

4. Which residency pays the most?

The AAMC does not provide salary data by specialty, but based on the salary data for Resident Activities Aide, the salary range is between $33,100 and $42,100, with a midpoint of $37,100. This indicates that the compensation for this role is relatively modest compared to other specialties, which can vary significantly.

5. What is a PA salary?

A Resident Activities Aide typically earns between $33,100 and $42,100 annually, with a median salary of approximately $37,100. Salaries can vary based on location, experience, and specific job responsibilities.

6. Is caregiver a good job in USA?

Caregiving is a rewarding profession that offers emotional fulfillment and financial stability. In the USA, Resident Activities Aides earn between $33,100 and $42,100 annually, with a median salary of $37,100. The increasing demand for caregivers ensures steady employment and a reliable income, making it a viable career choice.

7. How many hours do caregivers work?

Caregivers typically work an average of 30 to 40 hours a week, though this can vary based on the type of care and employment status. In terms of compensation, salaries for Resident Activities Aides range from $33,100 to $42,100 annually, with a midpoint of $37,100, reflecting the diverse nature of caregiving roles.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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