Personal Care & Service
Baggage Porters and Bellhops
Also called: Bell Captain, Bell Person, Bellhop, Bellman
US median pay
$37,080
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
-3%
declining
Openings a year (US)
3,800
29,200 employed
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
Preparation 2/5 · Some preparation
What this job is
Handle baggage for travelers at transportation terminals or for guests at hotels or similar establishments.
What they do 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.
- Deliver messages and room service orders, and run errands for guests.
- Pick up and return items for laundry and valet service.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Service Orientation3.8/5
- Coordination3.0/5
- Time Management2.9/5
- Social Perceptiveness2.9/5
- Complex Problem Solving2.9/5
- Judgment and Decision Making2.8/5
- Instructing2.5/5
- Operations Monitoring2.4/5
Knowledge
- 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
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 2 of 5 — Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma; some previous work experience or training helps.
Typical entry education (BLS): High school diploma or equivalent.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Less than high school42%
- High school diploma41%
Who this job suits
Mostly Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Social
Helping, teaching and caring for people
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.