Valet Salary in the United States

What Is the Starting Salary for a Valet With No Experience?

The starting salary for a Valet with no experience typically ranges between $24,000 and $28,000 per year in most states. This translates to around $12 to $14 per hour. However, the final amount can vary depending on factors such as:

• Location: Valets in high-cost-of-living areas (like New York City or Los Angeles) generally start at a higher rate compared to those in smaller towns or rural areas.
• Employer Type: Luxury hotels, high-end restaurants, and casinos are more likely to pay above-average starting wages compared to small venues or public parking facilities.
• Shifts: Evening, weekend, and holiday shifts may offer higher starting pay or bonuses.

Even if the base salary is low, Valets can quickly boost their income through tips, which can add $50 to $150 daily depending on the location and type of clientele.

How Much Do Valets Make in Tips On Average?

On average, Valets in the U.S. can make $10 to $40 per day in tips, but this varies widely depending on several factors:

• Establishment Type:
  • Luxury Hotels/Casinos: $50 - $150 per shift
  • High-End Restaurants: $30 - $70 per shift
  • Event Venues or Public Facilities: $10 - $30 per shift
• Location: In areas with a strong tipping culture, such as Las Vegas or Miami, Valets can earn significantly more in tips. Conversely, in smaller towns or less tourist-heavy locations, tips may be lower.
• Clientele: Serving wealthy clients or guests at upscale events often results in higher and more consistent tips.
• Shift Timing:
  • Peak Hours (Evenings, Weekends, Holidays): Higher tip volume
  • Midday or Off-Peak Shifts: Lower tips
• Service Quality: Valets who provide friendly, efficient, and careful service are often tipped more generously.

Some Valets build a strong rapport with regular guests, leading to repeat generous tippers.

Valet Salary by Year

The chart below shows the growth of Valet salaries from 2019 to 2023.

[Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics]

How Much Does a Valet Make Monthly?

The average monthly salary for Valets in the U.S. is $2,725 base plus tips.

How Much Does a Valet Make Weekly?

The average weekly salary for Valets in the U.S. is $628.85 base plus tips.

Valet Salary Percentiles

While some Valets earn only $2,580 a year (10th percentile), others earn as much as $38,760 a year (90th percentile).

[Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics]

Being in the 90th percentile means you earn more than 90% of all the Valets in the U.S. Meanwhile, being in the 10th percentile means you earn less than 90% of the group.

Valet Salary by State

Valets in Illinois ($38,530), Washington ($36,910) and California ($35,900) earn the highest average salaries. Meanwhile, those in Mississippi ($25,650), Kansas ($25,320) and Louisiana ($24,430) tend to earn the lowest.

Valet Salary in Major US Cities

Out of the four cities listed below, Chicago pays Valets the most (39,010), followed by Los Angeles, New York City, and Miami.

[Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics]

Factors Affecting a Valet's Pay

A number of factors other than just location affect the average pay for Valets in the U.S. These include:

Company size

Large companies usually offer higher wages and better benefits packages for Valets than small companies.

Establishment type

Valets who provide their services at luxury hotels, high-end restaurants or casinos will earn more than Valets working at small, family-owned restaurants or event venues. This is because high-end businesses have larger profit margins, allowing them to pay their staff more.

Experience level

Valets with previous experience in the industry are likely to be faster, more efficient and overall better at providing excellent customer service. This will, in many cases, lead to a higher starting pay.

Tipping culture

Valets who work in areas with a strong tipping culture can earn substantial amounts of money in tips. Moreover, they can expect generous tips in luxury establishments that cater to high-end clientele.

Shift availability

Valets who are able to work overnight, weekend and holiday shifts may be offered a higher hourly wage, as well as have more opportunities to collect tips.

How To Estimate Your Take-Home Pay as a Valet

If you work as a Valet in the U.S. use our Paycheck Calculator to see what the take-home pay is in your state. Whether you're paid on an hourly or fixed salary basis, our calculator will help you accurately assess your earnings.

Salary Negotiation Tips for Valets

Negotiating salary is pretty stressful, but it's an essential part of the job search process. Here are some tips to help you prepare for salary negotiation:

• Know your worth: Before entering negotiations, research the salary rates for Valet positions in your area. Also, check how the pay varies in different types of establishments.
• Highlight your skills and experience: Mention relevant experience and skills, especially driving and customer service skills. Don't forget to bring up any relevant qualifications or certifications you possess.
• Don't focus on just money: Besides the base salary, consider discussing other benefits such as healthcare coverage, retirement funds, meal discounts or vacation and sick days. These perks are often negotiable and can significantly raise the value of your overall compensation package.
• Be confident and professional: Clearly explain why you want a higher salary and why you deserve it. Project confidence in your abilities while remaining respectful and open to compromise.

Beyond Pay: Perks & Benefits for Valets

Apart from salary, Valets often enjoy many other perks and benefits. These include:

• Flexible hours
• Free meals
• Free uniforms
• Training programs
• Paid time off
• Health, vision and dental insurance
• 401(k) and 401(k) matching
• Opportunities for advancement

How Much Do Similar Careers to a Valet Get Paid?

Valets earn more than Hosts and Hostesses but less than Housekeepers and Porters.

Valet Salary Data Methodology

OysterLink prioritizes transparency in salary information. We combine the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data with estimates from established job search sites to deliver the most current insights. Learn more about our methodology.