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Parts salesperson: pay, job outlook and how to become one

Updated October 28, 2026. Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET data. Published by Humblebee.

$38,630median pay per year, or $18.57 an hour, May 2025[1]
  1. $28,240lowest 10% earn less
  2. $33,11025th percentile
  3. $38,630median
  4. $49,85075th percentile
  5. $62,890top 10% earn more
Middle half of workers in the inner band[4]Median for all US jobs, $50,980[5]

The median pay for parts salespersons was $38,630 a year, and jobs are projected to grow 3% over the decade ending in 2035[1][2]. The BLS lists no formal education credential for entry, with training done on the job[3].

Job growth, 2025–35
+3%[2]
Openings per year
30,000[6]
Typical entry education
No formal educational credential[3]

How much do parts salespersons make?

The median parts salesperson earned $38,630 a year, or $18.57 an hour[1]. Half of workers earned above that figure and half earned below it[1]. The average was a little higher at $43,830 a year, or $21.07 an hour[7]. For comparison, the median for all occupations was $50,980[5].

The range is wide. The table shows BLS annual wage boundaries for May 2025.

Measure Annual Hourly
10th percentile[4][8] $28,240 $13.58
25th percentile[4][8] $33,110 $15.92
Median[1] $38,630 $18.57
75th percentile[4][8] $49,850 $23.97
90th percentile[4][8] $62,890 $30.24

The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $28,240, and the highest-paid 10% earned more than $62,890[4]. A percentile is a boundary, and BLS publishes percentile wages rather than a starting salary[9].

These figures cover wage and salary workers, part time and full time. They leave out the self-employed, nonproduction bonuses and the cost of benefits such as health insurance[10].

Pay by state and city

North Dakota had the highest median pay for parts salespersons at $48,600, followed by Colorado at $47,660 and Minnesota at $47,030[11]. Louisiana was last on the list at $31,310[11].

California had the most jobs at 26,990, then Texas at 25,500 and Florida at 16,200[12].

Among metro areas with at least 100 jobs, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA had the highest median at $50,200, followed by San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA at $50,030[13]. The Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim area had the most jobs at 8,690, with a median of $41,600[14].

Show median pay in 50 states
StateMedian per yearJobs
North Dakota[11]$48,6001,610
Colorado$47,6604,840
Minnesota$47,0305,790
Washington$46,8306,230
Iowa$46,6703,810
New Hampshire$46,3701,500
Vermont$46,260780
Alaska$46,130710
Arizona$46,0203,890
New Jersey$45,5104,810
Wisconsin$45,3805,200
South Dakota$45,3702,100
Maine$45,3501,630
Oregon$45,1903,880
New York$45,1807,460
Hawaii$45,120930
Nebraska$45,1002,360
Montana$45,0601,860
Massachusetts$44,6604,080
Idaho$44,5801,980
California$44,44026,990
Connecticut$44,4003,400
Michigan$44,0707,520
Maryland$42,4604,370
Illinois$42,2408,500
Missouri$39,7405,330
Utah$39,1903,080
Nevada$38,7402,250
Wyoming$38,620750
Pennsylvania$38,52010,430
Virginia$38,0707,370
Delaware$38,050980
Indiana$37,5007,080
Florida$37,19016,200
Georgia$36,9709,760
Kansas$36,9403,700
New Mexico$36,8901,410
West Virginia$36,8001,880
Ohio$36,79010,580
Rhode Island$36,450920
Kentucky$36,4004,220
Oklahoma$36,3903,980
Tennessee$36,1106,250
Texas$35,44025,500
Arkansas$35,3203,330
Mississippi$35,0002,940
Alabama$33,8205,880
North Carolina$32,48011,460
South Carolina$32,1804,600
Louisiana$31,3103,960

How to become a parts salesperson

The training details here come from a BLS profile of retail sales workers, which covers a wider group than parts salespersons[17]. In that profile, training typically runs from a few days up to a few months, and an experienced employee often trains new hires[18]. Topics include customer service, security, store policies and register or point-of-sale use[19].

In an O*NET survey of 15 workers, 47% said a high school diploma or equivalent is required, 25% said some college courses, 14% a bachelor's degree and 9% an associate's degree[20]. Because the survey is small, treat these as a rough picture only.

Some states require licenses for certain retail sales jobs, such as car sales, and requirements vary by state[21][22]. The BLS does not name a license for parts salespersons.

With experience, retail sales workers may move into supervisory or management roles. Some employers prefer a bachelor's degree for management[23].

What parts salespersons do

O*NET describes the job as selling spare and replacement parts in a repair shop or parts store[24]. Typical tasks include:

Job titles reported by workers include parts counterperson, parts advisor and parts consultant[26]. Useful skills named in the wider retail profile include customer service, interpersonal skills and math for totals and change[27][28][29].

Where they work

Parts salespersons work mainly in stores, though some travel to meet clients or visit other stores[30]. Much of the day goes to talking with customers, and workers often stand for long periods[30][31]. In the wider retail group, automotive parts, accessories and tire retailers were the largest employers at 46%[32].

Many sales workers in that group are employed full time. Schedules may include evenings and weekends, and some workers pick up extra shifts during busy periods such as holidays[33].

Job outlook

BLS projects employment of parts salespersons to grow 3% from 2025 to 2035, from about 273,300 to 281,600 jobs[2]. Employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5%[34]. These counts include self-employed workers, who were 0.4% of parts salespersons in 2025[2][35].

BLS expects about 30,000 openings a year[6]. Openings come from retirements and moves to other occupations as well as new jobs[6]. Each year, 4.5% of workers leave the labor force and 6% move to a different occupation[36].

