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 $37,700 per year, ranking in the top 90% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +3.3% job growth through 2034, 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 $37,700. That puts orderlies at #727 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 +3.3%, projected to grow at roughly the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 54K positions in 2024 to 55K in 2034, a net change of 1K. Average growth signals a healthy, resilient occupation that mirrors broader U.S. employment trends. Job availability tends to track regional economic conditions.

What do orderlies do every day?

According to O*NET task surveys of working orderlies, these are the core responsibilities most professionals perform. This is what your teen would actually be doing in this role.

1. 1.Disinfect or sterilize equipment or supplies, using germicides or sterilizing equipment.
2. 2.Change soiled linens, such as bed linens, drapes, or cubicle curtains.
3. 3.Carry messages or documents between departments.
4. 4.Transport portable medical equipment or medical supplies between rooms or departments.
5. 5.Transport patients to treatment units, testing units, operating rooms, or other areas, using wheelchairs, stretchers, or moveable beds.
6. 6.Lift or assist others to lift patients to move them on or off beds, examination tables, surgical tables, or stretchers.
7. 7.Clean equipment, such as wheelchairs, hospital beds, or portable medical equipment, documenting needed repairs or maintenance.
8. 8.Respond to emergency situations, such as emergency medical calls, security calls, or fire alarms.

Top skills for orderlies

O*NET ranks these as the most important skills for this occupation, on a 1–5 importance scale derived from worker surveys.

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

• Occupational Therapy Assistants
  $68,340 median
• Physical Therapist Assistants
  $65,510 median
• Massage Therapists
  $57,950 median
• Dental Assistants
  $47,300 median
• Medical Equipment Preparers
  $46,490 median
• Healthcare Support Workers, All Other
  $46,050 median

Common questions parents ask about orderlies