Orderlies
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.
Also called: Attendant, Cart Attendant, Clinical Support Associate, Emergency Room Orderly, Hospice Entrance Attendant, Hospital Corpsman
Median pay
$38,290
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$32,240 – $50,600
People employed
52,440
Holland code
RCS
Realistic · Conventional · Social
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you happy talking and working with people most of the day?
- 2.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
- 3.Are you OK repeating the same tasks most of the day?
- 4.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
- 5.Do you work well under tight deadlines?
- 6.Do you want the same hours every week?
- 7.Do you want to lead or coordinate other people’s work?
The hard parts
- Exposure to disease or infection
- Long hours on your feet
- Tight deadlines are common
Orderlies pay by state
Annual median pay by state (46 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What orderlies do
- 01Lift or assist others to lift patients to move them on or off beds, examination tables, surgical tables, or stretchers.
- 02Transport patients to treatment units, testing units, operating rooms, or other areas, using wheelchairs, stretchers, or moveable beds.
- 03Disinfect or sterilize equipment or supplies, using germicides or sterilizing equipment.
- 04Clean equipment, such as wheelchairs, hospital beds, or portable medical equipment, documenting needed repairs or maintenance.
- 05Respond to emergency situations, such as emergency medical calls, security calls, or fire alarms.
- 06Change soiled linens, such as bed linens, drapes, or cubicle curtains.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Writing
- Reading Comprehension
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service
- Public Safety and Security
- English Language
- Transportation
- Education and Training
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Cooperation
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from orderlies
- Physical Therapist Aides87% · −8%
- Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians85% · −7%
- Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners79% · −7%
- School Bus Monitors78% · −8%
- Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers77% · −12%
Change into orderlies
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians85% · $35,450
- Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers83% · $33,580
- Funeral Attendants81% · $35,680
- Passenger Attendants80% · $37,720
- Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners79% · $35,510