Doormen: On the Job in NYC

Doormen are friendly faces who greet residents and guests in high-rise apartment buildings throughout New York City. They handle deliveries and luggage, call taxis, maintain the lobby and sidewalk, and ensure the security of residents. Doorman buildings are highly coveted and come at a premium price. Doorman buildings convey status and safety in the city that never sleeps.

But while a doorman symbolizes a high standard of living for building residents, the doormen themselves are not richly rewarded with wages to match. This article examines doormen's wages, their union, the challenges they face, and their ability to afford to live in the communities where they work.

Wages

The average doorman salary in New York City as of July 2024 is $33,051, with a range between $29,225 and $38,863. Their salaries can vary depending on factors such as the specific building, the neighborhood, and years of experience as a doorman. Entry-level positions might start at the lower end of the spectrum, while those with more experience or in oversight positions can earn higher wages. The interviews on this website provide details about their job responsibilities. Many of the doormen have worked in the same building for a number of years and plan to work there until retirement.

The Union 

One of the key aspects of a doorman's job in NYC is their membership in the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 32BJ. This union represents over 175,000 property service workers across the East Coast, including doormen. The union plays a crucial role in negotiating wages, benefits, and working conditions for its members through collective bargaining agreements.

Because of the union, doormen have the following benefits:

• Health Insurance: Union members receive comprehensive health insurance that covers medical, dental, and vision care.
• Pensions: A significant benefit of union membership is access to a retirement pension plan, which ensures financial stability after years of service.
• Job Security: The union provides job security, making it harder for employers to dismiss them without just cause or take advantage of workers.
• Paid Time Off: Doormen are guaranteed paid vacation, sick days, and holidays, allowing them to take time off without worrying about loss of income.

Physical Challenges and Job Risks

Doormen can face physical challenges and potential dangers on the job. They often need to lift and carry heavy packages, assist residents with mobility issues, and stand for long periods. Additionally, doormen play a crucial role in building security, which may expose them to danger or emergencies that require a calm and swift response to ensure the safety of residents and the building.

Conclusion

Doormen in NYC play an essential role in the daily lives of many residents. Their wages, bolstered by union benefits, provide a decent living, though affording the high cost of living in NYC can be challenging. Thanks to the support of SEIU Local 32BJ, doormen enjoy benefits that many other workers do not, including health insurance and retirement pensions. However, the reality is that many must live outside Manhattan to make ends meet. Despite these challenges, many doormen work in the same building for many years, getting to know the residents and making everyone's day brighter with a positive attitude and professional work ethic.

Sources

32BJ SEIU – 32BJ SEIU. (n.d.). https://www.seiu32bj.org/

How to work as a doorman. (2022, April 19). Work - Chron.com. https://work.chron.com/work-doorman-22122.html

Mather, K. (2022, November 22). Inside the mysterious lives of New York City doormen: ‘Our job is to blend in.’ Yahoo Life. https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/inside-mysterious-lives-york-city-174241308.html

Salary.com. (n.d.). Doorman salary in New York, NY | Salary.com. https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/doorman-salary/new-york-ny