Working closely with a team of psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, therapists and social workers, mental health orderlies help care for individuals with emotional or mental impairments. A mental health orderly’s primary responsibilities include ensuring the comfort, safety and general well-being of patients in hospitals and mental health facilities.
Opportunities for specialization in mental health orderly careers include working with children, the elderly or individuals recovering from drug or alcohol addiction. Launching a mental health orderly career can begin by enrolling in the online Associate of Arts (AA) in Applied Psychology program from Florida Institute of Technology.
Job Outlook for Mental Health Orderlies
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not classify mental health orderlies as a specific occupational category, but the job could fall under several umbrella occupations, depending on the professional setting and specialized role. Here are BLS’ projected job growth rates for a number of related occupational categories, reflecting estimated employment increases from 2023 to 2033:
- Psychiatric technicians and aides: 13%
- Nursing assistants and orderlies: 4%
- Substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors: 19%
These job growth rates range between “as fast as” or “much faster than” the average growth of all occupations, according to BLS. Employment increases in the field will occur due to factors like the growing population and increases in the number of people in need of mental health services. The best job opportunities will likely be available to those with advanced education and experience
Mental Health Orderly Job Duties
Like most orderlies in health care settings, mental health orderlies perform a variety of tasks to advance a patient’s comfort, safety and mobility. Typical daily duties include helping patients bathe, dress and move about a facility for exercise, therapy or tests. They may assist patients with eating and drinking, as well as encouraging independence. These mental health professionals have a high level of contact with patients.
When working in psychiatric or mental health wards, orderlies and psychiatric aides are often responsible for keeping all patients safe by controlling the occasional violent behavior patients may exhibit. An additional requirement of this occupation is monitoring and communicating changes in a patient’s condition to doctors, psychiatrists and facility management.
Mental health orderlies usually work in health care settings, such as hospitals, mental health facilities, residential treatment centers and nursing care facilities. Physical activity, standing and walking are typical mental health orderly job activities. Most full-time orderlies work 40 hours per week. In the 24-hour healthcare industry, mental health orderlies may work weekend, evening and holiday hours. Part-time mental health orderly positions are typically available.
Potential Mental Health Orderly Salary
According to BLS, the median annual income for psychiatric technicians and aides was $39,610 in 2023. The highest-paid 50% earned more than $55,240. ZipRecruiter reports that hospital orderlies made an average salary of $53,420, as of March 2025, with top earners making roughly $138,000.
Clearly, wages in this profession can vary widely according to factors like professional setting and region as well as education, experience and specific role. Recent associate’s degree program graduates will typically start out at the lower end of the scale and move up in salary with experience and more education.
Education and Training for Mental Health Orderlies
While specific academic requirements vary by employer and location, many mental health orderly positions require a high school diploma and additional education, training or certification. Employers often look favorably on applicants with associate’s degrees.
A mental health orderly career can begin with an associate’s degree in applied psychology. Core coursework typically covers introductory psychology topics spanning human behavior, social dynamics and research methods.
Employers can be confident that graduates of an associate degree in applied psychology program are able to:
- Value the complexity of international diversity
- Characterize various psychological and interdisciplinary theories of human behavior
- Identify and develop solutions to problems in today’s organizations
- Recognize the value of ethical behavior
- Leverage advanced skills and knowledge to succeed as a mental health orderly
Some employers offer opportunities for continuing education. It’s possible to enter the field with an associate’s degree and use a tuition assistance program to pay for a bachelor’s degree.
The Path to a Mental Health Orderly Career
Patient and emotionally stable individuals with good communication and team skills may want to consider a career as a mental health orderly. This occupation requires good physical and emotional health, flexibility and strong problem-solving skills, as well as knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of psychology.
Further, a mental health orderly career can be an excellent stepping-stone to higher-level careers in psychology and health care. Earning an AA in applied psychology provides the educational foundation for success as a mental health orderly as well as rewarding careers beyond.
Learn more about Florida Tech’s online AA in Applied Psychology program.
