If you’re looking for a steady job that combines customer service, security awareness, and a strong presence, becoming a doorman might be the right path for you. Whether you’re aiming to work in a luxury apartment building, hotel, or office tower, this guide breaks down everything you need to know to get started.

What Does a Doorman Really Do? A Look at Daily Responsibilities

The role of a doorman is often underestimated, but it’s a vital position in many residential, commercial, and hospitality settings. A doorman serves as the frontline representative of a building, combining elements of customer service, security, and communication.

• Greeting and Assisting Residents and Guests: A doorman’s most visible duty is welcoming people as they arrive. This includes opening doors, offering directions, assisting with luggage or groceries, and sometimes calling elevators. A warm, professional demeanor is essential, especially in high-end properties where first impressions matter.
• Monitoring Access and Enhancing Security: While not a replacement for a security guard, doormen play a key role in keeping buildings secure. They monitor who comes in and out, check visitor logs, and report suspicious activity. They could be in charge of making sure that only those with permission enter residential or restricted parts of certain structures.
• Handling Deliveries and Packages: A doorman often manages packages, mail, and food deliveries. This includes accepting items from couriers, signing for deliveries, organizing them for pickup, and notifying residents. In buildings without a full concierge staff, this becomes a central part of the doorman’s job.
• Communicating with Building Staff and Management: Doormen frequently act as a communication bridge between residents and building management. They may relay maintenance requests, report issues, or update residents on building policies or events. Being organized and articulate is crucial in this aspect of the job.
• Providing Support in Emergencies: In situations such as medical emergencies, fire alarms, or disturbances, doormen are often the first responders. Their role is to remain calm, call for help if needed, and direct emergency personnel when they arrive. Some may be trained in basic first aid or fire safety procedures.
• Maintaining a Professional Presence: A doorman is expected to maintain a tidy appearance, stay alert, and represent the building’s image at all times. This includes adhering to a dress code, staying courteous under pressure, and treating everyone with respect.

Key Takeaway: A doorman’s job is a blend of hospitality, vigilance, and professionalism. The comfort, security, and general experience of those who live or work in the buildings they service are greatly impacted by doormen, who do much more than simply open doors.

What Skills and Qualifications Do You Need to Get Hired?

While becoming a doorman doesn’t usually require a college degree, it does demand a strong mix of personal qualities, job readiness, and, in some cases, formal credentials. Employers look for individuals who are reliable, observant, and able to deliver consistent, courteous service under pressure.

Essential Soft Skills

These interpersonal and character traits are often what separates good doormen from great ones:

• Communication Skills – Doormen interact daily with residents, guests, delivery personnel, and building staff. Clear and polite communication is a must, especially when handling instructions, giving directions, or responding to complaints.
• Customer Service Mindset – Being helpful, respectful, and attentive to residents’ needs is a key part of the job. A warm disposition and a readiness to go above and beyond can make an impression.
• Problem-Solving Ability – From coordinating misplaced deliveries to handling an upset visitor, doormen must be able to think on their feet and respond calmly to minor issues.
• Situational Awareness—Strong observational skills help doormen identify anything unusual, which is essential for maintaining safety and order in the building.
• Discretion and Professionalism – Doormen are privy to residents’ routines and private matters. Maintaining confidentiality and acting with integrity is vital.

Physical and Behavioral Requirements

• Stamina and Endurance – Many shifts involve standing for long hours, moving packages, or assisting with luggage. Physical fitness helps avoid fatigue and injury.
• Clean and Neat Appearance—Since a doorman is often the first impression of a building, employers expect a tidy uniform, good grooming, and a professional posture.
• Dependability – Punctuality and consistency are critical. A missed shift can disrupt operations and lower resident satisfaction.

Formal Qualifications (When Applicable)

Depending on your location and employer, you may be required to obtain specific certifications:

• Security Guard License – Some buildings prefer or require a doorman to hold a basic security license, particularly if the role includes monitoring access or handling disturbances.
• Fire Safety or Emergency Response Training – In larger buildings or cities with strict regulations, doormen may need to complete fire safety training (e.g., FSD certification in New York).
• CPR or First Aid Certification – Though not always mandatory, basic first aid knowledge is a valuable asset, especially in buildings with elderly residents or children.

Work Experience That Helps

While not required, experience in the following areas can give candidates a competitive edge:

• Hospitality – Hotels, restaurants, or concierge work
• Security – Guard or surveillance roles
• Customer service – Retail, reception, or front desk positions
• Building maintenance or porter jobs – Familiarity with building systems and staff duties

Key Takeaway: To get hired as a doorman, you need a solid foundation in customer service, reliability, and security awareness. While formal education isn’t a barrier, employers place a high value on professionalism, interpersonal skills, and a strong work ethic.

Step-by-Step: How to Start Your Career as a Doorman

Getting started as a doorman doesn’t require years of schooling, but it does take preparation and professionalism. Here’s how to begin:

• Learn About the Role: Understand what the job involves in your specific area. Duties may differ depending on whether you’re applying at a residential building, hotel, or office property.
• Build a Resume That Highlights Relevant Skills: Focus on experience that demonstrates reliability, customer service, communication, or security awareness. Even part-time or entry-level roles can help show your strengths.
• Look for Openings in the Right Places: Search on job boards like Indeed and ZipRecruiter, or check local staffing agencies that work with building management companies.
• Prepare for the Interview: Dress neatly, arrive on time, and be ready to discuss how you’d handle real-life situations, such as managing guest entry, dealing with difficult residents, or staying calm in emergencies.
• Complete Any Required Certifications: Depending on where you live, you might need a security guard license, fire safety training, or basic first aid certification—especially for roles with added responsibilities.

