How Much Do Orderlies Make?
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Orderlies in the United States earn an average annual salary of $38,440, or $18.48 per hour, according to recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. With nearly 49,000 professionals employed in this role nationwide, orderlies play a vital part in the health care system.
These unsung heroes of the medical world are responsible for transporting patients, cleaning equipment, and assisting with various tasks to keep health care facilities running smoothly. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the world of orderlies, exploring how their salaries and job opportunities differ across various locations. We'll also compare this profession to similar roles in the health care industry, providing valuable insights for those considering a career as an orderly or looking to understand more about this essential occupation.
Highest Paying States for Orderlies
Orderlies, who play a crucial role in patient care and hospital operations, can see considerable differences in wages across the United States. The following are key takeaways about the highest-paying states for orderlies based on the latest data:
- California leads the nation with an average annual salary of $50,550 and an hourly mean wage of $24.30. This state also has the highest employment for orderlies, with 4,520 individuals working in this role.
- Washington offers the second-highest average annual salary at $46,600, with an hourly wage of $22.40, employing 340 orderlies.
- Hawaii follows closely, providing an average annual salary of $46,150 and an hourly rate of $22.19, although it employs a smaller number of orderlies at 80.
Other notable states include:
- New York, matching California in terms of employment numbers with 4,520 orderlies, offers an average annual salary of $44,270.
- Oregon and Minnesota round out the top five, with salaries of $43,580 and $42,850, respectively.
These states not only provide competitive compensation but also highlight regional differences in employment opportunities for orderlies.
Comparing Salaries of Health Care Support Roles
When we look at the average salaries for several health care support roles, it's clear that there's some variation in pay. Nursing assistants, with a total employment of over 1.35 million, earn an average annual salary of $39,610, which breaks down to about $19.04 per hour. Orderlies, who have a smaller workforce of 48,710 individuals, earn slightly less, with an average annual salary of $38,440 or $18.48 per hour.
Psychiatric aides, though fewer in number at 32,310 employed, earn the highest among these roles with an average annual salary of $41,000, translating to $19.71 per hour. This data suggests that psychiatric aides, who work closely with patients with mental health needs, receive a higher average pay compared to the other two roles, likely due to the specialized nature of their work.
Bottom Line
Orderlies are an essential part of the health care system, providing critical support through tasks such as patient transport and equipment cleaning. With an average annual salary of $38,440, or $18.48 per hour, orderlies are a vital workforce of nearly 49,000 professionals in the United States. However, salaries and job opportunities for orderlies can vary significantly across different locations.
For those considering a career as an orderly, it's important to note the following insights:
- Competitive Salaries in Certain States: States like California, Washington, and Hawaii offer the highest average salaries for orderlies, with California leading at $50,550 annually. These states also reflect regional differences in employment opportunities and compensation.
- Comparison with Similar Roles: Although orderlies earn slightly less than nursing assistants and psychiatric aides, they still play a crucial role in the health care support system. Psychiatric aides earn the highest salaries among these roles, likely due to the specialized nature of their work with mental health patients.
Overall, understanding the landscape of salaries and opportunities for orderlies can help individuals make informed decisions about pursuing this rewarding and indispensable career in health care.