What Does a Bellhop Do? Duties, Pay & Outlook

What does a bellhop do?

Baggage porters and bellhops handle baggage for travelers at transportation terminals or for guests at hotels. The median pay is $37,080 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about A few days on the job, and employment is projected to grow -3.0% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

Median pay
$37,080
$17.83/hour · May 2025
Job growth
-3.0%
2025–35, a projected decline
Openings per year
3,800
Average, 2025–35
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
BLS classification
Time to train
A few days on the job
Typical program length
U.S. jobs
29,200
Employment, 2025

What bellhops do

Bellhops welcome guests. They unload and carry luggage, escort guests to rooms, explain hotel amenities, store bags, deliver packages and help with taxis and directions.

A high school diploma and short training are typical. BLS projects slight decline.

Typical duties

Greet guests
Carry luggage
Escort guests to rooms
Explain amenities
Store bags
Deliver items
Call taxis

Work environment and schedule

Bellhops work in hotel lobbies and at entrances.

Schedule: Shifts include weekends and holidays.

A day in the life

7:00 AMCheck the departure list.
8:00 AMBring down checkout bags.
10:00 AMStore luggage.
12:00 PMDeliver a package.

See a full day in the life of a bellhop →

Bellhop salary

Half of bellhops earned more than $37,080 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $27,040 for the lowest 10% to $51,600 for the top 10%.

$27,04010th$37,080Median$51,60090th

Full bellhop pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a bellhop

Apply to hotels
Learn hotel layout
Learn amenities
Build local knowledge
Advance

A high school diploma and short-term on-the-job training are typical.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a bellhop →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

Luggage handling
Guest service
Hotel knowledge
Local knowledge
Bag storage systems

People skills

Friendliness
Professionalism
Discretion
Energy

All bellhop skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

Tips
Friendly work
Short training
Hotel career path

Cons

Heavy bags
Standing
Tip-dependent income
Weekend work

Certifications and licenses

Hospitality training: Helpful.
Guest service certificate: AHLEI.
Driver’s license: For valet duties.
CPR: Helpful.

Career path

Bellhop: Entry.
Bell Captain: Lead.
Concierge: Guest services.
Front Office Manager: Manage.

Learn the job before day one

Our Bellhop training (8 hours, $74.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as give a great room orientation and store guest luggage securely, safety and how to land your first job.

View Bellhop training Is this career right for me?

Concierge

Help guests and residents get reservations, tickets, tips and anything they need.

$38,950
1–6 months on the job

Hotel Front Desk Agent

Welcome hotel guests, check them in and solve problems during their stay.

$35,070
1–2 weeks

Parking Attendant

Park cars, collect fees and help drivers at lots, garages and hotels.

$35,150
A few days on the job

Hotel Manager

Run hotels and resorts, from guest service to profits.

$69,250
3–5 years of hotel experience

Compare: Bellhop vs. Concierge · Bellhop vs. Front Desk Agent · Bellhop vs. Parking Attendant · Bellhop vs. Hotel Manager

Bellhop FAQ

Do bellhops get tips?

Yes, tips are a big part of pay.

Do I need experience?

No.

Is it a path in hotels?

Yes, to bell captain or concierge.

How much does a bellhop make?

The median annual wage for bellhops was $37,080 ($17.83 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $27,040 and the highest 10% earned more than $51,600.

How long does it take to become a bellhop?

Most people need about A few days on the job of training. A high school diploma and short-term on-the-job training are typical.

Do you need a degree to be a bellhop?

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus short-term on-the-job training.

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 39-6011 (Baggage porters and bellhops).
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
O*NET OnLine summary for Baggage porters and bellhops (U.S. Department of Labor).
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

Bellhop