Key Takeaway: Starting your doorman career is all about presenting yourself as dependable, professional, and service-oriented. With the right preparation, you can find a position that offers stability and room for growth.

Where Can You Find Doorman Jobs and Who’s Hiring?

Doorman jobs are most commonly found in cities with large residential buildings, luxury hotels, or high-traffic office towers. If you’re looking to break into the field, knowing where to look—and who’s hiring—is just as important as having the right skills.

Residential Apartment Buildings

High-end residential buildings, particularly in major cities like New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Miami, often employ doormen to enhance service and security. Property management companies or co-op/condo boards typically manage these jobs. Larger buildings may hire directly, while others work through staffing agencies.

Luxury Hotels and Resorts

Upscale hotels frequently employ doormen as part of their guest services team. In this setting, the role leans more toward hospitality, including helping guests with luggage, providing directions, and maintaining a professional presence at the entrance.

Corporate Office Towers

Some office buildings, especially in financial or business districts, employ doormen to control access, greet clients, and assist with deliveries. These positions may be listed under titles like lobby attendant, building concierge, or front desk associate.

Private Communities and Gated Residences

Gated neighborhoods, private clubs, and retirement communities sometimes hire doormen or gate attendants to monitor access and assist residents or guests. These roles may combine basic security functions with customer service.

Staffing and Building Service Agencies

Many employers contract staffing companies that specialize in building personnel. These agencies often have ongoing openings for doormen, porters, concierges, and maintenance workers. Examples include Allied Universal, ABM Industries, and union-affiliated services like SEIU 32BJ.

Where to Search Online

• Indeed – Doorman Jobs
• ZipRecruiter – Doorman Openings
• Glassdoor – Use filters like “building attendant” or “lobby staff”
• Craigslist – Especially under “Security” or “Hospitality” sections for local postings
• SEIU 32BJ Job Board – For union-covered roles in building services

Key Takeaway:Doorman jobs are most plentiful in major urban areas, especially in luxury residential and hospitality settings. Use a mix of online job boards, local agencies, and union resources to find active openings and get your foot in the door.

What Are the Prospects for a Doorman’s Career and Income?

A career as a doorman offers stability, decent earning potential, and long-term opportunities, especially in cities with a strong demand for residential services and building security. While it’s not a flashy profession, it provides consistent income, benefits, and room to grow for those who are dependable and professional.

Earning Potential

Doorman salaries can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, building type, experience level, and whether the position is unionized.

• Entry-level positions may start at around $15 to $20 per hour in smaller cities or non-union buildings.
• Hourly salaries can increase to $25 to $35 or more in major cities like New York or San Francisco, especially in upscale or unionized buildings.
• Tipping and bonuses can significantly boost income, especially during the holidays or in high-end properties where residents show appreciation for excellent service.

In some buildings, doormen also receive overtime pay, shift differentials for night work, and bonuses tied to performance or tenure.

Union Benefits

In cities like New York, many doormen are represented by labor unions such as SEIU 32BJ. Union membership typically comes with the following:

• Guaranteed wage increases
• Health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
• Retirement plans and pensions
• Paid time off and holidays
• Job security protections

These benefits can make a union doorman position particularly attractive for long-term career seekers.

Career Growth and Advancement

While many doormen remain in the role long-term, there are paths for advancement within the field:

• Head Doorman or Lead Attendant – Oversees other staff, coordinates schedules, and handles resident concerns.
• Concierge – A more service-focused role that may involve reservations, event coordination, and personal assistance.
• Building Superintendent or Manager – This is for those who gain experience in building operations or maintenance.
• Security Supervisor or Front Desk Coordinator – Especially in commercial or mixed-use properties.

Additionally, some firms provide safety training, tuition assistance, or on-the-job training to help you transition into adjacent industries like hospitality or facilities management.

Job Outlook

Demand for doormen tends to remain steady in urban areas, particularly where upscale living and concierge-style service are in demand. While some buildings have shifted toward automated systems, many residents and property owners still value the personal touch, security, and convenience that a live doorman provides.

Key Takeaway: Doorman jobs offer more than just a paycheck—they provide long-term stability, solid benefits (especially in unionized roles), and opportunities to grow within building operations or hospitality. With consistent performance and professionalism, a career as a doorman can be both rewarding and reliable.

Conclusion

Becoming a doorman can be a fulfilling career for those who enjoy helping others, take pride in presentation, and value consistency. Gaining the proper abilities and focusing on the right companies will help you land a job that provides security, benefits, and the opportunity to change the world every day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to be a doorman?

In some cities or states, yes—especially if the job includes security duties.

Is the job physically demanding?

It can be. Expect long periods of standing and occasional lifting of packages or luggage.

Are doorman jobs only in big cities?

Most common in urban areas, but luxury buildings in smaller cities may also hire doormen.

Do doormen wear uniforms?

Often, yes, especially in hotels or upscale residential buildings.

Can women be doormen?

Absolutely. While traditionally male-dominated, the role is open to anyone with the right skills.

Additional Resources

• SEIU 32BJ – Building Service Union