Parking Attendants Salary 2025: $35,150 Median, Top States & How to Start
Parking attendants in the U.S. earn a median salary of $35,150 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The mean hourly wage is about $17, with typical pay ranging from $27,040 at the 10th percentile to $44,550 at the 90th. Most work in lots, garages, or valet services, handling cash and directing traffic.
How much Parking Attendants earn
The median annual wage for parking attendants is $35,150 (mean $34,990, roughly $17/hour). Half of workers earn between about $27,000 and $44,550. Entry-level positions often start near the 10th percentile at $27,040, while experienced attendants can approach $44,550.
Pay varies by industry. Attendants employed by hotels or casinos typically earn more than those at standalone parking lots. Tips can also add significantly to take-home pay, especially for valet attendants.
Pay by state
Washington pays parking attendants the most, with an average of $43,180. Colorado follows at $39,330, then Oregon ($38,730), Vermont ($38,160), and California ($38,060). The lowest pay is in Louisiana ($23,920), Mississippi ($26,420), and Montana ($27,100).
Cost of living matters: high-paying states like California and Washington also have higher rents. In lower-cost states like Mississippi, the $26,420 median goes further.
How to become Parking Attendant
No formal education is required. Most parking attendants learn on the job. A high school diploma or equivalent is typical. Employers provide brief training on operating the lot, handling money, and customer service.
For valet positions, a valid driver’s license and clean driving record are mandatory. Some employers require a parking or valet certification, such as the Certified Valet Parking Attendant from the International Parking & Mobility Institute (IPMI), which can be earned online in a few hours.
- Obtain a high school diploma or GED.
- Get a valid driver’s license for valet roles.
- Complete on-the-job training (typically 1-2 weeks).
- Optional: earn a valet or parking certification to boost hiring chances.
Job outlook
Employment of parking attendants is projected to grow 3% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. That translates to roughly 18,500 job openings each year, mostly due to workers leaving the field.
Automation may slow growth, as parking garages adopt pay-by-plate and app-based systems. But demand for valet services at hotels, restaurants, and airports will keep the occupation viable.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a parking attendant make an hour?
The mean hourly wage for parking attendants is about $17, with a median annual salary of $35,150.
What state pays parking attendants the most?
Washington tops the list at $43,180 average annual pay, followed by Colorado ($39,330) and Oregon ($38,730).
Is parking attendant a good career?
It’s a stable entry-level job with modest pay and no education requirements. Growth is average, but turnover means steady openings. Tips can boost earnings, especially in valet roles.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Parking Attendants data.