Research Summary. Using a combination of public government and company data as well as data gathered from thousands of job postings, the Zippia data team has created average salary estimates for jobs across the US. Using that data set, the team has identified the types of resident assistants that are the highest paid based on their average annual salaries.
Here is a summary of our findings for the highest-paying types of resident assistants:
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Resident is the highest-paid type of resident assistant with an average salary of $60,589 and an average hourly rate of $29.13.
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The second highest-paying type of resident assistant is addictions counselor assistant, with an average salary of $46,799.
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The average resident assistant salary is $29,971 per year, and the average hourly pay is $14.41.
Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs
Background
Choosing a career path can be difficult, and while pay shouldn’t be the only thing you consider in your decision, it is a significant factor. So if you’d like to work as a resident assistant, it helps to have an idea of what the highest-paid types of resident assistants are so that you can plan your career progression.
Here are the top salaries for different types of resident assistants:
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Resident
Average Salary: $60,589
A resident, often known as a resident physician, is a medical doctor who just graduated from medical school and pursued the residency program for further training. Residents work with health care team members to provide direct medical care by diagnosing medical problems and devising appropriate treatment plans. Depending on their medical specialty and training, residents may assist in performing surgeries to patients but are supervised by senior residents and physicians. Residents must also have an in-depth understanding of ethical, socioeconomic, and medical-legal issues surrounding patient care.
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Addictions Counselor Assistant
Average Salary: $46,799
An addictions counselor assistant works with a head counselor to provide support to patients suffering from addiction. They deal with the clerical and administrative side of running a counseling firm. This includes managing data, maintaining confidentiality of patient information, monitoring adherence to government regulations, and assisting with patients’ treatment.
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Assistant Program Coordinator
Average Salary: $41,444
An assistant program coordinator performs administrative support tasks and assists in organizing programs and activities under a program coordinator’s supervision. Their responsibilities typically include monitoring the expenditures and schedules, preparing and processing documents, handling calls and correspondence, creating requests and proposals, communicating with vendors and suppliers, and updating records. They must also assist staff in various tasks and resolve issues promptly and efficiently. When it comes to employment opportunities, an assistant program coordinator may work at learning institutions, government agencies, and private companies.
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Behavioral Assistant
Average Salary: $39,681
Behavioral Assistants are responsible for providing support and capacity in behavioral and clinical services for students with disabilities. Their duties include addressing behavior management safety needs, supporting emotional and social needs, giving academic support, and implementing behavioral improvement plans. They also deal with physical management, behavior de-escalations, and undertake student reviews with the teacher regularly. Behavioral Assistants will also collect data, write student reports, and ensure health and hygiene protocols are adhered to.
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Social Services Assistant
Average Salary: $37,445
A social services assistant is responsible for supporting the social needs of citizens within society. Social services assistants work within the community office or health institutions to assist patients and their families in processing their needs and obtaining medical information. They also coordinate with other organizations to gather additional resources and financial assistance to plan community programs that will be beneficial for society. A social services assistant provides counseling to the families to identify the services and referrals they needed.
Below is a full table of the average pay for various resident assistant that pay the most followed by a more detailed explanation of our methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Resident Assistants
Methodology
Zippia uses publicly published information from government sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to create its salary estimates.
Our data science team also checks job postings and company-published resources for additional up-to-date salary information for resident assistants.
Once they’ve gathered the data, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title they’re estimating a salary for. For more details on our salary estimates, you can read the detailed methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Resident Assistant Jobs FAQs
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What is the highest-paid resident assistant job?
The highest-paid resident assistant job is a resident. Residents earn an average salary of $60,589, which is $ 29.13 hourly.
A resident, often known as a resident physician, is a medical doctor who just graduated from medical school and pursued the residency program for further training. Residents work with health care team members to provide direct medical care by diagnosing medical problems and devising appropriate treatment plans. Depending on their medical specialty and training, residents may assist in performing surgeries to patients but are supervised by senior residents and physicians. Residents must also have an in-depth understanding of ethical, socioeconomic, and medical-legal issues surrounding patient care.
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What is a good salary for a resident assistant?
A good salary for a resident assistant is $29,971 or more. The average resident assistant salary is $29,971, so those making at least $29,971 are earning above-average paychecks.
Keep in mind, however, that the average resident assistant salary does fluctuate based on location, as companies will adjust their pay scales based on the cost of living in that area. Research what the average salary is in your area for someone of your expertise and experience level to get a more accurate view on how well you’re being paid.
In addition, if you’re just starting your career as a resident assistant, the average entry level salary is $20,797, so don’t base your opinion of your salary on the $29,971 average, as this includes all resident assistants of all skill and experience levels.
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Do Resident Assistant jobs pay well?
No, resident assistant jobs don’t pay well. As in any industry, some resident assistant jobs pay better than others, but the average resident assistant salary of $29,971 is times the average national salary of about $44,225 per year.
In addition to this, many resident assistant jobs have high earning potential, with the top 10% of resident assistants earning $33,892 a year on average.
Resident Assistants’ salaries will fluctuate based on their experience level, industry, and location, so pay attention to these factors when you’re looking for a job as a resident assistant. Do your research on the going rate for a resident assistant in your area with your expertise, and don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary based on that information.
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Where do resident assistants get paid the most?
Resident Assistants get paid the most in North Dakota. In North Dakota, resident assistants earn an average annual salary of $33,888 and an average hourly wage of $16.29.
Following ND, the states with the highest-paid resident assistants are Alaska, Minnesota, and Wyoming, with average annual salaries of $32,819, $30,830, and $30,410 respectively.
The cities with the highest-paid resident assistant salaries are:
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Roseville, CA – $35,909
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Portland, OR – $32,672
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Duluth, MN – $32,107
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Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
