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.
Common Job Titles
- Patient Care Assistant (PCA)
- Patient Care Technician (PCT)
- Patient Transporter
- Transporter
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- Hands-onPerform patient transport using wheelchairs, stretchers, and moveable beds to operating rooms, diagnostic imaging areas, and treatment facilities following safety protocols.Developing
- Hands-onOperate hydraulic patient lifts and transfer equipment when repositioning or moving patients with mobility limitations under nursing supervision.Developing
- MindsetEngage with patients demonstrating empathy and cultural sensitivity during transport and care activities to reduce anxiety and ensure comfort.Developing
- KnowledgeIdentify patient safety risks and mobility needs through observation and communication with nursing staff before transport.Developing
- Hands-onHandle medical equipment and supplies including oxygen therapy equipment, hospital beds, and monitoring devices during patient care.Developing
- KnowledgeApply infection control and safety procedures when cleaning equipment, maintaining supply stocks, and transporting patients in healthcare settings.Developing
- MindsetRespond to patient requests and concerns with patience and professionalism while coordinating with interdisciplinary healthcare teams.Developing
- KnowledgeDistinguish priority levels for patient transport requests based on medical urgency and procedural schedules under time constraints.Developing
- Hands-onExecute patient positioning and body mechanics techniques to prevent injury to self and patients during transfers and ambulation assistance.Developing
- KnowledgeExplain transport procedures and destination information to patients using clear communication adapted to patient comprehension levels.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Orderlies (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
53,020
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $31,610. 25th percentile: U.S. $34,850. 50th percentile: U.S. $37,700. 75th percentile: U.S. $43,160. 90th percentile: U.S. $49,570. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $31,610 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $49,570 |
| Workers on average earn | $40,070 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Customer and Personal Service4.2/5
- Public Safety and Security3.1/5
- English Language3.0/5
- Transportation2.5/5
- Education and Training2.4/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Windows
Technology Skills
- Electronic medical record EMR software
- GE Healthcare Centricity EMR
- Medical record charting software
Tools & Equipment
- Adjustable hospital beds
- Automated blood pressure cuffs
- Automated external defibrillators AED
- Desktop computers
- Electronic patient thermometers
- Hydraulic patient lifts
- Laptop computers
- Manual blood pressure equipment