What Orderlies do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Orderlies this way: "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 core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Carry messages or documents between departments"; "Change soiled linens, such as bed linens, drapes, or cubicle curtains"; "Clean equipment, such as wheelchairs, hospital beds, or portable medical equipment, documenting needed repairs or maintenance"; "Disinfect or sterilize equipment or supplies, using germicides or sterilizing equipment"; "Lift or assist others to lift patients to move them on or off beds, examination tables, surgical tables, or stretchers".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is high school diploma or equivalent. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is short-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Orderlies
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 52,800 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 54,900 in 2035, an increase of 2,100 jobs (+4%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 7,200 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 13.6% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $38,290, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Orderlies earn the most
Across the 2 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $44,515 in New York to $44,990 in New Jersey, a gap of $476 (1.01 times). 2 of those 2 states average above the BLS national median of $38,290 and 0 average at or below it.
New Jersey employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 7,350, which is 53.8% of the 13,650 counted across them. New York follows with 6,300.
Highest-paying states
New Jersey ($44,990) and New York ($44,515) lead the ranking, while New York ($44,515) and New Jersey ($44,990) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Occupations related to Orderlies
Nursing Assistants belong to the same detailed SOC group. Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (31-1000) include Home Health and Personal Care Aides.
Frequently asked questions about Orderlies
How much do Orderlies earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $38,290. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $44,515 to $44,990.
Which state pays Orderlies the most?
New Jersey, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $44,990. New York is next at $44,515.
Is Orderlies a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to grow by 4% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 7,200 openings a year.
What education do Orderlies need?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent and short-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.