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Detailer vs service porter

The differences between detailers and service porters can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a detailer has an average salary of $29,506, which is higher than the $28,469 average annual salary of a service porter.

The top three skills for a detailer include customer vehicles, shampoo carpets and work ethic. The most important skills for a service porter are customer vehicles, cleanliness, and work ethic.

Detailer vs service porter overview

DetailerService Porter
Yearly salary$29,506$28,469
Hourly rate$14.19$13.69
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs6,78910,027
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 53%High School Diploma, 48%
Average age3838
Years of experience--

What does a detailer do?

A detailer's general responsibility is to provide automotive cleaning services to clients' specifications. Detailers' duties also include inspection of vehicle condition, conducting primary overhaul for interior and exterior defects, and knowledge of cleaning tools and equipment. A detailer must also have excellent customer service skills. They are responsible for providing client requests, responding to inquiries, and managing complaints. Detailers also monitor inventories and request supplies and equipment to the management as needed.

What does a service porter do?

Typically working in car dealerships, a service porter is in charge of performing a variety of tasks to maintain smooth operations. They maintain vehicles in good condition by conducting regular maintenance checks and repairs, refilling gas tanks, inspecting tires and batteries, and cleaning the interior and exterior of cars. There are also instances where they perform clerical support tasks such as answering calls and correspondence, preparing and processing documents, and monitoring the inventory. Moreover, a service porter may also assist potential buyers and keep them company during test drives.

Detailer vs service porter salary

Detailers and service porters have different pay scales, as shown below.

DetailerService Porter
Average salary$29,506$28,469
Salary rangeBetween $23,000 And $36,000Between $22,000 And $35,000
Highest paying CitySeattle, WAKirkland, WA
Highest paying stateWashingtonWashington
Best paying companySteel DynamicsClean Harbors
Best paying industryRetailReal Estate

Differences between detailer and service porter education

There are a few differences between a detailer and a service porter in terms of educational background:

DetailerService Porter
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 53%High School Diploma, 48%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Detailer vs service porter demographics

Here are the differences between detailers' and service porters' demographics:

DetailerService Porter
Average age3838
Gender ratioMale, 85.0% Female, 15.0%Male, 88.9% Female, 11.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 12.6% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 15.0% Asian, 4.4% White, 62.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%Black or African American, 12.0% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 21.0% Asian, 4.9% White, 56.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage5%5%

Differences between detailer and service porter duties and responsibilities

Detailer example responsibilities.

  • Operate miscellaneous tools, spray guns, industrial vacuums and cleaners.
  • Dimension and annotate HVAC, plumbing, hydronic, and medical gas drawings.
  • Receive training in fiberglass boat repair -Responsible for maintaining showroom appearance and detailing customer boats
  • General daily responsibilities include cleaning, detailing and performing general maintenance on client boats locate at marinas.
  • Detail small compact cars, SUVs, school buses, coach buses, and boats.
  • Develop strong work ethic and leadership skills.
  • Show more

Service porter example responsibilities.

  • Manage stock of the vehicles; document vehicle locations and individual VIN numbers.
  • Ensure customer satisfaction through efficient maintenance of service areas and improve cleanliness.
  • Wash and detail RV's as well as transport to sublet repair shops.
  • Maintain the proper inventory records of all vehicles and ensure that they match the correct RV.
  • Maintain cleanliness around service department and showroom.
  • Prepare cleaning solutions as necessary and follow safety procedures as prescribed by OSHA.
  • Show more

Detailer vs service porter skills

Common detailer skills
  • Customer Vehicles, 17%
  • Shampoo Carpets, 16%
  • Work Ethic, 15%
  • Customer Service, 13%
  • Cleanliness, 9%
  • Good Communication, 6%
Common service porter skills
  • Customer Vehicles, 19%
  • Cleanliness, 12%
  • Work Ethic, 12%
  • Service Drive, 10%
  • Customer Service, 6%
  • General Cleanup, 5%

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