Career Profile: Baggage Porters and Bellhops

Salary and Outlook

According to the US Department of Labor, there are 21,700 people employed as baggage porters and bellhops in the United States. The median annual salary is $29,120. Entry level employees earn approximately $18,520 per year and senior employees earn approximately $39,040 per year.

Estimates do not include other potential benefits such as health insurance, overtime, or retirement benefits that may be offered by employers.

Job Duties

• Receive and mark baggage by completing and attaching claim checks.
• Greet incoming guests and escort them to their rooms.
• Transport guests about premises and local areas, or arrange for transportation.
• Maintain clean lobbies or entrance areas for travelers or guests.
• Transfer luggage, trunks, and packages to and from rooms, loading areas, vehicles, or transportation terminals, by hand or using baggage carts.
• Supply guests or travelers with directions, travel information, and other information, such as available services and points of interest.
• Explain the operation of room features, such as locks, ventilation systems, and televisions.
• Assist physically challenged travelers and other guests with special needs.
• Page guests in hotel lobbies, dining rooms, or other areas.
• Set up conference rooms, display tables, racks, or shelves, and arrange merchandise displays for sales personnel.
• Inspect guests' rooms to ensure that they are adequately stocked, orderly, and comfortable.
• Complete baggage insurance forms.
• Arrange for shipments of baggage, express mail, and parcels by providing weighing and billing services.
• Deliver messages and room service orders, and run errands for guests.
• Pick up and return items for laundry and valet service.
• Act as part of the security team at transportation terminals, hotels, or similar establishments.
• Compute and complete charge slips for services rendered and maintain records.

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