Parking Analyst

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Parking Analyst

Education and Training Some college plus training

Salary Median—$38,480 per year

Employment Outlook Varies—see profile

Definition and Nature of the Work

Parking analysts, also called parking engineering technicians, develop plans for the construction and use of government-owned, multiple-vehicle parking facilities. These facilities may serve hospitals, libraries, or government offices, as well as general municipal parking.

To determine the best site for parking facilities, analysts conduct in-depth field surveys of possible locations, which take into account the effect the new facilities would have on their surroundings. Analysts also consider the necessary capacity, the possible turnover of vehicles, and the parking fees to be charged. Their last step is to prepare maps, graphs, tracings, and diagrams to demonstrate their findings.

Some analysts design parking facilities and prepare cost estimates for their construction. Their budgets must provide sufficient spaces and specify details of paving, lighting, and landscaping. At construction sites, parking analysts evaluate the contractors' work, ensuring that it conforms to their specifications. They keep logs as construction progresses and prepare final reports at the completion of projects.

Education and Training Requirements

High school diplomas are required. Most parking analysts have at least two years of training in engineering technology at the community college level. This training should include courses in statistics, methods of surveying, technical writing, oral communication, and economics. Additional training is received on the job.

Getting the Job

Parking analysts are employed by government agencies that operate large parking facilities. Job seekers should contact the federal, state, or local civil service commission.

Advancement Possibilities and Employment Outlook

Parking analysts advance by being promoted to higher grades. Each grade represents a different salary level and increased responsibility. With additional education, some parking analysts become engineers.

The employment outlook for parking analysts depends on the level of government spending through 2014. However, as the number of vehicles using government-owned parking facilities continues to grow, demand for new parking facilities should increase as well.

Working Conditions

Parking analysts' offices, usually located in government buildings, are pleasant, well lighted, and furnished with computers and drafting tables. Analysts travel to construction sites in all kinds of weather. Workweeks usually run forty hours.

Earnings and Benefits

Parking analysts are classified as engineering technicians in government service. In 2004 the median salary for all engineering technicians specializing in civil engineering work was $38,480 per year. The most experienced workers earned more than $57,550 per year. Those who worked for local governments earned about $43,700 per year, depending on their education and experience.