Career Overview
Patrol assigned area, such as public parking lot or city streets to issue tickets to overtime parking violators and illegally parked vehicles.
Also Known As
- Parking Control Officer
- Parking Enforcement Officer (PEO)
- Parking Enforcer
- Ticket Writer
Alternate Job Titles
- Civilian Pay Technician (Civilian Pay Tech)
- Enforcement Officer
- Enforcement Safety Officer
- Meter Maid
- Parking Control Officer
- Parking Enforcement Officer (PEO)
- Parking Enforcement Specialist
- Parking Enforcement Technician
- Parking Enforcer
- Parking Lot Attendant
- Parking Manager
- Parking Meter Attendant
- Parking Officer
- Parking Regulation Enforcement Officer
- Parking Services Officer
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Enter and retrieve information pertaining to vehicle registration, identification, and status, using hand-held computers.
- Patrol an assigned area by vehicle or on foot to ensure public compliance with existing parking ordinance.
- Write warnings and citations for illegally parked vehicles.
- Appear in court at hearings regarding contested traffic citations.
- Maintain assigned equipment and supplies, such as hand-held citation computers, citation books, rain gear, tire-marking chalk, and street cones.
- Respond to and make radio dispatch calls regarding parking violations and complaints.
- Maintain close communications with dispatching personnel, using two-way radios or cell phones.
Emerging Responsibilities
As this field evolves, you may also:
- Perform traffic control duties such as setting up barricades and temporary signs, placing bags on parking meters to limit their use, or directing traffic or pedestrians.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- English Language
- Public Safety and Security
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Oral Expression
- Speech Clarity
- Information Ordering
- Near Vision
- Oral Comprehension
- Far Vision
- Speech Recognition
- Problem Sensitivity
- Written Expression
- Perceptual Speed
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Self-Control
- Integrity
- Stress Tolerance
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Relationships
- Support
- Independence
- Working Conditions
- Recognition
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
On-the-Job Training: Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month
Education Details: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience Required: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
Tools & Equipment
- Analog parking meters
- Barcode scanners
- Desktop computers
- Digital still cameras
- Electronic cash registers
- Handheld data collectors
- Handheld ticket writers
- Laptop computers
- License plate recognition LPR cameras
- Mobile radios
- Mountain bicycles
- Parking enforcement vehicles
- Parking meter readers
- Parking ticket printers
- Parking timers
Work Environment
- Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Frequency of Decision Making
- Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $35,410 |
| Median | $47,150 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $76,030 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 7,770
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Parking Attendants
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $34,600
Security Guards
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $38,370
Transit and Railroad Police
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $82,320
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $74,080
Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $36,670
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.