This guide provides you with a comprehensive overview of Concierge salaries, duties, career progression and frequently asked questions.
What Is a Concierge?
A Concierge assists guests with various services such as welcoming guests, booking reservations, arranging transportation, handling luggage and providing recommendations to enhance their experience.
A Concierge’s job is to ensure all guests have a pleasant experience and proactively address any concerns or preferences to mitigate potential negative impacts on the establishment’s reputation.
What Does a Concierge Do?
A Concierge’s day-to-day responsibilities include:
- Welcoming guests and providing personalized assistance upon arrival
- Assisting guests with check-in and check-out procedures
- Fulfilling guest requests promptly and efficiently
- Providing recommendations and making reservations for dining, entertainment and other activities
- Coordinating transportation arrangements
- Handling guest inquiries and resolving any issues or concerns
- Maintaining the cleanliness and organization of the Concierge desk and lobby area
Concierge Salary in the US
The average salary for a Concierge in the United States is $40,230 base plus tips per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
The salary of a Concierge can vary based on multiple factors, such as:
- Location
- Experience
- Employer
- Specific responsibilities
For example, Concierges working in metropolitan areas or upscale hotels, resorts and private clubs may earn higher salaries. Additionally, Concierges with more experience can command higher salaries.
Tips, which customarily range from 15% to 20%, can also significantly increase a Concierge’s earning potential.
The state in which a Concierge lives can significantly impact their earning potential due to variations in cost of living, demand for services, local economies, and regulatory factors.
You can see the top paying states for Concierges below:
[Source: BLS]
Metropolitan areas and cities with a bustling tourist scene, such as New York City or Miami, generally offer higher wages than some of the other U.S. cities.
See the Concierge salaries across four major U.S. cities: Miami, New York City, Chicago and Los Angeles.
Annual mean wage
$39,720
Annual mean wage
$47,740
Annual mean wage
$43,990
Annual mean wage
$42,320
Additionally, you can explore the average Concierge salaries across the U.S. states below:
[The latest data collected from BLS]
This map is interactive. Hover your mouse over different parts of the map to see detailed data.
What Is the Workplace of a Concierge Like?
The workplace of a Concierge depends on the industry and the type of establishment in which they work.
In a hotel setting, for example, you can typically find a Concierge at a designated area near the lobby, referred to as the Concierge’s desk.
The Concierge desk is often a dynamic and ever-changing hub of activity, with guests coming and going, inquiries to address, and tasks to manage.
Conversely, a Concierge working in an apartment building will often have a dedicated Concierge station in the lobby.
Unlike hotels, where guests are transient, apartment building concierges mainly serve the building’s residents. This creates a more familiar and neighborly atmosphere, where the concierge often develops close relationships with residents over time.
Concierges also work in corporate offices, where they provide executive support services, facilitate meetings, and manage travel arrangements for employees and clients.
In hospitals, Concierges assist patients and visitors by offering directions, scheduling appointments and providing information about hospital services.
In entertainment venues, concierges enhance guest experiences by arranging VIP access, coordinating special events and providing recommendations for nearby attractions or dining options.
See the most common venues where Concierges work below:
The work schedule of a Concierge can vary depending on the operating hours of the establishment.
Overall, the workplace of a Concierge is dynamic and customer-centric, requiring strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail and effective multitasking to meet the diverse needs of guests.
Concierge Industry Trends In 2024
There are currently more than 40,000 Concierges in the U.S.
According to Projections Central, there will be a 19.9% increase in the number of Concierge positions in the United States for the period of 2020-2030.
This is due to the various industries in which Concierges work.
An industry that employs the most Concierges is traveler accommodation, closely followed by real estate.
See the top five industries that employ the most Concierges below:
[Source: BLS]
There are 6,000 Concierge positions opened annually, contributing to the positive career outlook for Concierges in the United States.
[Source: Projections Central]
This map is interactive. Hover your mouse over different parts of the map to see detailed data.
The major factor contributing to the increased number of Concierge positions is the growing hospitality industry.
According to Mordor Intelligence , the hospitality industry is expected to grow at an annual compound growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5% between 2024 and 2029.
This aligns with the growing number of Concierge positions during the same period.
Which Concierge Positions Pay the Most?
Concierges work in a range of establishments.
As such, their pay may vary depending on the type of establishment and clientele that frequents it, considering that Concierges amend their salaries through tips.
Some of the higher-paying establishments for Concierges include:
- Luxury hotels and resorts: Concierges in high-end luxury hotels receive more competitive salaries which they can further increase through tips. Additionally, luxury hotels and resorts also include perks and benefits which can significantly improve a Concierge’s earnings.
- Private residential buildings: Concierges working in upscale residential buildings, especially those serving wealthy residents or celebrities, may command higher salaries due to the exclusive nature of the clientele. These positions often involve providing personalized services, managing amenities and ensuring residents’ privacy and security.
- Specialized Concierge services: Certain niche markets, such as medical Concierges, can command higher salaries. Thes types of Concierges are also expected to have special training or certifications in healthcare, wellness or lifestyle management.
How to Become a Concierge
There are many ways to become a Concierge, but it typically involves a combination of personal skills and qualities, education and experience.
Education and Experience Requirements for Concierges
While the specific educational requirements for Concierges may vary depending on the employer and the type of establishment, the typical requirements include:
- High school diploma or an equivalent: A high school diploma or an equivalent is usually the minimum educational requirement. That said, a post-secondary degree such as a bachelor’s in hospitality management or a similar career will give you an advantage over your competition.
