Residential Advisor Salary in Washington, DC
Residential Advisors in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro area earn a median $47,010 a year — 11% more than the national median. After 2026 taxes, that is $38,298 take-home, or $3,191 a month.
Take-home pay calculator
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- Federal income tax$3,461
- Social Security (6.2%)$2,915
- Medicare (1.45%)$682
- District of Columbia income tax$1,655
- Take-home pay$38,298
Marginal rate: 12% federal + 6.00% state
The Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro spans District of Columbia, Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia. Pick the state you live in — state income tax follows your residence.
Got an offer somewhere else? Compare it with this one after taxes and rent →
Residential Advisor pay by experience in Washington, DC
| Percentile | Salary | Hourly | Take-home / yr | Per month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $36,600 | $17.60 | $30,558 | $2,547 |
| 25th percentile | $38,600 | $18.56 | $32,045 | $2,670 |
| Median (50th) | $47,010 | $22.60 | $38,298 | $3,191 |
| 75th percentile | $54,340 | $26.13 | $43,748 | $3,646 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $66,300 | $31.88 | $52,589 | $4,382 |
Wages: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. Take-home: single filer, District of Columbia resident, 2026 tax rules.
What $47,010 buys in Washington, DC
Prices in Washington, DC are 8.9% higher than the U.S. average (housing costs are 1.51× the national average). Adjusted for local prices, a median residential advisor's $38,298 take-home pay has the buying power of $35,173 in a typical American city.
Rents: HUD Fair Market Rents, FY2026 (40th-percentile gross rent incl. utilities). Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024.
Washington, DC has 1.8× the national concentration of residential advisor jobs — a strong local market for this occupation.
Best-paying cities for residential advisors, adjusted for cost of living
Washington, DC ranks #2 of 4 metro areas once taxes and local prices are taken into account.
| # | Metro area | Median salary | Take-home | Real value* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Boston, MA | $48,830 | $39,193 | $36,201 |
| 2 | Washington, DC | $47,010 | $38,298 | $35,173 |
| 3 | New York, NY | $47,510 | $38,386 | $34,102 |
| 4 | Los Angeles, CA | $45,240 | $37,143 | $32,706 |
*Take-home pay divided by the BEA price level, so every city is measured in U.S.-average dollars. See all 4 metros →
About the job: residential advisors
Coordinate activities in resident facilities in secondary school and college dormitories, group homes, or similar establishments. Order supplies and determine need for maintenance, repairs, and furnishings. May maintain household records and assign rooms. May assist residents with problem solving or refer them to counseling resources.
- Typical education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Work experience
- None required
- On-the-job training
- Short-term on-the-job training
- Job outlook, 2025–35
- +3.5% (about average)
Source: BLS Standard Occupational Classification and Employment Projections, 2025–35.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a residential advisor make in Washington, DC?
The median residential advisor salary in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro area is $47,010 a year, or about $22.60 an hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025). The middle half earn between $38,600 and $54,340.
What is a residential advisor’s take-home pay in Washington, DC?
On the median $47,010 salary, a single filer living in District of Columbia takes home about $38,298 a year ($3,191 a month) after federal tax, Social Security, Medicare and $1,655 in District of Columbia taxes in 2026.
Is Washington, DC a good place to work as a residential advisor?
Pay here is 11% above the national median of $42,240. Local prices are 8.9% above the U.S. average, so the take-home pay buys what $35,173 would in a typical U.S. city. Washington, DC ranks #2 of 4 metro areas for cost-of-living-adjusted pay in this job.
Can a residential advisor afford rent in Washington, DC?
HUD’s fair market rent for a one-bedroom in Washington, DC is $1,990 a month ($2,223 for two bedrooms) — 62% of a median residential advisor’s monthly take-home pay. Financial planners usually suggest keeping rent under about 30%.
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