Parking Enforcement Workers Salary 2025: $46,730 median, declining jobs
Parking Enforcement Workers earn a national median salary of $46,730 per year, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The typical range runs from $35,130 at the 10th percentile to $75,340 at the 90th, with a mean hourly wage of about $22. The occupation employs 9,050 people across the United States, concentrated in municipal parking enforcement agencies and private lots.
How much Parking Enforcement Workers earn
The median annual wage for Parking Enforcement Workers is $46,730. The mean salary is $51,190, or roughly $24.60 per hour (though the BLS reports $22/hour median). Most workers earn between $35,130 and $75,340 — the 10th and 90th percentiles, respectively. Pay scales depend heavily on location, employer type, and union contracts. Public-sector jobs in large cities tend to pay at the top of the range, while private lot attendants may earn closer to the bottom.
Pay by state
Washington pays Parking Enforcement Workers the most, with an average annual wage of $68,120. California follows at $62,280, then Oregon at $59,810, Nevada at $55,040, and Utah at $52,670. At the low end, Mississippi averages $27,550, Arkansas $30,100, and West Virginia $30,490. These state-level figures can vary within a state based on local cost of living and labor demand. For example, workers in Seattle earn significantly more than those in rural Washington.
How to become a Parking Enforcement Worker
The typical path requires a high school diploma or equivalent. No college degree is needed, but some employers prefer candidates with an associate degree or relevant coursework in criminal justice. Steps include:
1. Meet basic requirements: at least 18 years old, valid driver's license, clean background check.\n2. Apply to municipal police departments, traffic authorities, or private parking companies.\n3. Complete on-the-job training, which usually lasts 1-3 months and covers local parking ordinances, ticket-writing procedures, use of handheld citation devices, and customer service.\n4. Many states require certification through a program like the International Parking & Mobility Institute (IPMI) Certified Parking Professional designation, though this is often optional.\n5. Some departments require passing a physical agility test and a written exam.
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Valid driver's license and clean record essential
- On-the-job training lasts 1-3 months
- Optional certification (IPMI) can improve hiring chances
Job outlook
The BLS projects a 1.5% decline in employment from 2024 to 2034, translating to a loss of about 140 jobs. Still, roughly 700 openings per year are expected, mostly from workers retiring or leaving the occupation. Automation — such as license-plate readers, pay-by-phone apps, and digital permit systems — reduces the need for human enforcement. However, turnover is moderate, so entry-level jobs remain available in high-turnover markets. Growth will be strongest in states with expanding urban populations, like Texas and Florida, but still below the average for all occupations.
Frequently asked questions
What does a Parking Enforcement Worker do?
They patrol assigned areas on foot or by vehicle, issue citations for parking violations, monitor meter expiration, and may boot or tow vehicles. They also answer questions from the public and submit reports.
What is the highest-paying state for Parking Enforcement Workers?
Washington, with an average annual wage of $68,120, followed by California at $62,280 and Oregon at $59,810.
Is the job demand growing or declining?
Declining. The BLS projects a 1.5% drop in employment from 2024 to 2034, but about 700 openings per year still arise due to retirement and turnover.
What education is required to become a Parking Enforcement Worker?
A high school diploma is the minimum. On-the-job training is provided. An associate degree or certification can help, but is not required.
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 Enforcement Workers data.