Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Parking Attendant
What parking attendants actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a parking attendant?
Set up the valet stand. From there, the day usually includes park vehicles, retrieve vehicles, and issue tickets. Evenings and weekends are common.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a parking attendant working full time.
- Set up the valet stand.
- Park dinner guests’ cars.
- Retrieve cars.
- Organize the lot.
- Collect payments.
- Return keys.
- Close out.
Where parking attendants work
Attendants work outdoors at lots, garages, hotels and venues.
Hours and schedule
Evenings and weekends are common.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Park vehicles
- Retrieve vehicles
- Issue tickets
- Collect fees
- Direct traffic
- Keep lots organized
- Help customers
Tools you’ll use every day
- Key boxes
- Ticket systems
- Payment devices
- Radios
- Cones
- Flashlights
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Tips
- Short training
- Flexible hours
- Active work
What’s hard
- Weather
- Low base pay
- Late nights
- Liability for damage
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like driving
- I’m friendly
- I work fast
- I don’t mind weather
- I want tips
- I want short training
Not sure? Take the free Parking Attendant fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Wear high-visibility gear
- Drive slowly in lots
- Watch pedestrians
- Secure cash