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Healthcare

Orderlies

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.

Median salary (BLS)

$38,290

10th–90th percentile (BLS)

$32k – $51k

Job outlook

+3% (about average)

AI exposure

Plan a path to Orderlies

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Education

Typical entry: No degree required

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How to qualify

EstimateLicense required

Cost to qualify

$200–$1,150

Time to qualify

8 mo

Renewal

$75/yr

  1. 1

    High school diploma or GED

    Course

    Expected by most employers; if you need the GED, test fees run $0–$150 depending on the state.

    $0–$150 · 3 months · varies by state source

  2. 2

    On-the-job training

    Experience

    Employer-provided and typically paid — days to a few months for most no-degree roles.

    Cost varies · 3 months source

  3. 3

    National & state licensure

    License

    A national board/registry exam plus a state license application (the NCLEX pattern). Exact exam and fees depend on the role and state.

    $200–$1,000 · 2 months · varies by state · renews every 2 yr source

Estimated typical U.S. route for "Orderlies" — built from BLS education requirements and College Board 2024–25 average published prices (public, in-state tuition + fees + books). Not yet verified against a specific state's licensing rules — confirm with your state licensing board or program.

Typical progression

  1. Junior Orderlies

    Entry / Junior

    $32,240

    ~2 yrs to advance

  2. Orderlies

    Established

    $38,290

    ~3 yrs to advance

  3. Senior Orderlies

    Senior

    $44,445

Key skills

A typical 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.

Fields of study

Any field

Top colleges for Healthcare

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Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.