Potential earnings
£49,775.91
Hospital porters perform various manual tasks in hospitals to assist nursing and domestic staff with the care of patients.
Main tasks
- Assists with unloading and delivery of supplies.
- Collects and disposes of refuse from wards and other departments.
- Moves hospital equipment and furniture.
- Assists with the delivery of meals, laundry, medical supplies and post to the wards or theatres.
- Lifts, escorts and wheels patients between hospital wards.
Source: Office for National Statistics.
Salary and earnings
Average earnings
£22,347.94
Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).
Skills & knowledge
The top 5 most important skills and knowledge requirements relevant to this career.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Chemistry
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
What course level do I need to study?
The level of study required will vary with each job, sector and company. The table below shows the level of study achieved by those currently working in this career choice.
Educational requirements: Level 1 NVQ; GCSE at grades D-G
Source: Office for National Statistics.
| Level of study | Percentage achieved |
|---|---|
| Level 0 | 20% |
| Level 1 | 17% |
| Level 2 | 9% |
| Level 3 | 37% |
| Level 4-5 (Higher Education) | 5% |
| Level 6 (Bachelors) | 12% |
Source: Labour Force Survey (LFS) data.
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Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.
