As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Resident Assistant in the United States is $28,880 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $14.
However, a Resident Assistant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Resident Assistant's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Resident Assistant's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Resident Assistant | $28,692 |
| Intermediate Level Resident Assistant | $28,958 |
| Senior Level Resident Assistant | $29,545 |
| Specialist Level Resident Assistant | $29,662 |
| Expert Level Resident Assistant | $29,740 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Resident Assistants. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Time Management | 4.87% |
| Laundry | 7.76% |
| Container | 6.15% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Leadership
|
$32,923 |
14%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$32,057 |
11%
|
|
Listening
|
$32,057 |
11%
|
|
Time Management
|
$31,479 |
9%
|
|
Accountability
|
$30,902 |
7%
|
|
Dedication
|
$30,902 |
7%
|
Resident Assistant salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $30,673. While startup companies pay approximate $26,125.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $26,125 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $27,581 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $29,671 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $30,673 |
For Resident 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, Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Resident Assistant positions in Healthcare typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Resident Assistant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $34,656 | $17.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Resident Assistants enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate 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 Assistant with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $26,479 and $28,231).
Resident Assistant Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.3% |
| High School | 36.3% |
| Associates | 11.3% |
| Bachelors | 46.3% |
| Masters | 5.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Resident 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 July 01, 2026For a Resident Assistant, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Resident Activities Aide role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $35,000 - a projected growth of 21% over your current level.
Salaries for a Resident Assistant can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $34,089 in 2023 to around $33,840 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Resident Assistant salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $34,089 |
| 2024 | $34,392 |
| 2025 | $33,840 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit industry offers the highest average compensation for Resident Assistant roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
A Resident Assistant typically earns between $33,780 and $39,830 annually, with a mid-salary of approximately $36,510. This range reflects the varying responsibilities and living costs associated with the position, which can differ significantly based on location and institution.
The number of hours a home health aide can work varies by state. For example, in California, the maximum is 9 hours per day and 45 hours per week, while in New York, it's 10 hours per day and 40 hours per week. The salary for a Resident Assistant ranges from $33,780 to $39,830 annually, with a midpoint of $36,510.
A good salary in the USA varies by role and location. For a Resident Assistant, the salary ranges from approximately USD 33,780 to USD 39,830, with a midpoint of around USD 36,510. This reflects the entry-level to mid-range compensation for this position, which is lower than the national average salary of USD 59,640.
The highest paid CNA positions can vary, but typically include roles like Nurse Aide Evaluator, with salaries reaching up to $106,000. Other high-paying roles include Care Manager CNA, earning between $38,000 and $58,500, and Hospital CNA, with salaries ranging from $41,000 to $54,500. For Resident Assistants, salaries range from $33,780 to $39,830, depending on experience and location.
Residents typically work 40–80 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 Resident Assistants ranges from $33,780 to $39,830, with a midpoint of $36,510.
How much does a Home Care Assistant make? Based on recent salary data, the annual earnings for a Home Care Assistant in the USA range from $33,780 to $39,830, with a median salary of approximately $36,510. This translates to an hourly wage of about $16.24 to $19.16, depending on experience and location.
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