Nursing assistants and orderlies

๐Ÿค Save Career

Nursing assistants and orderlies play a vital role in the US economy, with 1.5 million professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $39,430, with projected growth of 2% through 2034 (Slower than average).

$39,430
Median Salary
2%
Growth Rate
20%
AI Risk
No Degree Required
Education

๐Ÿ’ฐ Salary Range

$23,658$39,430 median$63,088

๐Ÿ“ˆ Growth Outlook

โžก๏ธ Stable โ€” 2% projected growth

๐Ÿค– AI Automation Risk

Very Low

This career is highly resistant to AI automation.

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AI Impact Deep Dive: Nursing assistants and orderlies

๐Ÿ”ฌ AI Impact Deep Dive: Nursing assistants and orderlies

AI Collaboration Score

4% โ€” Low

Measures how much AI tools are used as collaborative assistants in this role (0% = no AI involvement, 100% = AI-intensive workflow)

๐Ÿ”ฎ Future Outlook

The core duties of nursing assistants and orderliesโ€”such as bathing, dressing, and physically transferring patientsโ€”are highly manual and require real-time human presence in unpredictable physical environments. While AI may assist with peripheral tasks like recording vital signs or scheduling, the primary work product is physical care and interpersonal support, which remains largely insulated from AI automation.

Analysis based on Microsoft "Working with AI" research (2025), O*NET task data v30.2, and Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational projections. Updated March 2026.

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A Day in the Life

As a nursing assistants and orderlie, your day involves a mix of specialized tasks that require both expertise and adaptability. You work with colleagues, clients, or patients depending on the setting, applying your training to solve real-world problems.
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Career Outlook & Getting Started

Why It's Promising

With 2% projected growth and a median salary of $39,430, this career offers stable prospects. The large employment base (1.5M jobs) means abundant opportunities across the country.

How to Get Started

Entry typically requires see how to become one. Start by exploring relevant AP courses in high school, gaining hands-on experience through internships or volunteering, and connecting with professionals in the field.

Who Is It For

Anyone interested in nursing assistants and orderlies who wants to build a rewarding career in this field.

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Majors & Top Schools

Recommended Majors

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Nursing assistants and orderlies make in 2026?โ–ผ

The median salary for a Nursing assistants and orderlies is $39,430 per year. Entry-level positions start around $23,658, while experienced professionals can earn up to $63,088 depending on location, specialization, and industry.

How do I become a Nursing assistants and orderlies?โ–ผ

Entry typically requires see how to become one. Start by exploring relevant AP courses in high school, gaining hands-on experience through internships or volunteering, and connecting with professionals in the field. The typical education requirement is no degree required. Recommended majors include Nursing (BSN).

What degree do you need to be a Nursing assistants and orderlies?โ–ผ

Most Nursing assistants and orderlies positions require no degree required. The most relevant majors are Nursing (BSN). However, some professionals enter the field through alternative paths like bootcamps, certifications, or self-directed learning.

What AP courses should I take to become a Nursing assistants and orderlies?โ–ผ

Check PathLeap for personalized AP course recommendations for Nursing assistants and orderlies. The right AP courses depend on your target college major and career specialization.

What does a Nursing assistants and orderlies do on a daily basis?โ–ผ

As a nursing assistants and orderlie, your day involves a mix of specialized tasks that require both expertise and adaptability. You work with colleagues, clients, or patients depending on the setting, applying your training to solve real-world problems.

Is Nursing assistants and orderlies a good career in 2026?โ–ผ

With 2% projected growth and a median salary of $39,430, this career offers stable prospects. The large employment base (1.5M jobs) means abundant opportunities across the country. Job growth is projected at 2%, which is declining. The median salary of $39,430 also positions it competitively in the job market.

Will AI replace Nursing assistants and orderliess?โ–ผ

Nursing assistants and orderlies has an AI automation risk score of 20/100 (Very Low). This career is highly resistant to AI automation due to its need for human judgment, creativity, or physical presence.

What kind of person makes a good Nursing assistants and orderlies?โ–ผ

Anyone interested in nursing assistants and orderlies who wants to build a rewarding career in this field. Success in this role also depends on continuous learning and adaptability, especially as the field evolves with new technology and industry trends.

Is Nursing assistants and orderlies Right for You?

Take our career quiz to see how Nursing assistants and orderlies matches your personality. Get personalized AP course recommendations and see what similar students are exploring.

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