It’s hard to believe, but in many hospitals across the U.S., nurses are expected to pay for parking at their own workplace.
For a profession that already faces long hours, stressful conditions, and burnout, this feels like an unnecessary and unfair burden.
Nurses—our frontline heroes—deserve better than being nickel-and-dimed for simply showing up to save lives.
The Real Cost of Parking
Parking fees vary widely depending on the hospital. Comments from nurses highlight just how costly this can get:
- “$16.47 every two weeks, and there’s no real option to not pay because of limited street parking.”
- “One hospital charges $90 per paycheck for parking.”
- “At my hospital, parking costs between $12 and $20 per day.”
Some hospitals justify these fees by citing limited space or the need to encourage carpooling.
But as one nurse pointed out, “It didn’t stop during COVID, so that tells me all I need to know.”
The reality is that these fees often feel less about logistics and more about profits.
A Symbol of Systemic Disrespect
Nurses paying for parking isn’t just about the money—it’s about the principle.
Many nurses feel that charging them to park at the hospital they work in is a sign of disrespect.
As one commenter said, “It’s the hospital literally taking back part of your paycheck so they don’t cut into profits.”
For travel nurses, this issue is even more frustrating. One travel RN shared their approach:
“I ALWAYS get my recruiter to include a separate stipend for this! Any work-related expense—if I need scrubs, I buy Figs and send the receipts!”
Why This Matters
While some hospitals do provide free parking, others treat it as a “perk” to boast about.
A nurse from St. Louis noted, “It is laughable to me that free parking is a benefit. No other job in my area brags about it, and I find it insulting.”
The bigger issue here is how nurses are undervalued in the healthcare system.
If hospitals can’t afford to cover basic expenses like parking, what message does that send about how they prioritize their staff?

What Needs to Change
It’s time to rethink policies that charge nurses for workplace essentials.
Free parking—or, at minimum, heavily subsidized parking—should be standard for all healthcare workers.
Additionally, hospitals could consider transportation stipends or reimbursements, particularly for those who have no other parking options.
For many nurses, this is more than a financial issue—it’s about feeling respected and supported.
As one commenter put it, “I’d be really angry if I had to pay to park at work. There’d have to be some compensation in my pay to justify it.”
Final Thoughts
Nurses are the heart of our healthcare system and they deserve workplaces that honor their contributions, not policies that add unnecessary stress.
Addressing parking fees may seem small in the grand scheme, but it’s a meaningful way to show respect for the people who care for us when we need it most.
What’s your take on this issue? Share your thoughts below—I’d love to hear from nurses and healthcare professionals alike.