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How to hire a parking enforcement officer

Parking enforcement officer hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring parking enforcement officers in the United States:

  • HR departments typically spend 15% of their expenses on recruitment.
  • It usually takes about 12 weeks for a new employee to reach full productivity levels.
  • It typically takes 36-42 days to fill a job opening.
  • The median cost to hire a parking enforcement officer is $1,633.
  • Small businesses spend an average of $1,105 per parking enforcement officer on training each year, while large companies spend $658.
  • There are currently 5,675 parking enforcement officers in the US and 120,053 job openings.
  • Charlotte, NC, has the highest demand for parking enforcement officers, with 5 job openings.
  • New York, NY has the highest concentration of parking enforcement officers.

How to hire a parking enforcement officer, step by step

To hire a parking enforcement officer, you should create an ideal candidate profile, determine a budget, and post and promote your job. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to hire a parking enforcement officer:

Here's a step-by-step parking enforcement officer hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write a parking enforcement officer job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new parking enforcement officer
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a parking enforcement officer do?

A parking enforcement officer is responsible for monitoring parking lots, ramps, and streets to make sure that drivers adhere to the parking laws and regulations. It is their duty to patrol assigned areas and monitor parking meters, issuing citations on improperly or illegally parked vehicles. There are also times when they must call for towing services, assess suspicious vehicles and scan their plates, and testify in courts as necessary. Moreover, a parking enforcement officer must maintain records of all issued tickets and respond to concerns professionally.

Learn more about the specifics of what a parking enforcement officer does
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    First, determine the employments status of the parking enforcement officer you need to hire. Certain parking enforcement officer roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a parking enforcement officer to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a parking enforcement officer that fits the bill.

    Here's a comparison of parking enforcement officer salaries for various roles:

    Type of Parking Enforcement OfficerDescriptionHourly rate
    Parking Enforcement Officer$13-25
    DetectiveA detective is responsible for conducting in-depth investigations for criminal activities, potential threats, and other law-violating incidents, coordinating closely with law-enforcement agencies and crime intelligence analysts. Detectives often work on the field, gathering data and related evidence to support claims and connect the timeline of events... Show more$16-45
    DeputyThe duties of a deputy vary on their line of work or place of employment. In law enforcement, a deputy is primarily in charge of conducting investigations on crimes and arresting criminals, performing regular patrols on streets, responding to calls of distress, and assisting citizens in calamities, disasters, accidents, or any forms of threat... Show more$14-43
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Parking Enforcement
    • Patrol
    • Motor Vehicle
    • General Supervision
    • Traffic Control
    • Law Enforcement
    • Public Safety
    • Issue Citations
    • Customer Service
    • Two-Way Radio
    • City Ordinances
    • Traffic Flow
    • Two Way Radios
    • Crowd Control
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Work directly with police officers, violations bureau, and court officials to achieve proper responses to valid subpoenas.
    • Develop and manage firearms training programs, including weapons selection and qualification standards.
    • Operate and maintain equipment (weed eaters, blowers, push mowers, chain saws, groomer).
    • Develop technical skills by operating forklifts, skid loaders and tractors regularly.
    • Impound vehicles for state and local violations, train new employees, other duties as required.
    • Utilize CCTV, conduct investigations, work with local police and represent the company in court.
    More parking enforcement officer duties
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your parking enforcement officer job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A parking enforcement officer salary can vary based on several factors:
    • Location. For example, parking enforcement officers' average salary in georgia is 47% less than in washington.
    • Seniority. Entry-level parking enforcement officers earn 46% less than senior-level parking enforcement officers.
    • Certifications. A parking enforcement officer with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
    • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a parking enforcement officer's salary.

    Average parking enforcement officer salary

    $38,755yearly

    $18.63 hourly rate

    Entry-level parking enforcement officer salary
    $28,000 yearly salary
    Updated January 1, 2026

    Average parking enforcement officer salary by state

    RankStateAvg. salaryHourly rate
    1Washington$57,929$28
    2California$57,228$28
    3Alaska$50,605$24
    4New York$49,115$24
    5Kansas$42,901$21
    6Montana$42,682$21
    7Pennsylvania$42,444$20
    8Arizona$41,732$20
    9Utah$40,211$19
    10New Hampshire$39,079$19
    11Colorado$37,735$18
    12North Carolina$37,024$18
    13District of Columbia$36,875$18
    14Kentucky$35,903$17
    15Missouri$35,875$17
    16Florida$35,788$17
    17Ohio$35,696$17
    18Michigan$35,298$17
    19South Carolina$32,684$16
    20New Mexico$32,456$16

    Average parking enforcement officer salary by company

    RankCompanyAverage salaryHourly rateJob openings
    1City of Detroit$52,208$25.103
    2University of San Diego$51,084$24.568
    3City of San Antonio$49,481$23.794
    4University of Alaska$48,909$23.5118
    5Inter-Con Security Systems$48,672$23.40326
    6City of Tacoma$47,084$22.641
    7UW-Milwaukee$45,963$22.10
    8City of York$45,222$21.74
    9City of West Sacramento$45,115$21.69
    10City of Reno$44,921$21.602
    11Reef$44,916$21.59
    12City Of Kirkland$43,283$20.813
    13Mountain America Credit Union$41,989$20.192
    14City of Dallas Employees$41,682$20.042
    15PSEA$41,229$19.826
    16City of Sacramento$41,208$19.8112
    17Bank of America$41,118$19.77194
    18City of Charleston$40,182$19.32
    19REEF Technology$39,775$19.12
    20Bluefield, VA$39,775$19.12
  4. Writing a parking enforcement officer job description

    A job description for a parking enforcement officer role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's a parking enforcement officer job description:

    Parking enforcement officer job description example

    Pay Rate: $15 Per Hour

    Who You ll Work For

    REEF s mission is to connect the world to your block.

