How much does a orderly make?

In the U.S., pay can vary with experience and job skills, CPR/BLS certification, employer type, and location; BLS reports differences across industries and areas. Night, weekend, or holiday shifts may also affect total pay.

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. Excludes “Nursing Assistants” (31-1131). Psychiatric orderlies are included in “Psychiatric Aides” (31-1133).

What's a typical day like?

They wheel patients on beds, stretchers, or wheelchairs to places like X-ray or surgery, then clean equipment and treatment areas. Between trips, they may change linens and restock supplies.

In the U.S., most orderlies start after earning a high school diploma or GED, then learn the facility's procedures through short on-the-job training. No license is needed, but some employers require CPR or basic life support certification.

High school plus some training (preparation level 2 of 5)

Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.

An orderly may carry lab samples and infectious waste in sealed containers—not just patients.