Orderlies
SOC code 31-1132 · O*NET-SOC 31-1132.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Healthcare
Orderlies pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$38,290
a year
Hourly
$18.41
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$40,660
$19.55 per hour
Middle 50%
$35,570 – $44,560
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$32,240 – $50,600
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
52,440
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $32,240
- $15.50/hr
- 25th percentile
- $35,570
- $17.10/hr
- Median percentile
- $38,290
- $18.41/hr
- 75th percentile
- $44,560
- $21.42/hr
- 90th percentile
- $50,600
- $24.33/hr
What does an orderly 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.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- 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.
- Clean and sanitize patient rooms, bathrooms, examination rooms, or other patient areas.
- Collect and transport infectious or hazardous waste in closed containers for sterilization or disposal, in accordance with applicable law, standards, or policies.
How to become an orderly
Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 89% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)89%
- Less than a High School Diploma7%
- Post-Secondary Certificate4%
Common questions
How much does an orderly earn?
The national median is $38,290 a year. The full range runs from $32,240 at the 10th percentile to $50,600 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become an orderly without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Active Listening3.1/5
- Speaking3.0/5
- Critical Thinking2.8/5
- Writing2.6/5
- Monitoring2.6/5
- Reading Comprehension2.5/5
Knowledge areas
- Customer and Personal Service4.2/5
- Public Safety and Security3.1/5
- English Language3.0/5
- Transportation2.5/5
Transferable strengths: Social Perceptiveness, Service Orientation, Coordination, Judgment and Decision Making.