Baggage Porters and Bellhops
SOC code 39-6011 · O*NET-SOC 39-6011.00 · Little to some preparation needed
Baggage Porters and Bellhops pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$37,080
a year
Hourly
$17.83
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$38,570
$18.54 per hour
Middle 50%
$31,200 – $44,130
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$27,040 – $51,600
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
28,510
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $27,040
- $13.00/hr
- 25th percentile
- $31,200
- $15.00/hr
- Median percentile
- $37,080
- $17.83/hr
- 75th percentile
- $44,130
- $21.22/hr
- 90th percentile
- $51,600
- $24.81/hr
What do baggage porters and bellhops do?
Handle baggage for travelers at transportation terminals or for guests at hotels or similar establishments.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- 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 travelers and guests with disabilities.
How to qualify for this work
Most people in this role hold less than a high school diploma — 42% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Less than a High School Diploma42%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)41%
- Some College Courses9%
- Post-Secondary Certificate8%
Common questions
How much does a baggage porters and bellhops earn?
The national median is $37,080 a year. The full range runs from $27,040 at the 10th percentile to $51,600 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a baggage porters and bellhops without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Active Listening3.6/5
- Speaking3.6/5
- Critical Thinking3.0/5
- Reading Comprehension2.9/5
- Monitoring2.9/5
Knowledge areas
- Customer and Personal Service4.6/5
- English Language3.7/5
- Public Safety and Security3.4/5
- Transportation3.4/5
- Sales and Marketing2.8/5
- Education and Training2.7/5
- Computers and Electronics2.7/5
- Telecommunications2.5/5
Transferable strengths: Service Orientation, Coordination, Social Perceptiveness, Complex Problem Solving, Time Management.