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What's the salary outlook for Orderly and is it growing?

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Medical & WelfareStable

Orderly

Operational-level

Also known as: Attendant, Cart Attendant, Clinical Support Associate, Emergency Room Orderly

Medical & WelfareBachelor's Degree

Job Description

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.
Patient TransportClinical SupportHospital OperationsPatient Care SupportHealthcareMedicalSupport ServicesLogisticsPatient CareMedical Support

A Day in the Life

You arrive at Metro General Hospital at 7:00 AM, the lobby already bustling. After clocking in, you head to the transport department to check your assignments on the digital whiteboard and grab your walkie-talkie. You pull on your navy scrubs, fresh gloves, and a mask, ready for the day's first patient. You quickly inspect a few wheelchairs and a stretcher, ensuring they’re clean and functional. The morning briefing is brief; the focus is on efficient patient flow and upcoming scheduled moves.

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Hot technologies
Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft Windows

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Projected growth

+4%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

7,200

per year (US)

Jobs today

52,800

in 2025 → 54,900 (2035)

Typical entry education

High school diploma or equivalent

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication
Moderate
Working in a team
High
Contact with others
High
Freedom to make decisions
High
Time pressure
High
Time spent sitting
Low
Working outdoors
Low
Indoor, climate-controlled
High
Dealing with customers
Moderate
Level of competition
Moderate

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Stable Job Market

This career has a stable outlook, with about 7,200 openings each year and a projected 4% employment growth through 2035. The median annual wage is around $38,290. You can advance by gaining experience or pursuing further education to become a Patient Care Technician or a Certified Nursing Assistant, taking on more responsibilities in direct patient care.

Career ladder

Often before this role

  • Entry-Level Healthcare Aide
  • Hospital Volunteer

Where it can lead

  • Patient Care Technician
  • Medical Assistant
  • Certified Nursing Assistant

Impact of AI on this Job

AI and automation will likely impact orderlies by taking over repetitive tasks like transporting patients, moving equipment, and routine cleaning within 5-10 years. This shift will likely reduce demand for purely physical tasks while elevating the role's focus towards direct human interaction, patient comfort, and supervising automated systems. Orderlies will increasingly collaborate with technology, emphasizing their interpersonal skills rather than being fully replaced.

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Salary

$38,290

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position

Relevant Studies

Based on job level & field

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Bachelor • Healthcare & Life Sciences • 4 years

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Electrocardiograph Technology/Technician

Bachelor • Healthcare & Life Sciences • 4 years

Medication Aide

Bachelor • Healthcare & Life Sciences • 4 years

Healthcare Assistance

Vocational • Healthcare & Life Sciences • 1 year

Medical Assistance

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