Porter Salary in Suffolk, VA
Porters in Suffolk, VA, in 2026, earn approximately $13.90 per hour, which translates to about $556.00 per week, $2,409.33 per month, and $28,912.00 per year.
The demand for Porters in Suffolk is growing steadily at about 6% per year, reflecting a positive outlook and increasing employment opportunities within this essential service role.
How Much Does a Porter Make in Suffolk, VA?
The salary of a Porter in Suffolk varies depending on experience and skills, but the following table provides a snapshot of typical earnings at different levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $10.50 | $420.00 | $1,820.00 | $21,840.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $14.10 | $564.00 | $2,433.00 | $29,328.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $17.00 | $680.00 | $2,953.33 | $34,560.00 |
Do Porters in Suffolk Earn Tips?
Porters typically do not earn tips as their duties are mainly focused on facility maintenance and support tasks rather than direct customer service. Their income is usually based solely on their wage.
Porter Salary in Suffolk vs. National Average
Nationally, Porters earn an average of around $14.50 per hour, which equates to about $30,160 per year.
When compared to the national average, Porters in Suffolk earn slightly less per hour at $13.90, and their annual salary is around $28,912. This difference can be influenced by local economic and cost-of-living factors.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Suffolk for Porters
Some areas near Suffolk offer higher wages for Porters:
- Downtown Suffolk: $15.50 per hour
- Harbour View: $17.60 per hour
Porters working in Harbour View can expect to earn significantly more than the average for Suffolk, reflecting the area's economic profile and demand for quality maintenance staff.
What Influences a Porter’s Salary in Suffolk?
Several factors impact how much a Porter can earn in Suffolk:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Porters with specialized skills or certifications usually command higher pay.
- Type of Establishment: Working in upscale hotels, corporate offices, or healthcare facilities often offers better wages compared to casual or fast-casual dining or smaller facilities.
- Certifications and Training: Having certifications like OSHA 10-Hour General Industry or being a Certified Custodial Technician can enhance salary potential.
- Work Schedule: Shift differentials for night or weekend work can increase earnings.
- Local Demand and Economy: Regional job market conditions and living costs also play a key role in wage levels.
How To Become a Porter in Suffolk
Starting a career as a Porter in Suffolk can be straightforward with the right preparation:
- Complete Local Training Programs: Programs like the Porter Training Program at Tidewater Community College focus on essential skills including facility maintenance and customer service.
- Consider Additional Certifications: Certifications such as OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Certification and the Certified Custodial Technician (CCT) can improve job prospects and pay.
- Obtain Relevant Building Maintenance Credentials: The Building Maintenance Certificate at Paul D. Camp Community College is valuable for understanding upkeep pertinent to Porter duties.
- Gain Practical Experience: Entry-level positions or internships can help build experience in custodial work, cleaning, and maintenance tasks.
Top Employers Hiring Porters in Suffolk
Major employers hiring Porters in Suffolk include:
- McDonald's
- Bowlero
- Liberty Military Housing
- AMF
Establishments That Porters in Suffolk Work At
Porters in Suffolk typically work in a variety of establishments such as:
- Casual and Fast Casual Restaurants: These offer consistent work but may pay on the lower side due to volume and scale.
- Hotels and Hospitality Venues: More upscale hotels may provide higher salaries and more benefits for Porters handling facility upkeep.
- Healthcare Facilities: Hospitals and clinics often employ Porters with increased pay due to cleanliness standards and specialized environment.
- Military and Government Housing: Places like Liberty Military Housing employ Porters for maintenance with competitive salaries.
The type of establishment greatly affects salary, with larger or specialized facilities typically offering better compensation.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Suffolk for Porters
If you're interested in roles related to being a Porter, here are several similar hospitality jobs in Suffolk:
These include Laundry Attendant, Bellhop, and Housekeeper—roles sharing skills in facility upkeep and customer service.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Porters in Suffolk
Porters in Suffolk should understand labor laws and tax regulations relevant to their work and wages.
- For federal labor laws and regulations, visit the Department of Labor website.
- Virginia's state labor laws and employment resources can be found at virginia.gov.
- The Suffolk local government website provides information on local employment rules and regulations.
