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First Year Academic Advisor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Academic Advisor As our Academic Advisor, you will help support and guide College Track scholars ... days in your first year of employment. * Financial Security: Immediately you can enroll in our ...

Academic Advisor

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$30.53 - $31.97/hr

Academic Advisor As our Academic Advisor, you will help support and guide College Track scholars ... days in your first year of employment. * Financial Security: Immediately you can enroll in our ...

Academic Advisor

Wausau, WI · On-site

$49K - $51K/yr

UWSP at Wausau serves local first-year and transfer students. Compensation & Benefits: The Academic Advisor is a full-time, salaried, exempt, annual position. Well-qualified candidates can expect a ...

Academic Advisor

Kingston, RI · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

When appropriate, teach First-Year seminar as assigned. Participate on university committee(s), training(s), conference(s), etc. representing your academic unit as assigned. Advising may include ...

Academic Advisor

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$30.53 - $31.97/hr

Academic Advisor | Sacramento Priority Deadline is June 19th applications will still be accepted ... days in your first year of employment. * Financial Security: Immediately you can enroll in our ...

UWSP at Wausau serves local first-year and transfer students. Compensation & Benefits: The Academic Advisor is a full-time, salaried, exempt, annual position. Well-qualified candidates can expect a ...

Academic Advisor

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$30.53 - $31.97/hr

Academic Advisor | Sacramento Priority Deadline is June 19th applications will still be accepted ... days in your first year of employment. * Financial Security: Immediately you can enroll in our ...

Academic Advisor

New Bern, NC · On-site

$47K - $50K/yr

Participates in open houses, new student orientation and various First Year Experience initiatives ... in academic advising, career development or other related function within higher education ...

Academic Advisor

Prescott, AZ

$41K - $50K/yr

The advisor serves as a primary point of contact for undergraduate students, offering ... Conduct targeted outreach to first-year students and students identified as academically at-risk.

Showing results 21-40

First Year Academic Advisor information

See salary details

$29K

$47.5K

$64.5K

How much do first year academic advisor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for first year academic advisor in the United States is $47,454.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,000.00 and $51,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a first year academic advisor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a First Year Academic Advisor, you need a background in education, counseling, or a related field, often supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Familiarity with student information systems, academic planning software, and advising platforms is typically required. Strong interpersonal communication, active listening, and problem-solving skills help build trust and support students through their academic transition. These abilities are crucial for effectively guiding new students, promoting retention, and fostering academic success.

What are some common challenges first year academic advisors face when supporting new students, and how can they effectively address them?

First Year Academic Advisors often encounter challenges such as helping students adjust to the academic demands of college, navigating registration processes, and addressing concerns about major selection. They can effectively support students by providing clear, empathetic communication, offering tailored guidance on course selection, and connecting students with campus resources like tutoring or counseling. Building trusting relationships and proactively checking in with students can also help advisors identify and resolve issues early, contributing to student retention and success.

What does a first year academic advisor do?

A First Year Academic Advisor supports new college or university students as they transition into higher education. They help students choose courses, understand degree requirements, and develop academic plans that align with their goals. Advisors also connect students to campus resources, assist with scheduling, and provide guidance on time management and study strategies. Their main goal is to ensure first-year students have a successful start to their academic journey.

Is a first year academic advisor an entry level job?

A first year academic advisor is often considered an entry-level position, typically requiring a bachelor's degree and strong communication skills. Some roles may prefer or require previous experience in advising, counseling, or higher education environments, but many institutions offer on-the-job training for new advisors.

How to get started as a first year academic advisor?

To start as a first year academic advisor, obtain a relevant bachelor's degree in education, counseling, or a related field, and gain experience in student services or counseling. Developing strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills is essential, and some positions may require a master's degree or certification in academic advising or counseling. Familiarity with student information systems and advising tools can also be beneficial.

How can I get a job as a first year academic advisor?

To become a first year academic advisor, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in education, counseling, or a related field, along with strong communication and interpersonal skills. Relevant experience in student services or advising, as well as familiarity with student information systems, can improve job prospects. Some positions may require a master's degree or certification in academic advising or counseling.

What is the difference between First Year Academic Advisor vs Academic Counselor?

AspectFirst Year Academic AdvisorAcademic Counselor
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree; some roles prefer a master's in education or counselingBachelor's degree; often a background in counseling or psychology
Work EnvironmentCollege or university advising offices, focusing on first-year studentsEducational institutions, community colleges, or mental health settings
Employer & Industry UsageHigher education institutions, primarily in student servicesEducational and mental health organizations, focusing on student well-being
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in academic advising for first-year studentsSeeking counseling or support services for students

The main difference is that First Year Academic Advisors focus on guiding new students through their initial college experience, providing academic planning and orientation. Academic Counselors often offer broader support, including mental health and personal development, across various student populations. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but serve distinct functions within educational institutions.

What cities are hiring for First Year Academic Advisor jobs?

Cities with the most First Year Academic Advisor job openings:

What states have the most First Year Academic Advisor jobs?

States with the most job openings for First Year Academic Advisor jobs include:

$30.53 - $31.97/hr

Full-time

Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Academic Advisor 

As our Academic Advisor, you will help support and guide College Track scholars through their academic journeys, ensuring they have the tools, resources, and individualized plans they need to successfully matriculate into colleges that align with their academic and personal goals. You'll collaborate with your peer Academic Advisor and the site team to deliver engaging content, facilitate workshops, and host one-on-one advising appointments.Day to day, you will:

  1. Build trusting relationships with students, providing culturally relevant support and fostering a strong sense of belonging within College Track.
  2. Track and analyze student data to monitor workshop attendance, advising appointments, and academic progress, ensuring all site and organizational requirements are met.
  3. Manage a diverse caseload of approximately 120 high school scholars, ensuring each student is equipped with the support they need to matriculate to college and earn a bachelor's degree.

To thrive in this job, you must:

  1. Be skilled in analyzing student data and using that data to develop targeted, data-driven interventions.
  2. Have academic advising experience within a college-access institution.
  3. Have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with a wide range of individuals, including students, caregivers, and teachers.
  4. Be comfortable navigating Learning Management Systems (e.g., Google Classroom, Coursera) and grade portals (e.g., PowerSchool, Illuminate). Experience with Salesforce is a plus.

Interested? Keep reading. 

College Track is a comprehensive college completion program that equips students from underserved communities to be the first in their families to graduate with a bachelor's degree. We do this by offering a holistic, asset-based program that invests in each of our scholars over 10 years: from high school to college, through the launch of their careers.

You'll know the Academic Advisor role is the right fit if... 

  • You are passionate about youth development and enjoy helping students set and achieve academic goals.
  • You thrive in an engaging, student-centered environment and are excited to support students on their journey to college.
  • You believe in data-driven decision making and can use academic data to design meaningful interventions.
  • You're eager to work in-person with students, building connections and supporting their academic growth.
  • You are excited about working a 100% In Person with our scholars. 

Compensation: This position is Full-Time, non-exempt. The full hourly range for Academic Advisor in Watts, CA is  $29.01-$34.86/hour with the exact compensation depending on experience. As someone new to this role at College Track, you can expect an offer between $30.53- $31.97/hour to ensure internal equity while leaving room for compensation growth during your time with us.  

Benefits: As a member of our College Track nation, you would be provided access to extensive benefits which include, but are not limited to:

  • Health Care: Staff and their dependents can enroll in our comprehensive, competitive, and affordable health care options and the majority of the costs are covered by College Track. 
  • Work-Life Balance: Time off is essential to success and we provide up to 27 discretionary time off days (sick and vacation) in addition to 28 paid office closures and holiday days in your first year of employment. 
  • Financial Security: Immediately you can enroll in our 401(k) plan with a match of up to 4%. Additionally, life insurance that is 1x your salary is paid for by College Track with the option to purchase additional coverage

How To Apply [Priority Deadline is August 21]

We'd love to get to know you. To apply, fill out the application and upload your resume. A cover letter is optional. You might consider submitting a cover letter if there is something you want to tell us about your experience that isn't highlighted on your resume or if you are new to the fields of college access and college success. Applications will still be accepted after the priority deadline.

College Track is an equal-opportunity employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce. College Track does not discriminate based on race, age, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression and strongly encourages all to apply.

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