Orderlies: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

Orderlies fall under the Healthcare Support category in the U.S. occupational classification. Orderlies earn a median salary of $38,290 per year, ranking in the top 91% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +4.0% job growth through 2035, projected to grow at roughly the US average. Entry into this field typically requires an associate degree or accredited postsecondary certificate, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.

What do orderlies earn?

The median annual wage for orderlies is $38,290. That puts orderlies at #748 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. This salary is around or below the U.S. median for individual workers, so career growth often depends on advancement into supervisory roles, specialization, or additional credentials. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.

Is orderlies a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for orderlies is +4.0%, projected to grow at roughly the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 52K positions in 2024 to 54K in 2034, a net change of 2K. Average growth signals a healthy, resilient occupation that mirrors broader U.S. employment trends. Job availability tends to track regional economic conditions.

What education does my child need to become orderlie?

Entry into orderlies typically requires an associate degree or accredited postsecondary certificate, often coupled with state licensing exams or clinical hours. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.

Related careers your child might also consider

• Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
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• Physical Therapist Aides
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• Occupational Therapy Assistants
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• Physical Therapist Assistants
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• Massage Therapists
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Common questions parents ask about orderlies