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Resident Activities Assistant Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Resident Activities Assistant in the United States is $34,943 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $42,757
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $31,643 to $39,033
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $28,639

Key Factors That Influence Resident Activities Assistant Salaries

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

Top Paying Cities for Resident Activities Assistants

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: $44,063
  • San Francisco: $43,583
  • Oakland: $42,663

What Skills Can Increase a Resident Activities Assistant'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 Assistant'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 $39,136
12%
Communication Skills $38,088
9%
Commitment $37,738
8%

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

Resident Activities Assistant salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $37,088. While startup companies pay approximate $31,584.

Resident Activities Assistant Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $31,584
Growth Stage 51~500 $33,349
Established 501~5000 $35,867
Enterprise 5000+ $37,088

Resident Activities Assistant Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Resident Activities Assistant 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 Assistant positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Resident Activities Assistant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Resident Activities Assistant

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare$41,932$20.020%

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

Understanding how a Resident Activities Assistant'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
$31,643
Average $34,943/year
$39,033
$2,637
Average $2,912/month
$3,253
$609
Average $672/week
$751
$15
Average $17/hour
$19
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $39,033 $3,253 $751 $19
Average $34,943 $2,912 $672 $17
25th Percentile $31,643 $2,637 $609 $15

Resident Activities Assistant Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Resident Activities Assistant, 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 Assistant

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

Common company salaries for Resident Activities Assistant

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

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FAQ about Resident Activities Assistant

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

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

2. How much do nurses earn in the USA?

The estimated salary for a Resident Activities Assistant in the USA ranges from $33,063 to $42,063, with a median salary of approximately $37,083. These figures reflect the typical earnings for this role, providing a clear overview of the compensation landscape for Resident Activities Assistants.

3. How do I become an EA in the US?

To become a Resident Activities Assistant in the US, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Experience in a related field is beneficial. The salary ranges from $33,063 to $42,063, with a median salary of $37,083. Focus on developing strong communication and organizational skills to excel in this role.

4. How do you describe an activity assistant on a resume?

Activities Assistants manage and facilitate activities in various settings like camps, recreation centers, and nursing homes. They aim to enhance social interaction among participants while handling logistical aspects. The salary for this role typically ranges from $33,063 to $42,063, with a median salary of $37,083, reflecting the importance of their contributions to community engagement.

5. How many hours do residents work?

Residents typically work between 40 to 80 hours a week, depending on their specialty and rotation. In some cases, they may log up to 136 hours in a week. It's important to note that around 40% of this time is spent on ancillary care, such as paperwork, rather than direct patient care. The salary for a Resident Activities Assistant ranges from $33,063 to $42,063 annually.

6. What is the salary of EA in USA?

The salary of a Resident Activities Assistant in the USA ranges from $33,063 to $42,063 annually. The average salary is approximately $37,083, indicating that most professionals in this role earn within this range, reflecting the demand and responsibilities associated with the position.

7. What exactly does an activities assistant do?

An Activities Assistant's primary role is to provide engaging and enjoyable activities for a group. Daily tasks may include brainstorming activity ideas and creating detailed schedules for daily, weekly, and monthly events. The salary for this position typically ranges from $33,063 to $42,063, with a midpoint of $37,083, reflecting the importance of fostering a vibrant community atmosphere.

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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