Parking host

What does a Parking Attendant do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A Parking Attendant works by monitoring parking areas and ensuring parking regulations are followed. Tasks include inspecting parked vehicles, issuing parking fines for violations, and providing information and service to the public. It often also involves reporting improperly parked vehicles and sometimes collaborating with municipal authorities and police. The work environment is varied, primarily outdoors in different weather conditions, and sometimes during evenings or weekends, which can require both physical endurance and stress resilience.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary for Parking Attendants has shown a steady upward trend. In 2022, the average salary was 30,700 SEK per month. The following year, 2023, it increased to 32 400 SEK, representing an increase of about 5.5%. Between 2023 and 2024, the trend continued, with the average salary rising to 34 500 SEK – an additional increase of approximately 6.5%. The salary increase can largely be attributed to increased demand for the profession, especially in larger cities where parking enforcement has become increasingly important for traffic safety and order. Additionally, collective bargaining negotiations and some skill enhancements have contributed to the strengthening of salary levels within the field.

Parking Attendant salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 34 500 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 30,200 SEK/month (male, government sector, pre-secondary education)
• Highest salary: 47,100 SEK/month (male, public sector, post-secondary education 3+ years)
• Highest salary for women: 41,700 SEK/month
• Lowest salary for women: 30,600 SEK/month
• Hourly wage (average): 207 SEK
• Gender pay gap: Women earn 93% of what men do (men 35 400 SEK, women 32 900 SEK)

Education and qualifications

To work as a Parking Attendant, no extensive formal education is usually required, but a high school diploma is often a basic requirement. Many employers also seek training in security, order maintenance, or customer service, and internal training programs are sometimes offered. Practical experience and good language skills can be advantageous, as well as some computer literacy and knowledge of parking laws and regulations.

• High school diploma: Usually from social studies or service programs
• Internal training: Employers often provide introductory training
• Certifications: Courses in conflict management and customer service can be advantageous
• Practical experience: Previous work in security or service is highly valued
• Language skills: Swedish required; additional languages are an advantage

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for Parking Attendants include overtime pay for evening and weekend work, wellness allowances, work clothing, and collective insurance schemes. Many employers also offer training, pension contributions, and insurance agreements. In some cases, meal allowances or transportation subsidies are provided, especially in larger cities.

Competition and challenges

Competition for Parking Attendant positions varies by region, but demand is generally stable in larger cities and urban areas where parking enforcement is significant. Challenges in the profession can include managing stressful or conflict-laden situations, especially when dealing with dissatisfied vehicle owners. Physical endurance is required since the work often involves long walks and outdoor work regardless of weather. Additionally, irregular working hours demand flexibility. Digitalization and automated monitoring systems may impact the profession in the future, but personal presence and service are still considered important.

Tips for aspiring Parking Attendants

To succeed as a Parking Attendant, it’s beneficial to have a calm and patient demeanor, as the job often involves contact with stressed or upset individuals. Being service-oriented facilitates answering questions and guiding the public. It is also important to be meticulous and follow regulations, as the work requires strict adherence to applicable laws and regulations. Physical endurance is an asset, as the work is often outdoors and involves a lot of movement. Good communication skills help with reporting and collaboration with colleagues and authorities. The ability to quickly adapt to new situations and understanding digital tools are also valuable in the profession.

Key facts about Parking Attendants

• Salary range: 30,200–47,100 SEK/month
• Average salary: 34 500 SEK/month
• Gender pay gap: Women earn 93% of men's salary
• Education level: High school diploma, internal training common
• Typical work environment: Outdoors, often mobile and independent work

Career paths and future prospects

After several years of experience as a Parking Attendant, opportunities may exist to advance to supervisory roles, such as team leader or parking enforcement supervisor. Experience in the field can also open doors to other roles within security and safety, such as security guard or security coordinator. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that demand for Parking Attendants is expected to remain good, especially in larger cities where parking control is essential. An analysis of available job listings shows 191 current positions, highlighting a stable job market. Digitalization may influence the profession in the future, but personal service and presence are likely to remain central.

Common questions about Parking Attendants

• What does a Parking Attendant earn?
  - The average salary is 34 500 SEK per month, but variations depend on experience, education, and employer.
• What are the gender differences in Parking Attendant salaries?
  - Women earn on average 32 900 SEK, which is 93% of men's average salary of 35 400 SEK.
• What education is required to become a Parking Attendant?
  - A high school diploma is usually required, with internal training and courses in customer service and conflict management being common.
• What is the job market like for Parking Attendants?
  - Demand is stable, especially in larger cities, with regular job openings in the field.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for Parking Attendants?
  - The highest salary is 47,100 SEK, and the lowest is 30,200 SEK per month, depending on education, sector, and experience.
• What is the work environment like for Parking Attendants?
  - Mainly outdoors, involving a lot of movement and contact with the public, sometimes in stressful situations.
• What benefits are common for Parking Attendants?
  - Overtime pay, wellness allowances, work clothing, and collective insurance schemes are typical benefits.