Most valet companies charge venues $25–$45 per hour, per attendant, or a flat event rate of $300–$1,200+ depending on car volume and staffing. At customer-paid events, valet tickets typically run $10–$40 per vehicle. What you charge comes down to the venue type, location, hours, and how many cars your team will handle.
The three ways valet companies price their service
There’s no single sticker price for valet — operators bill one of three ways, and the best ones mix all three:
- Hourly, per attendant: the most common model for restaurants and recurring venue contracts. Expect $25–$45/hour per valet, usually with a 3–4 hour minimum.
- Flat event rate: weddings, galas, and corporate events are quoted as a package — roughly $300–$1,200+ based on guest count, hours, and number of attendants.
- Per-car (customer-paid): at hotels and ticketed events, drivers pay $10–$40 per vehicle and the operator keeps the fee (sometimes split with the venue).
What actually drives your valet rates
Two jobs across town can be priced very differently. The biggest factors:
- Car volume — more vehicles means more attendants and runners, the single biggest cost driver.
- Location & parking distance — if cars park a block away, you need more staff to keep wait times down.
- Hours & timing — late nights, holidays, and peak wedding season command premium rates.
- Insurance & risk — high-value vehicles or tight valet lanes raise your liability, and your price.
- Equipment & extras — podiums, signage, tents, or ticketing tech can be line items.
How to price a valet job for profit
Start from your costs, not a guess. Add up attendant wages (including a runner if needed), payroll taxes, your insurance cost for the shift, and equipment, then layer a healthy margin on top. A simple rule: your hourly rate should cover at least 2–3x your loaded labor cost so one slow night doesn’t put you underwater. Always quote a minimum (3–4 hours) so short events stay profitable.
Example: a 4-hour restaurant shift with two attendants at $35/hour bills $280. After roughly $120 in loaded labor and a few dollars of insurance, you keep a solid margin — plus your team earns tips on top.
Don’t forget tips
At customer-facing events, tips can rival base pay for your attendants. That makes valet roles easy to staff and lets you stay competitive on the rate you quote the venue. Just be clear in your contract that tips are retained by staff (they almost always should be).
The bottom line
Valet pricing isn’t one number — it’s a model. Charge hourly for recurring venues, flat rates for events, and per-car where customers pay, and always price from your real costs plus margin. Get that right and valet becomes one of the highest-margin service businesses you can run.
Want the full playbook on launching? Read our complete guide on how to start a valet company — covering startup costs, licensing, insurance, and landing your first clients.
Thinking about starting your own valet company? Talk to Elite Parking Solutions →
Frequently asked questions
How much do valet companies charge per hour?
Typically $25–$45 per hour per attendant, with a 3–4 hour minimum. Rates rise with car volume, late hours, and parking distance.
How much does valet parking cost for a wedding?
Most wedding valet packages run $300–$1,200+ depending on guest count, hours, and how many attendants are needed.
How much is valet per car?
At hotels and ticketed events where the customer pays, valet usually costs $10–$40 per vehicle.