How much does a parts salesperson make?
a year · about $19 an hour
A typical parts salesperson in the United States makes $38,630 a year, about $19 an hour, below a typical US worker ($50,980) (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They answer customers at the counter or by phone, using a catalog or computer to match a car or old part with the right replacement. They fill orders, check stock, and label or shelve parts.
Did you know? A parts salesperson may find the right replacement by examining an old part or listening to a description of what is broken—not just by looking up a part number.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $28,240 and $62,890How do you become one?
Many U.S. parts-sales jobs require no formal education, though some employers prefer a high-school diploma or GED; most new workers learn customer service and parts systems on the job. A registered Parts Salesperson apprenticeship is another way in.
School needed: High school plus some training
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, experience and detailed knowledge of vehicle or machine parts can help; jobs in parts stores, car dealerships, or companies selling parts in bulk may pay differently. Local demand, living costs, and how much responsibility a job carries can also affect pay.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in North Dakota ($48,600), lowest in Louisiana ($31,310).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $28,240 | $38,630 | $62,890 | about 270,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | $48,600 | about 2,000 |
| Colorado | $47,660 | about 5,000 |
| Minnesota | $47,030 | about 6,000 |
| Washington | $46,830 | about 6,000 |
| Iowa | $46,670 | about 4,000 |
Official definition: Sell spare and replacement parts and equipment in repair shop or parts store.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/sales/retail-sales-workers.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/details/41-2022.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.bls.gov/oes/2021/May/oes412022.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY