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How much do residential assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for residential assistant in Silver Spring, MD is $16.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $18.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a residential assistant?

Residential Assistants (RAs) are student leaders who help manage residence halls or dormitories in colleges and universities. They support and mentor students living on campus, enforce residence life policies, and organize community-building activities. RAs act as a resource for residents, provide guidance during conflicts, and help ensure a positive living environment. They often receive training in leadership, crisis management, and communication to effectively assist their peers.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a residential assistant?

To thrive as a Residential Assistant, you need strong organizational skills, problem-solving abilities, and a background in student services or related experience, often acquired through campus training programs. Familiarity with incident reporting systems, campus safety protocols, and communication platforms is typically required. Interpersonal skills, empathy, and conflict resolution abilities help RAs build community and support residents effectively. These skills are vital for fostering a safe, inclusive living environment and addressing resident needs promptly.

What challenges do residential assistants face and how are they addressed?

Residential Assistants (RAs) often encounter challenges such as mediating roommate conflicts, managing emergencies, and balancing their own academic responsibilities with their RA duties. Effective communication, strong organizational skills, and regular training sessions help RAs address these challenges. Additionally, RAs typically have access to a supervisor and campus resources to support them in resolving complex situations, ensuring they are not handling difficult issues alone.

What is the difference between Residential Assistant vs Resident Advisor?

AspectResidential AssistantResident Advisor
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some positions may require college courseworkHigh school diploma or equivalent; college coursework preferred
Work EnvironmentOn-campus housing, dormitories, student residencesOn-campus housing, dormitories, student residences
Employer & IndustryColleges, universities, student housing providersColleges, universities, student housing providers
Primary ResponsibilitiesAssist residents, enforce rules, organize activitiesSupport residents, promote community, enforce policies

Both Residential Assistants and Resident Advisors work in student housing environments, assisting residents and fostering community. The terms are often used interchangeably, but 'Resident Advisor' is more common in university settings, while 'Residential Assistant' may be used in broader housing contexts. Both roles require similar credentials and focus on student support and safety.

How to become a residential assistant?

To become a residential assistant, candidates typically need to be enrolled in a college or university, demonstrate strong communication and leadership skills, and apply through their institution's housing or student affairs office. Some positions require previous experience in student leadership or related roles, and applicants may need to complete an interview or training process before starting the position.

Is it hard to get a residential assistant position?

Securing a residential assistant position can be competitive, as it often requires relevant experience, good communication skills, and sometimes specific certifications. Applicants typically need to demonstrate responsibility, conflict resolution abilities, and a willingness to work flexible hours. The difficulty varies depending on the institution and the number of available positions.

What are the most commonly searched types of Residential jobs in Silver Spring, MD?

The most popular types of Residential jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Residential Assistant jobs?

Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Residential Assistant job openings:

Residential Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Residential Assistant job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,838 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Residential Assistant

Ellicott City, MD • On-site

Linwood Center, Inc
Non-Profits • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Linwood Center, Incexternal

$18.36/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

($500 Sign-On Bonus)

To face up against the challenge of making a positive change requires a lot of passion and inner-drive. At Linwood Center we pride ourselves on offering a strong network to provide the tools and support you need in order to tackle this task head-on. We understand the evolving field of Autism and want to offer a place where our employees can grow and learn along with program participants.

The work we do is rewarding, but it is not without its challenges so we provide a range of comprehensive benefits in order to ensure that you are meeting a work/life balance that allows you to be your best self at work.   

Linwood Center currently offers the following benefits to eligible employees:   

  • Competitive Pay
  • Annual/Sick Leave
  • Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
  • Prescription Drug Coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Company paid Life Insurance
  • Voluntary Life Insurance
  • Voluntary Short Term Disability Insurance
  • Company Paid Long Term Disability Insurance
  • 401k with a Company Match
  • 14 Paid Holidays
  • 3 Personal Days
  • Employee Assistance
  • Bereavement Leave  
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Paid Orientation
  • Paid Training

The opportunity:

The Residential Assistant is responsible for providing support to the individuals living in Linwood’s residences. The Residential Assistant assists in the implementation of each resident’s Individual Plan (IP) and Behavior Plan (BP). This support includes facilitating the resident’s achievement of personalized goals that are tailored to his/her needs and ability. The Residential Assistant will work cooperatively with other assistants in the home, the House Manager, Senior Residential Managers and other staff.

Essential Responsibilities: 

  • Participation in the development of the IP and Behavior Plans for each of the individuals in the house and implementing and documenting the portion of the plan(s) related to the individual in the residential program.
  • Providing guidance to the individuals in the house to ensure the following:
    • That the house, the appliances, the vehicles and the equipment are safe, operational and in good working order.
    • That the individuals are engaged in meaningful activities that address the outcomes in their IPs.
    • That the fundamental rights of each adult in the house are protected.
  • Supervising and assisting the individuals in the house with menus, food preparation, housekeeping, personal care, laundry and other activities of daily living.
  • Planning and coordinating appropriate leisure, social and daily living activities in the residence and in the community. This includes transporting the individuals to and from their destinations.  These activities also include shopping trips and medical, dental and mental health appointments.
  • During medical, dental and mental health appointments, the Residential Assistant is an agent of Linwood and will exchange appropriate and accurate information with the healthcare professional and interact with the pharmacist to obtain medications. The Residential Assistant shall be trained by the nursing staff commissioned by Linwood and will carry out duties as a Certified Medication Technician delegated by the nurses as prescribed by the Board of Nursing and DDA.
  • Assuming responsibility for the individuals in the house during the day when they are unable to attend the day program (e.g. for illness, inclement weather, closings, etc.). The supervisor will make every effort to arrange coverage, however, the final responsibility rests on the residential staff.
  • Meeting deadlines and completing all necessary paperwork, in conjunction with the House Manager. This includes quarterly reports, monthly reports, fire drill records, attendance records, weight charts, house receipts, daily log book, etc.
  • When directed by the House Manager, the Residential Assistant will be required to attend and participate in clinical meetings and medication reviews.
  • Accounting for money that belongs to the individuals per Linwood’s policy and procedure regarding the Protection of Finances and Personal Property.

You are:

  • At least 21 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Must have a MD driver's license.
  •  Patience, compassion, and a desire to work with people with disabilities.
  • Effective in oral and written communication
  • Able to pass a criminal background and drug screening 

Please note the following:  

  • Candidates that are referred to Linwood Center by an employment, or temporary agency are not eligible to receive a Sign-On-Bonus for positions that qualify for a Sign-On-Bonus. 

Weekday evening hours and weekend schedule are available.

Rate: $18.36 Per Hour

Linwood Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer
 

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