Baggage Porters and Bellhops
Handle baggage for travelers at transportation terminals or for guests at hotels or similar establishments.
Also called: Airport Guide, Baggage Agent, Baggage Checker, Baggage Handler, Baggage Porter, Baggage Smasher
Median pay
$37,080
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$27,040 – $51,600
People employed
28,510
Holland code
RCS
Realistic · Conventional · Social
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 2.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 3.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
- 4.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
- 5.Do you enjoy serving customers or the public?
The hard parts
- Work outdoors in all weather
- Long hours on your feet
Baggage Porters and Bellhops pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (47 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What baggage porters and bellhops do
- 01Receive and mark baggage by completing and attaching claim checks.
- 02Greet incoming guests and escort them to their rooms.
- 03Transport guests about premises and local areas, or arrange for transportation.
- 04Maintain clean lobbies or entrance areas for travelers or guests.
- 05Transfer luggage, trunks, and packages to and from rooms, loading areas, vehicles, or transportation terminals, by hand or using baggage carts.
- 06Supply guests or travelers with directions, travel information, and other information, such as available services and points of interest.
Skills that matter most
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Monitoring
- Writing
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Public Safety and Security
- Transportation
- Sales and Marketing
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Cooperation
- Social Orientation
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
- On-the-job training: anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from baggage porters and bellhops
- Parking Attendants93% · −5%
- Couriers and Messengers86% · +6%
- Passenger Attendants84% · +2%
- Flight Attendants83% · +71%
- Counter and Rental Clerks82% · +11%
Change into baggage porters and bellhops
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Parking Attendants93% · $35,150
- Couriers and Messengers86% · $39,200
- Amusement and Recreation Attendants85% · $32,150
- Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants84% · $36,300
- Passenger Attendants84% · $37,720