    We transform underutilized urban spaces into neighborhood hubs that connect people to locally curated goods, services, and experiences.
    With an ecosystem of 5,000 locations and a team of 15,000 people, REEF is the largest operator of mobility, logistics hubs, and neighborhood kitchens in North America.

    Together we are leveraging the power of proximity to keep our communities moving forward in a sustainable and thoughtful way.

    What You ll Do

    The Parking Enforcement Attendant performs a variety of tasks to ensure a smooth operation of the parking facility. The Parking Enforcement Attendant is responsible for monitoring the parking facility, issuing warning tickets/citations, and responding to customer inquiries. The Parking Enforcement Attendant works closely with fellow team members, Operations Manager, and/or Shift Supervisor to ensure that quality and safety standards are met at all times.

    PRINCIPAL DUTIES (ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS):

    The Parking Enforcement Agent provides operational support through upholding and enforcing the local parking ordinances while assisting customers with parking needs. The Parking Enforcement Agent will accurately key vehicle license plates utilizing a Hand Held Ticket Issuance System to issue parking citations.

    Responsibilities:
    Upload hand held computer to obtain current information required for work on a daily basis.
    Screen for parking placards and permits for special privileges within approved areas.
    Resolve customer complaints in accordance with policies and procedures.
    Maintain and care for all company issued equipment.
    Assist with any special assignments and projects as requested.
    Other related duties as assigned.
    Experience:

    QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

    A minimum of 6 months of outdoor work experience is preferred.
    General knowledge of streets and directions is required.
    Requirements:
    Security experience background preferred.
    Valid driver's license with a minimum of 2-year, concurrent, clean driving record.
    Reliable transportation. (Not for use as part of this job)
    Skills:
    Ability to mitigate and lead others to overcome challenges (Never Ever Give Up Attitude).
    Ability to work independently and multi-task.
    Ability to interpret policies, procedures, and standard business practices.
    Demonstrate a sense of urgency and timeliness.
    Must be open to feedback, differing opinions and other points of view.
    Ability to handle challenging and at times, emotionally charged situations.
    Ability to speak, read, and comprehend the English language.
    Must be able to make decisions independently and stay firm on decisions made (not easily persuaded).
    Minor mechanical knowledge to be able to perform jump starts on different models of vehicles and air assists to put air in tires.
    Physical Demands:
    Willingness to work in the elements - heat, wind, snow, rain, etc.
    Ability to lift, push and pull at least 25 pounds.
    Ability to stand, walk and run for extended periods of time (95-100% of shift) - no sitting is allowed.
    Ability to bend, stoop, squat and lift frequently throughout a shift.
    The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

    PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

    The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

    Constantly move around the property by walking for extended periods of time, sometimes for entire duration of shift

    Stand for extended periods of time, sometimes for entire duration of shift

    WORKING CONDITIONS:

    Work is performed outdoors for extended periods of time including up to the entire duration of shift. Employees are subject to environmental conditions including extreme heat and cold weather. Protection from weather conditions may be provided, but not necessarily from temperature changes.
    OTHER DUTIES:
    Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain an all-inclusive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

    Reef Technology is an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity at our company. We don't discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

    #AB

  5. Post your job

    To find parking enforcement officers for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

    • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
    • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any parking enforcement officers they would recommend.
    • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level parking enforcement officers with the right educational background.
    • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your parking enforcement officer job on Zippia to find and recruit parking enforcement officer candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    Recruiting parking enforcement officers requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

    Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

    The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

  7. Send a job offer and onboard your new parking enforcement officer

    Once you have selected a candidate for the parking enforcement officer position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

    It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

    To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

  8. Go through the hiring process checklist

    • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
    • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
    • Define job responsibilities and requirements
    • Establish budget and timeline
    • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
    • Write job description
    • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
    • Promote the job internally
    • Process applications through applicant tracking system
    • Review resumes and cover letters
    • Shortlist candidates for screening
    • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
    • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
    • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
    • Conduct background checks on top candidates
    • Check references of top candidates
    • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
    • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
    • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
    • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
    • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
    • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
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How much does it cost to hire a parking enforcement officer?

There are different types of costs for hiring parking enforcement officers. One-time cost per hire for the recruitment process. Ongoing costs include employee salary, training, onboarding, benefits, insurance, and equipment. It is essential to consider all of these costs when evaluating hiring a new parking enforcement officer employee.

Parking enforcement officers earn a median yearly salary is $38,755 a year in the US. However, if you're looking to find parking enforcement officers for hire on a contract or per-project basis, hourly rates typically range between $13 and $25.

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