A parking enforcement officer monitors roads and lots, ensuring drivers abide by local and state parking laws. They typically hand out citations and communicate with drivers, also working as meter maids and traffic controllers. These workers should expect a large employment decline over the coming years.
Parking Enforcement Officer Job Description
Although parking is sometimes monitored by police officers, many cities, towns and private businesses hire parking enforcement officers to enforce local parking rules. This position ensures that people are not taking advantage of parking around the area, and that spaces remain for shoppers and people using the businesses around the city.
Parking Enforcement Officer Alternative Titles
There are a number of alternative titles for this position. These include:
- Civil enforcement officer
- Parking warden
- Traffic warden
Parking Enforcement Officer Training and Education
A position as a parking enforcement officer requires:
- A high school diploma or GED
- A valid driver's license
- Reading and math skills
- Knowledge of local parking laws and ordinances
- Legal residency
- In some cases, a civil service examination
| Required Education | High school diploma or GED |
| Other Requirements | Varies; may include residency and a passing score on a civil service exam; knowledge of local parking laws |
| Licensure | Driver's license required |
| Projected Job Outlook (2019-2029)* | -36% |
| Median Annual Salary (2020)* | $42,070 |
Source: * the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The Civil Service Exam
The civil service exam is a test undergone for potential employees of three dozen various federal government agencies. This test allows for a screening of potential workers and approximately 10% of jobs in these agencies are filled based on test scores. This test takes approximately 90 minutes to write. The recommended study period for this exam is 1 year, however, it is possible to do well with 3-6 months of studying.
Parking Enforcement Officer Duties
Parking enforcement officers' primary responsibility is to ensure that drivers comply with local parking laws and ordinances and issue citations for violations. Most officers are assigned to a particular geographic area, which they patrol and monitor for violations, such as parking in a no-parking zone, expired meters and other types of illegal parking. Depending on the municipality, officers may also be responsible for collecting the money in the parking meters.
When drivers violate parking laws, the parking enforcement officer issues a warning or citation. If the vehicle has unpaid parking tickets, the officer may attach a boot or other locking device and notify a towing company. The officer is responsible for preparing reports and filing paperwork about violations, and may need to assist police officers in the event of an accident.
In some municipalities, parking enforcement officers may be assigned to work at special events, such as sporting events or festivals, to direct traffic and ensure parking is efficient and safe. Parking officers, because of their visibility in the city, also interact with the public, providing answers to questions about parking, directions or other information about the area.
Parking Enforcement Officer Requirements
The specific requirements for becoming a parking enforcement officer vary by employer, but in general, this position requires applicants to be at least 18 years old and have a minimum of a high school diploma or GED. Thorough knowledge of local parking laws and ordinances is required, as is the ability to navigate the city or town efficiently. Some municipalities may require parking enforcement officers to be a legal resident or take a civil service examination.
In addition to education requirements, parking officers should be in good physical shape, since the position often requires a lot of walking, and have a valid driver's license, since they may need to travel by car to different parts of their assigned patrol area. Reading comprehension and math skills are required, as is the ability to clearly articulate a parking violation and communicate with others politely and professionally.
Employment Outlook for Parking Enforcement Officers
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the mean annual wage for parking enforcement officers was $44,870 in 2020 (www.bls.gov). Many parking enforcement officers were employed by municipal governments-- individual towns, cities or counties-- but colleges, universities and state governments can also employ parking enforcement officers.
The BLS projected to see a rapid decline in employment growth for parking enforcement workers between 2019 and 2029.
Parking enforcement officers patrol the streets to detect parking violations, ticketing offenders accordingly. A high school education is usually required and possibly passing a civil service test. These jobs paid more that $40,000 in 2020, but are projected to decline in number through 2029.
