Baggage Porters and Bellhops Salary 2025: $37,080 Median, Shrinking Jobs
The median baggage porter or bellhop earns $37,080 per year, which works out to roughly $18 per hour. The middle 80 percent of workers earn between $27,040 and $51,600, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates. Mean annual pay is $38,570.
How much Baggage Porters and Bellhops earn
Most baggage porters and bellhops are paid hourly plus tips. The BLS national median of $37,080 is a solid baseline, but actual earnings vary by hotel scale, city, and season. The top 10% earn over $51,600; the bottom 10% earn under $27,040.
- Median hourly wage (mean): $18.55
- Top industries: Traveler Accommodation (median $37,650), Casino Hotels ($37,360), Other Transportation Support ($37,930)
Pay by state
New York tops the list at $48,610 average. Hawaii ($42,240), New Jersey ($41,080), Massachusetts ($41,040), and Washington ($41,010) also pay well. At the low end, Mississippi averages $22,560, West Virginia $24,090, and Alabama $25,150.
How to become Baggage Porters and Bellhop
The job typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent. No formal certification is needed, but on-the-job training lasting a few weeks to a month is standard. Relevant experience in customer service or hospitality helps. Some hotels prefer candidates with a valid driver's license for parking cars or running errands.
- Get a high school diploma or GED
- Apply to hotels, resorts, or casinos directly
- Complete employer-provided training (usually 1-4 weeks)
- Consider earning CPR/first aid certification to stand out
Job outlook
Employment is expected to decline 1.6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 4,600 openings each year. The decline reflects automation (self-service kiosks, mobile check-in) and slower growth in traditional hotel jobs. However, turnover is high, so entry-level positions remain available.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary for a baggage porter or bellhop?
The mean annual wage is $38,570, and the median is $37,080. Hourly mean pay is about $18.55.
Do baggage porters and bellhops get tips?
Yes, tips are a significant part of total compensation. The BLS salary figures include tips as part of reported earnings.
What education do you need to become a bellhop?
A high school diploma or equivalent is usually required. No college degree is necessary, but customer service experience is valuable.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Baggage Porters and Bellhops data.