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Parking attendant vs valet attendant

The differences between parking attendants and valet attendants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a valet attendant has an average salary of $28,778, which is higher than the $26,834 average annual salary of a parking attendant.

The top three skills for a parking attendant include patrol, work ethic and safety hazards. The most important skills for a valet attendant are professional demeanor, customer service, and patients.

Parking attendant vs valet attendant overview

Parking AttendantValet Attendant
Yearly salary$26,834$28,778
Hourly rate$12.90$13.84
Growth rate3%-
Number of jobs45,12745,768
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 36%High School Diploma, 37%
Average age4444
Years of experience--

What does a parking attendant do?

A parking attendant's role is to manage the parking and traffic operations within a particular property or establishment. Their primary responsibility is to assist clients in their vehicles as they move and navigate, ensuring order and safety in the parking lot or garage. There are instances when they have to keep count of all vehicles for security, obtain necessary client information, and sometimes even collect payment should the establishment require. Furthermore, it is essential to coordinate with managers or supervisors and report to them any urgent matters.

What does a valet attendant do?

A valet attendant is an employee who is responsible for parking and retrieving vehicles of guests who visit an establishment. Since they are the first person that guests encounter, valet attendants must aim to make good first impressions through acknowledgment and pleasant exchange. They must manage a podium that contains hooks that hold and organize car keys and keep them safe from getting lost or theft. They also perform other valet tasks that include direct traffic flow, monitor parking lots for safety, and putting up traffic cones.

Parking attendant vs valet attendant salary

Parking attendants and valet attendants have different pay scales, as shown below.

Parking AttendantValet Attendant
Average salary$26,834$28,778
Salary rangeBetween $20,000 And $34,000Between $21,000 And $37,000
Highest paying CityBoston, MABoston, MA
Highest paying stateWashingtonVermont
Best paying companySeattle SeahawksUniversity of California
Best paying industryMediaInternet

Differences between parking attendant and valet attendant education

There are a few differences between a parking attendant and a valet attendant in terms of educational background:

Parking AttendantValet Attendant
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 36%High School Diploma, 37%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Parking attendant vs valet attendant demographics

Here are the differences between parking attendants' and valet attendants' demographics:

Parking AttendantValet Attendant
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 63.4% Female, 36.6%Male, 85.3% Female, 14.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 12.1% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 18.8% Asian, 8.1% White, 54.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%Black or African American, 12.5% Unknown, 6.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.0% Asian, 8.4% White, 52.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between parking attendant and valet attendant duties and responsibilities

Parking attendant example responsibilities.

  • Manage access to the VIP lot -coordinate staff placement -work as a group to efficiently direct large flows of traffic
  • Lift wheelchairs, strollers, walkers, baggage, gifts, etc.
  • Equip the handicap with complimentary scooters and walkers as well.
  • Greet customers and help them take groceries to their cars; direct cars when need.
  • Cashier handling cash and credit transactions, providing customer their change back and sacking groceries.
  • Ensure that guests needs are met/exceeded and rooms are assigned base on guests reservations and requests.
  • Show more

Valet attendant example responsibilities.

  • Operate POS cash register to manage cash, credit, and debit card transactions for sell items.
  • Park cars for Marriott guests.
  • Attend numerous Marriott course's in hospitality.
  • Handle valet ticket sale revenue and tip money.
  • Provide continuously four or five star service pertinent to AAA guidelines.
  • Maintain park appearance and appeal by mowing, trash disposal, sweeping, painting and tree maintenance.
  • Show more

Parking attendant vs valet attendant skills

Common parking attendant skills
  • Patrol, 23%
  • Work Ethic, 9%
  • Safety Hazards, 5%
  • General Maintenance, 5%
  • Control Traffic, 5%
  • Customer Service, 5%
Common valet attendant skills
  • Professional Demeanor, 15%
  • Customer Service, 11%
  • Patients, 11%
  • Traffic Laws, 7%
  • Reservations, 7%
  • Valet Service, 5%

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