Is it a good fit?

The facts describe a job with a low barrier to entry. No formal education credential is typical, and training happens on the job[3]. Pay was below the all-occupations median, with a wide spread from the 10th to the 90th percentile[1][4][5]. Growth is projected at about the same pace as all occupations, and openings include workers leaving or switching jobs[2][34][6]. Pay also differs a lot by state, so local figures matter[11].

Related occupations from O*NET, with BLS median pay and projected growth[37].

Frequently asked questions

How much does a parts salesperson make an hour?
The median was $18.57 an hour in May 2025, and the average was $21.07[1][7]. The 10th percentile was $13.58 and the 90th was $30.24[8].
What education do you need to be a parts salesperson?
The BLS lists no formal educational credential for entry[3]. Some employers prefer a high school diploma or the equivalent[15].
How long does it take to become a parts salesperson?
BLS lists moderate-term on-the-job training and no related work experience[3]. In the wider retail sales profile, training usually lasts a few days to a few months[17][18].
Is parts salesperson a growing job?
BLS projects 3% growth from 2025 to 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations[2][34]. About 30,000 openings a year are expected[6].
What is the highest paying state for parts salespersons?
North Dakota had the highest median annual wage at $48,600 in May 2025[11].

Facts and sources

  1. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median wage for Parts Salespersons in the US was $38,630 per year and $18.57 per hour. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  2. BLS Employment Projections: employment of Parts Salespersons is projected to grow 3% from 2025 to 2035, from about 273,300 to 281,600 jobs (a change of +8,300). These counts include self-employed workers. BLS Employment Projections
  3. BLS Employment Projections, typical path into Parts Salespersons: education needed for entry: No formal educational credential; work experience in a related occupation: None; typical on-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job training. BLS Employment Projections
  4. BLS OEWS, May 2025, annual wage percentiles for Parts Salespersons: 10th percentile $28,240, 25th percentile $33,110, 75th percentile $49,850, 90th percentile $62,890. The 10th percentile means 10% of workers earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  5. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median annual wage for all occupations in the US was $50,980. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  6. BLS Employment Projections: about 30,000 openings for Parts Salespersons are projected each year, on average, from 2025 to 2035. Openings include jobs that open when workers retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs. BLS Employment Projections
  7. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the mean (average) wage for Parts Salespersons was $43,830 per year and $21.07 per hour. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  8. BLS OEWS, May 2025, hourly wage percentiles for Parts Salespersons: 10th percentile $13.58, 25th percentile $15.92, 75th percentile $23.97, 90th percentile $30.24. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  9. BLS OEWS FAQ: a percentile wage is a boundary. The median (50th percentile) separates the highest-paid 50% from the lowest-paid 50% of workers in the occupation. OEWS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  10. BLS OEWS FAQ: OEWS covers part-time and full-time workers paid a wage or salary. It does not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, household workers or unpaid family workers. OEWS wages do not include nonproduction bonuses or employer costs of benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  11. Median annual wage for Parts Salespersons in every state with published data, May 2025 (table on this page). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  12. BLS OEWS, May 2025, states with the most Parts Salespersons jobs: California 26,990; Texas 25,500; Florida 16,200; North Carolina 11,460; Ohio 10,580. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  13. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the highest median annual wage for Parts Salespersons (areas with at least 100 jobs): San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $50,200; San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $50,030; Greeley, CO $49,080; Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $49,020; Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO $48,950; Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA $48,850; Burlington-South Burlington, VT $48,630; Kennewick-Richland, WA $48,540. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  14. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the most Parts Salespersons jobs: Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA 8,690 (median $41,600); Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX 7,160 (median $36,010); Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX 6,200 (median $34,010); New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ 6,050 (median $46,930); Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA 5,450 (median $36,940); Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN 5,270 (median $44,260). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  15. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  16. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  17. The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile "Retail Sales Workers" covers Parts Salespersons together with other related occupations, so its text describes the wider group. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  18. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  19. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  20. O*NET 41-2022.00 survey of workers (15 respondents), education level they say is required: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) 47%, Some College Courses 25%, Bachelor's Degree 14%, Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree 9% (levels under 5% not listed). O*NET OnLine
  21. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  22. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  23. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Advancement. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  24. O*NET description of Parts Salespersons. O*NET OnLine
  25. O*NET task list for Parts Salespersons. O*NET OnLine
  26. O*NET 41-2022.00 sample job titles reported by workers: Parts Advisor, Parts Consultant, Parts Counter Salesperson, Parts Counterman, Parts Counterperson, Parts Person, Parts Salesman, Parts Salesperson. O*NET OnLine
  27. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  28. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  29. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  30. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  31. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  32. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, largest employers of retail sales workers in 2025: Automotive parts, accessories, and tire retailers 46%. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  33. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  34. BLS Employment Projections: employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% from 2025 to 2035. BLS Employment Projections
  35. BLS Employment Projections: 0.4% of Parts Salespersons were self-employed in 2025. BLS Employment Projections
  36. BLS Employment Projections, 2025-35 annual average for Parts Salespersons: 4.5% of workers leave the labor force each year and 6% move to a different occupation. BLS Employment Projections
  37. Related occupations (O*NET) with BLS pay, growth and entry education. O*NET OnLine

Notes are for reading the data only. They are not facts and cannot be cited: use the wage_scope and percentile_meaning facts instead. OEWS employment (jobs in May 2025) and Employment Projections employment (2025, includes self-employed) are different measures and can differ. O*NET education shares come from a small survey of workers in the occupation, not from all workers. The Occupational Outlook Handbook text covers a wider group of occupations than this page.

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerFacts has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.