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Communications instructor vs residential counselor

The differences between communications instructors and residential counselors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a communications instructor, becoming a residential counselor takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a communications instructor has an average salary of $53,529, which is higher than the $34,117 average annual salary of a residential counselor.

The top three skills for a communications instructor include developmental disabilities, autism and public speaking. The most important skills for a residential counselor are direct care, medication administration, and mental health.

Communications instructor vs residential counselor overview

Communications InstructorResidential Counselor
Yearly salary$53,529$34,117
Hourly rate$25.74$16.40
Growth rate12%12%
Number of jobs39,65981,287
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 53%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Average age4341
Years of experience124

Communications instructor vs residential counselor salary

Communications instructors and residential counselors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Communications InstructorResidential Counselor
Average salary$53,529$34,117
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $97,000Between $27,000 And $42,000
Highest paying CityOakland, CASeattle, WA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaWashington
Best paying companyKern Community College DistrictThe Evergreens
Best paying industryEducationEducation

Differences between communications instructor and residential counselor education

There are a few differences between a communications instructor and a residential counselor in terms of educational background:

Communications InstructorResidential Counselor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 53%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Most common majorCommunicationPsychology
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - FullertonCalifornia State University - Long Beach

Communications instructor vs residential counselor demographics

Here are the differences between communications instructors' and residential counselors' demographics:

Communications InstructorResidential Counselor
Average age4341
Gender ratioMale, 38.7% Female, 61.3%Male, 33.0% Female, 67.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.1% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 16.3% Asian, 6.5% White, 59.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.7%Black or African American, 11.3% Unknown, 5.9% Hispanic or Latino, 12.2% Asian, 3.2% White, 67.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage11%15%

Differences between communications instructor and residential counselor duties and responsibilities

Communications instructor example responsibilities.

  • Guide individuals in accomplishing their ISP objectives by demonstrating effective instruction techniques and positive reinforcement.
  • Focus: the integration of philosophy, history, art and literature for gift students.
  • Prepare syllabus, exams, lectures and class participation projects as a last minute replacement for an ill instructor.
  • Create flexible syllabus with modules instead of due dates, allowing non-traditional students to complete modules at their own pace.
  • Work one-on-one with a developmentally challenge student with autism.
  • Support and implement behavioral therapy with individuals with autism, primarily focusing on social skills in school and the community environment.
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Residential counselor example responsibilities.

  • Lead recreational activities for adolescents with ADHD and other behavior disorders.
  • Engage, educate and empower participants to access community base resources in order to achieve greater self-determination, rehabilitation and recovery.
  • Train in AMAP, SCIP, and first aid procedures.
  • Assist residents with ADL, occasionally accompany to medical appointments, administer medications.
  • Refine an understanding of HIPAA and DMH programs.
  • Assist special needs students to reach their IEP and treatment plan goals in 1:1 and group settings.
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Communications instructor vs residential counselor skills

Common communications instructor skills
  • Developmental Disabilities, 12%
  • Autism, 9%
  • Public Speaking, 7%
  • Incident Reports, 6%
  • Community Integration, 5%
  • CPR, 5%
Common residential counselor skills
  • Direct Care, 9%
  • Medication Administration, 9%
  • Mental Health, 8%
  • Social Work, 7%
  • Developmental Disabilities, 6%
  • Mental Illness, 6%

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