Orderlies
SOC Code: 31-1132Also known as:
Attendant, Cart Attendant, Clinical Support Associate, Emergency Room Orderly, Hospice Entrance Attendant
Median Annual Salary
$37,700
+3.3% growth (2024-2034)
8K
Openings/Year
54K
Current Jobs
What Orderlies Do
Transport patients to areas such as operating rooms or x-ray rooms using wheelchairs, stretchers, or moveable beds. May maintain stocks of supplies or clean and transport equipment. Psychiatric orderlies are included in Psychiatric Aides.
💰 Salary
$37,700
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+3.3%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
8K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Short-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
54,000
Projected Employment (2034)
55,800
Related Careers
Surgical assistants
$60,290 •
+5.1% growth
Nursing assistants
$39,530 •
+2.3% growth
Physical therapist aides
$34,520 •
+2.8% growth
Ambulance drivers and attendants, except emergency medical technicians
$34,330 •
-1.3% growth
Top Skills Required
Social Perceptiveness
Service Orientation
Active Listening
Speaking
Coordination
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Lift or assist others to lift patients to move them on or off beds, examination tables, surgical tables, or stretchers.
- Transport patients to treatment units, testing units, operating rooms, or other areas, using wheelchairs, stretchers, or moveable beds.
- Disinfect or sterilize equipment or supplies, using germicides or sterilizing equipment.
- Clean equipment, such as wheelchairs, hospital beds, or portable medical equipment, documenting needed repairs or maintenance.
- Respond to emergency situations, such as emergency medical calls, security calls, or fire alarms.
- Change soiled linens, such as bed linens, drapes, or cubicle curtains.
- Carry messages or documents between departments.
- Transport portable medical equipment or medical supplies between rooms or departments.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
College Rankings
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do orderlies make?
The median annual salary for orderlies is $37,700.
What education do orderlies need?
Most orderlies positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Is becoming orderlies a good career choice?
Orderlies is projected to see +3.3% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 7,800 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for orderlies?
The best colleges offer strong programs in related fields with experienced faculty and industry connections.
What other job titles are similar to orderlies?
Orderlies may also be known as: Attendant, Cart Attendant, Clinical Support Associate, Emergency Room Orderly, Hospice Entrance Attendant, Hospital Corpsman, Hospital Orderly, Infirmary Attendant, Institutional Aide, Medical Orderly, Medical Transporter, New Patient Escort, Operating Room Aide, Operating Room Assistant, Operating Room Orderly, Orderly, Patient Care Assistant (PCA), Patient Care Associate, Patient Care Technician (PCT), Patient Escort.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.