NYC Doorman Christmas Tips: Average $100-$200
New York City Doorman Holiday Tipping Guide
According to recent surveys of NYC residential buildings, the average Christmas/holiday tip for a doorman ranges from $100 to $200.
Factors Influencing Amount
| Factor | Typical Impact |
|---|
| Building Type | Luxury/doorman-attended > walk-up/part-time |
| Tenure | Long-term residents tip more |
| Service Level | Personal attention, packages, hailing cabs, building knowledge |
| Number of Doormen | More staff = smaller individual tips (pool often split) |
| Your Budget | Should be comfortable, not burdensome |
Typical Ranges by Building Category
- Luxury Full-Service (3+ doormen/shift): $150-$300+ each
- Standard Full-Service (2-3 doormen): $100-$200 each
- Part-Time / Limited Service: $50-$150 each
- Small Building (1 doorman, maybe part-time): $100-$250 (sole recipient)
Other Building Staff (Don't Forget)
| Role | Typical Range |
|---|
| Superintendent | $100-$300 |
| Concierge | $75-$200 |
| Porters / Handymen | $50-$150 each |
| Elevator Operator (rare) | $50-$100 |
| Package Room Attendant | $25-$75 |
Best Practices
- Cash in cards: Hand-deliver in holiday cards (Dec 20-24 ideal)
- Pool option: Some buildings organize collective fund (voluntary)
- Year-round appreciation: Small gestures (coffee, cold water, verbal thanks) matter
- Tax note: Tips are personal gifts, not deductible; staff report as income
If You Can't Afford the "Average"
Any sincere gesture is appreciated. A handwritten note with $20-50 is far better than nothing. Doormen understand varying financial circumstances.
Wanderlust World