Career Overview
Handle baggage for travelers at transportation terminals or for guests at hotels or similar establishments.
Also Known As
- Bell Captain
- Bellman
- Skycap
- Valet
Alternate Job Titles
- Airport Guide
- Baggage Agent
- Baggage Checker
- Baggage Handler
- Baggage Porter
- Baggage Smasher
- Baggageman
- Bell Attendant
- Bell Captain
- Bell Clerk
- Bell Person
- Bell Staff
- Bellhop
- Bellman
- Bellman Captain
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Service Orientation
- Active Listening
- Speaking
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Trunk Strength
- Speech Recognition
- Static Strength
- Multilimb Coordination
- Speech Clarity
- Near Vision
- Selective Attention
- Extent Flexibility
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Social Orientation
- Dependability
- Cooperation
- Integrity
- Optimism
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Relationships
- Support
- Independence
- Working Conditions
- Achievement
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Less than a High School Diploma
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
On-the-Job Training: Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month
Education Details: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience Required: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Word
Tools & Equipment
- Desktop computers
- Laptop computers
- Luggage carts
- Motorized carts
- Multi-line telephone systems
- Paging systems
- Passenger vans
- Passenger vehicles
- Personal computers
- Two way radios
Work Environment
- Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Contact With Others
- Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $25,480 |
| Median | $36,020 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $48,490 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 31,220
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Concierges
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $37,320
Passenger Attendants
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $37,560
Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $41,460
Parking Attendants
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $34,600
Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $34,270
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.