Parking Cashier Job Description, Career as a Parking Cashier, Salary, Employment

Education and Training None

Salary Median—$7.81 per hour

Employment Outlook Poor

Definition and Nature of the Work

Parking cashiers issue claim tickets and collect fees when drivers use parking facilities. They also provide information, monitor security conditions in garages and lots, and contact tow trucks or police when needed. Most parking facilities are owned or managed by private companies, but some may be run by municipalities.

Cashiers usually sit in booths at the entrance or exit of parking garages or lots. In some facilities, they issue claim tickets that are stamped by a time clock when customers enter the lot. In others, customers simply take tickets from automatic ticket machines. When they drive to the exit of the parking facility, they present the tickets to the cashier, who calculates fees and takes payment. Cashiers may furnish receipts if requested.

Education and Training Requirements

The job has no formal educational or work requirements. Many employers prefer high school graduates, however. Courses in math, accounting, and computers can be helpful. Because contact with the public is constant, applicants must enjoy working with people and be courteous and patient.

New hires are trained on the job by experienced employees.

Getting the Job

Job seekers can apply directly to companies that own or manage parking facilities. Local government Web sites list openings at municipal garages or lots. State employment services, newspaper classified ads, and Internet job sites may provide employment leads.

Advancement Possibilities and Employment Outlook

Parking cashiers may advance to head cashier or full-time work if they are working part time. Parking lot chains may have openings for city or regional managers.

The employment outlook for parking cashiers is poor through 2014. More work is now automated, so fewer workers are needed in many parking facilities. Turnover is fairly high, so openings occur when experienced workers leave the field.

Working Conditions

Cashiers can work part time or full time. Night, weekend, and holiday work may be required. Hours vary, according to the needs of employers and availability of workers. For example, some cashiers may go to school during the day and work at night or on weekends.

Cashiers often work in booths with protective windows. Work can be repetitive, with long periods of inactivity, especially late at night.

Earnings and Benefits

In 2004 the median salary of parking cashiers was $7.81 per hour. Most started at minimum wage, which was $5.15 per hour in most states. Benefits, which varied widely, usually went to full-time employees.