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Program advisor vs peer mentor

The differences between program advisors and peer mentors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a program advisor has an average salary of $55,656, which is higher than the $28,416 average annual salary of a peer mentor.

The top three skills for a program advisor include customer service, persistence and intellectual disabilities. The most important skills for a peer mentor are mental health, role model, and mathematics.

Program advisor vs peer mentor overview

Program AdvisorPeer Mentor
Yearly salary$55,656$28,416
Hourly rate$26.76$13.66
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs109,3071,199
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 65%Bachelor's Degree, 72%
Average age4242
Years of experience--

What does a program advisor do?

A program advisor is in charge of overseeing programs from planning to execution, ensuring everything functions according to its goals and guidelines. Although their responsibilities depend on their line of work and industry of employment, it typically involves performing research and analysis to find new opportunities and determine ideal practices, gathering and analyzing client feedback, setting objectives, and developing strategies to carry out the purpose of every program, prioritizing optimal services. Moreover, a program advisor must monitor the progress of all operations, recommending solutions should any problems arise.

What does a peer mentor do?

A peer mentor is an individual who builds a relationship with another person or mentee who is new to the career or at the same level. Peer mentors must serve as a social role model and educate mentees on various resources and services. They coordinate and facilitate social programs and training and discuss any mentee concerns with the top management. Peer mentors are also required to maintain confidentiality with any shared information between mentors and mentees.

Program advisor vs peer mentor salary

Program advisors and peer mentors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Program AdvisorPeer Mentor
Average salary$55,656$28,416
Salary rangeBetween $32,000 And $96,000Between $21,000 And $37,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CABrockton, MA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaNew Hampshire
Best paying companyAppleSaint Xavier University
Best paying industryTechnologyNon Profits

Differences between program advisor and peer mentor education

There are a few differences between a program advisor and a peer mentor in terms of educational background:

Program AdvisorPeer Mentor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 65%Bachelor's Degree, 72%
Most common majorBusinessPsychology
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Program advisor vs peer mentor demographics

Here are the differences between program advisors' and peer mentors' demographics:

Program AdvisorPeer Mentor
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 44.8% Female, 55.2%Male, 37.7% Female, 62.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Asian, 3.7% White, 67.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%Black or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Asian, 3.7% White, 67.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between program advisor and peer mentor duties and responsibilities

Program advisor example responsibilities.

  • Study and implement marketing through Facebook and other various websites which generate sales leads.
  • Manage UAFS's F-1/J-1 student visa SEVIS compliance as DSO/ARO, ensuring all documentation is in order prior to students arriving.
  • Train office staff and first-year graduate assistant on proper usage of PeopleSoft software.
  • Determine eligibility for WIOA training funds (unemploy, under employed/food stamp program).
  • Interview and investigate applicants for WIOA services and gather information pertinent to their applications.
  • Help develop resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles for students at the college.
  • Show more

Peer mentor example responsibilities.

  • Lead teens in improving their interpersonal relationships via education
  • Mentore and co-taught a class for incoming freshmen
  • Help students complete FAFSA applications, verification paperwork, and booking appointments.
  • Assist FYRST faculty with planning a syllabus, classroom presentations, events, and trips.
  • Conduct FAFSA workshops and assist students and parents with competing tax information need to complete the FAFSA application.
  • Assist students academically in medical and anatomy classes.
  • Show more

Program advisor vs peer mentor skills

Common program advisor skills
  • Customer Service, 29%
  • Persistence, 11%
  • Intellectual Disabilities, 8%
  • Veterans, 8%
  • Project Management, 5%
  • PowerPoint, 4%
Common peer mentor skills
  • Mental Health, 11%
  • Role Model, 8%
  • Mathematics, 6%
  • GPA, 5%
  • Peer Support, 5%
  • Academic Support, 5%

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