- Customer-oriented work experience: Aspiring Concierges can greatly benefit from previous experience in a hospitality role. Taking a part-time or a full-time job at a hotel or a resort can help you develop valuable skills for the Concierge role.
- Certifications: You can demonstrate your seriousness and commitment to succeeding in the Concierge role by completing certifications that would validate your Concierge skills. Some of the courses to consider are AHLAEI’s Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA) and IATA’s Travel and Tourism Professional (TTP).
How to Become a Concierge With No Experience
If you have no experience or education that qualifies you to become a Concierge, consider the steps below to begin your journey.
- Understand the role and responsibilities: Before starting your career as a Concierge, it is essential that you understand what it entails. Research what the duties and responsibilities of a Concierge are and see if your current skills align with the role and how much you have to learn .
- Develop relevant skills: Concierges must have excellent communication and people skills, given that interacting with guests is the basis of their role. Consider developing soft skills through learning, part-time or volunteer work.
- Network: Network with people working within the hospitality industry. Try and get their input and guidance and offer to volunteer or follow and observe what a Concierge does to learn about the role.
- Prepare for your interview: After understanding the role and acquiring the necessary skills, you want to practice the common Concierge interview questions. Be prepared to discuss your skills, experience and expectations and do a mock interview to better prepare for the application process.
- Remain persistent: Starting any job without prior knowledge and experience can be challenging. It is important to not get discouraged and keep applying to positions, gain skills and further your knowledge to land a Concierge role according to your preferences.
Top Skills of the Best Concierges
Top Concierges possess multiple soft skills along with technical acumen that lets them thrive in this dynamic role.
Some of the main Concierge skills include:
- Communication: As a customer-oriented role, Concierges must possess excellent verbal and written communication when interacting with guests or other team members. Additionally, great Concierges will learn about different backgrounds and cultures to further enhance every guest’s experience.
- Problem-solving: Concierges are often tasked with special requests or encounter specific challenges in their role. Developing problem-solving skills is essential to succeeding in a Concierge role and adequately addressing all customer concerns, complaints and requests.
- Attention to detail: Given the dynamic nature of the Concierge role and the requirement to regularly multitask, Concierges must have keen attention to detail. Whether to manage reservations, make recommendations or confirm arrangements, remaining attentive is key to being successful in a Concierge role.
- Organization: Concierges must keep accurate records, track schedules and stay organized in the fast-paced environment. This helps them promptly and efficiently address various guest requests while maintaining a high standard of customer service.
- Multitasking: Strong multitasking abilities are essential for Concierges, who often handle multiple guest requests and responsibilities simultaneously. Changing priorities, delegating tasks and completing them according to their urgency is essential to ensuring smooth operations of the hotel and a high level of guest satisfaction.
Concierge Training Programs To Consider
Here are the top three certifications you can acquire as a Concierge:
- Certified Hotel Concierge (CHC): The Certified Hotel Concierge (CHC) certification is developed in collaboration among the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI), Les Clefs D’Or USA, and The International School of Hospitality (TISOH). CHC-certified professionals demonstrate a commitment to excellence in the hospitality industry, showcasing their expertise in personalized service, cultural awareness, and multilingual communication.
- The Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA): The internationally recognized designation of a Certified Hotel Administrator can be received through the program of the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA). It signifies excellence within the hospitality industry and prepares the individual for the leading positions within hospitality.
- National Concierge Association (NCA) Certificate: The National Concierge Association is a professional organization dedicated to promoting high standards of excellence in the Concierge industry. To obtain the NCA Certificate, interested applicants must pass rigorous exams, interviews and later be approved by the NCA’s Executive Board of Directors.
Concierge Career Progression
Starting as a concierge provides foundational experience in guest services and opens doors to various career paths.
For example, concierges may aim for managerial roles within the hotel industry, such as hotel manager, concentrating on operations and ensuring the smooth and efficient functioning of the establishment. Alternatively, Concierges can pursue positions in an office environment, such as Training and Development Manager, focusing on talent nurturing.
To progress, Concierges should actively seek learning opportunities, cultivate leadership qualities and build a strong professional network.
Concierge
Administrative Assistant
Office and Administrative Supervisor
Hotel Manager
Hotel General Manager
Customer Service Representative
Office and Administrative Supervisor
Administrative Services Manager
Training and Development Manager
Concierge Career FAQs
Becoming a Concierge typically involves gaining experience in customer service or a related field, with proficiency in communication, organization and problem-solving skills being essential.
While formal education requirements may vary, aspiring Concierges can enhance their prospects by pursuing relevant training programs or certifications to develop the necessary skills and knowledge for success in the role.
Concierges may encounter challenges such as managing multiple guest requests simultaneously, dealing with difficult guests or unforeseen issues and staying updated about local attractions and services.
Concierges typically attend regular training sessions, workshops and networking events within the hospitality industry.
They also maintain relationships with local businesses and regularly research and explore new offerings in their area.
While both roles involve guest interaction, Concierges specialize in providing personalized assistance and recommendations beyond basic check-in/check-out services, whereas Front Desk Clerks primarily handle administrative tasks related to guest reservations and billing.
While there are certain similarities between the position of a Concierge and of a Receptionist, there are also important differences.
A receptionist typically manages administrative tasks such as answering phones, greeting visitors, and handling check-ins and check-outs.
However, a Concierge’s role is more encompassing. They have to stay up to date on the latest trends and attractions to make personalized recommendations, acquire tickets to events or make reservations to busy restaurants and coordinate special requests to enhance every guest’s stay.
