Career comparison
Occupational Therapy Aide vs. Orderly
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Occupational therapy aides earn more at the median ($39,160 vs. $38,290), while occupational therapy aides usually get to work faster (1–4 weeks of training). Occupational therapy aides prepare therapy areas and help occupational therapy teams. Orderlies move patients and equipment and help keep hospital units running.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Occupational Therapy Aide | Orderly | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $39,160 ($18.83/hr) | $38,290 ($18.41/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $29,430 – $70,200 | $32,240 – $50,600 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +3.6% (about as fast as average) | +4.0% (about as fast as average) |
| Openings per year | 600 | 7,200 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | 1–4 weeks | 1–4 weeks |
| Key credential | CPR | BLS CPR |
| Work setting | Aides work in hospitals, rehab centers and outpatient clinics.. | Orderlies work in hospitals and nursing facilities, walking much of the day.. |
What each job does
Occupational Therapy Aide
- Prepare treatment areas
- Clean and organize equipment
- Transport patients
- Schedule appointments
- Assist with activities under supervision
Orderly
- Transport patients
- Help move and reposition patients
- Deliver equipment and supplies
- Clean and set up rooms
- Deliver specimens
How they’re similar
Both careers involve helping others and teamwork. Both are part of the healthcare field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose occupational therapy aide if…
- I want to explore therapy careers
- I’m organized
- I like helping
Choose orderly if…
- I want to start in healthcare
- I like being active
- I’m kind and dependable
Still torn? Take the Occupational Therapy Aide fit quiz and the Orderly fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, occupational therapy aide or orderly?
Occupational Therapy Aides earn more at the median: $39,160 versus $38,290 for orderlies, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Occupational Therapy Aides typically train faster (1–4 weeks) than orderlies (1–4 weeks).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects orderlies to grow +4.0% from 2025–35, compared with +3.6% for occupational therapy aides.