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
Pre-filled with the median residential advisor salary in Washington, DC. Enter your own offer to see your paycheck.
- 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.
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 #13 of 34 metro areas once taxes and local prices are taken into account.
| # | Metro area | Median salary | Take-home | Real value* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Seattle, WA | $54,310 | $45,818 | $41,228 |
| 2 | Minneapolis, MN | $52,410 | $42,251 | $40,307 |
| 3 | Providence, RI | $48,850 | $40,216 | $39,515 |
| 4 | Austin, TX | $44,480 | $37,920 | $38,668 |
| 5 | San Francisco, CA | $54,510 | $43,950 | $38,015 |
| 6 | Columbus, OH | $41,930 | $35,500 | $37,185 |
| 7 | Augusta, GA | $41,480 | $33,979 | $36,973 |
| 8 | Worcester, MA | $47,010 | $37,822 | $36,891 |
| 13 | Washington, DC | $47,010 | $38,298 | $35,173 |
*Take-home pay divided by the BEA price level, so every city is measured in U.S.-average dollars. See all 34 metros →
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 #13 of 34 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%.
Related jobs in Washington, DC
- First-Line Supervisor of Personal Service Workers — $53,310
- Animal Trainer — $50,460
- First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services — $49,300
- Skincare Specialist — $46,620
- Exercise Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor — $46,190
- Tour and Travel Guide — $46,130
- Recreation Worker — $42,800
- Manicurist and Pedicurist — $42,040
- Concierge — $38,810
- Baggage Porter and Bellhop — $38,700
- Amusement and Recreation Attendant — $38,000
- Animal Caretaker — $37,710