Orderlies
SOC Code: 31-1132
Orderlies carries a 15% AI exposure score (Low automation risk), with a median annual wage of $37,700 and +3.3% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 54,000 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Orderlies (SOC 31-1132) carries an AI exposure score of 15%, placing it in the Low automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 54,000 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +3.3% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $37,700, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Orderlies. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Lift or assist others to lift patients to move them on or off beds, examination tables, surgical tables, or stretchers.
- 2. Transport patients to treatment units, testing units, operating rooms, or other areas, using wheelchairs, stretchers, or moveable beds.
- 3. Disinfect or sterilize equipment or supplies, using germicides or sterilizing equipment.
- 4. Clean equipment, such as wheelchairs, hospital beds, or portable medical equipment, documenting needed repairs or maintenance.
- 5. Respond to emergency situations, such as emergency medical calls, security calls, or fire alarms.
- 6. Change soiled linens, such as bed linens, drapes, or cubicle curtains.
- 7. Clean and sanitize patient rooms, bathrooms, examination rooms, or other patient areas.
- 8. Collect and transport infectious or hazardous waste in closed containers for sterilization or disposal, in accordance with applicable law, standards, or policies.
- 9. Transport specimens, laboratory items, or pharmacy items, ensuring proper documentation and delivery to authorized personnel.
- 10. Collect soiled linen or trash.
Key Skills Required
- Social Perceptiveness
- Service Orientation
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Coordination
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
- Monitoring
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Reading Comprehension
Knowledge Areas
- Customer and Personal Service
- Public Safety and Security
- English Language
- Transportation
- Education and Training
- Psychology
- Telecommunications
- Administration and Management
- Communications and Media
- Foreign Language
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Orderlies?
Orderlies has an AI exposure score of 15%, indicating a low level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Orderlies?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Orderlies is projected to grow by 3.3% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 54,000 workers.
What skills are needed for Orderlies?
Key skills for Orderlies include Social Perceptiveness, Service Orientation, Active Listening, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Orderlies earn?
The median annual wage for Orderlies is $37,700, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Orderlies?
The typical entry-level education for Orderlies is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Short-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Orderlies?
Orderlies roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Low automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).