Hospitality, Food & Tourism career

Concierge

Also called: Hotel Concierge · Guest Services Concierge · Residential Concierge · Lifestyle Concierge

What concierges do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
What does a concierge do?

Concierges assist guests and residents with reservations, tickets, transportation, recommendations and special requests in hotels, residential buildings and other settings. The median pay is $38,950 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 1–6 months on the job, and employment is projected to grow +2.6% from 2025–35.

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

  • Median pay
    $38,950
    $18.73/hour · May 2025
  • Job growth
    +2.6%
    2025–35, about as fast as average
  • Openings per year
    6,900
    Average, 2025–35
  • Typical entry education
    High school diploma or equivalent
    BLS classification
  • Time to train
    1–6 months on the job
    Typical program length
  • U.S. jobs
    50,200
    Employment, 2025

What concierges do

Concierges are local experts and problem solvers. They book restaurant reservations, arrange transportation, get event tickets, recommend attractions, handle packages and special requests, and help guests feel at home. They work in luxury hotels, apartment and condo buildings, hospitals, corporate offices and private concierge services.

No degree is required. Concierges learn on the job and build networks of contacts over time. Top hotel concierges may join Les Clefs d’Or, the international association of hotel concierges.

Typical duties

  • Greet guests and answer questions
  • Book reservations and tickets
  • Arrange transportation and tours
  • Recommend restaurants and attractions
  • Handle special requests and deliveries
  • Build relationships with local businesses
  • Follow up with guests

Work environment and schedule

Concierges work at hotel and building lobbies and desks, interacting with guests all day.

Schedule: Shifts include mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays.

A day in the life

  1. Review arriving VIPs and special requests.
  2. Book a dinner reservation at a popular restaurant.
  3. Arrange a car service to the airport.
  4. Recommend a walking tour to a family.

See a full day in the life of a concierge →

Concierge salary

Half of concierges earned more than $38,950 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $31,620 for the lowest 10% to $57,570 for the top 10%.

Full concierge pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a concierge

  1. Work in hospitality
  2. Learn your city
  3. Build contacts
  4. Become a concierge
  5. Advance

A high school diploma is typical. Concierges learn on the job and through local experience.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a concierge →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

  • Local knowledge
  • Reservations and booking
  • Transportation coordination
  • Customer service
  • Event ticketing

People skills

  • Friendliness
  • Resourcefulness
  • Communication
  • Discretion

All concierge skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Fun, varied work
  • Build local connections
  • Tips in some hotels
  • No degree required

Cons

  • Demanding requests
  • Weekend and holiday work
  • Pressure to deliver
  • Standing for long periods

Certifications and licenses

  • Les Clefs d’Or membership: International association for elite hotel concierges.
  • AHLEI hospitality certifications: Hotel guest service credentials.
  • Guest service training: Hospitality courses.
  • Foreign language skills: Helpful for international guests.

Career path

  1. Guest Services Agent: Assist guests.
  2. Concierge: Handle requests and recommendations.
  3. Chief Concierge: Lead the concierge team.
  4. Guest Services or Front Office Manager: Manage guest services.

Learn the job before day one

Our Concierge training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as book a hard-to-get reservation and build a guest itinerary, safety and how to land your first job.

Compare: Concierge vs. Front Desk Agent · Concierge vs. Tour Guide · Concierge vs. Event Planner · Concierge vs. Travel Agent

Concierge FAQ

Do concierges need a degree?

No. Experience and local knowledge matter.

What is Les Clefs d’Or?

An elite international association of hotel concierges.

Where do concierges work?

Hotels, residential buildings, hospitals and offices.

How much does a concierge make?

The median annual wage for concierges was $38,950 ($18.73 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $31,620 and the highest 10% earned more than $57,570.

How long does it take to become a concierge?

Most people need about 1–6 months on the job of training. A high school diploma is typical. Concierges learn on the job and through local experience.

Do you need a degree to be a concierge?

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

More concierge questions →

Sources

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

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