Healthcare Support
Orderlies
Also called: Attendant, Operating Room Assistant, Orderly, Patient Care Assistant (PCA)
US median pay
$38,290
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+4%
about average or slower
Openings a year (US)
7,200
52,800 employed
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
Preparation 2/5 · Some preparation
What this job is
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.
What they do 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.
- Carry messages or documents between departments.
- Transport portable medical equipment or medical supplies between rooms or departments.
- 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.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Social Perceptiveness3.4/5
- Service Orientation3.4/5
- Coordination2.9/5
- Judgment and Decision Making2.6/5
- Time Management2.5/5
- Negotiation2.4/5
- Persuasion2.2/5
- Complex Problem Solving2.2/5
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service4.2/5
- Public Safety and Security3.1/5
- English Language3.0/5
- Transportation2.5/5
- Education and Training2.4/5
- Psychology2.4/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 2 of 5 — Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma; some previous work experience or training helps.
Typical entry education (BLS): High school diploma or equivalent.
Highest education of people in this job:
- High school diploma89%
Who this job suits
Mostly Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Social
Helping, teaching and caring for people
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.