What Does a Parts Salesperson Do? Duties, Pay & Outlook

What does a parts salesperson do?

Parts salespersons sell spare and replacement parts for vehicles, equipment and machinery, using catalogs and VINs to find the right part. The median pay is $38,630 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 1–3 months on the job, and employment is projected to grow +3.0% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

Median pay
$38,630
$18.57/hour · May 2025
Job growth
+3.0%
2025–35, about as fast as average
Openings per year
30,000
Average, 2025–35
Typical entry education
No formal educational credential
BLS classification
Time to train
1–3 months on the job
Typical program length
U.S. jobs
273,300
Employment, 2025

What parts salespeople do

Parts salespeople know what makes vehicles and machines run. They help DIY customers and professional mechanics find the right parts using VINs and electronic catalogs, check inventory, place special orders, handle returns and warranty claims and keep the parts counter organized. They work at auto parts stores, dealerships, truck and equipment dealers.

No formal education is required, and training happens on the job. Mechanical knowledge helps. ASE parts specialist certifications strengthen credibility and pay.

Typical duties

Help customers identify the correct parts
Look up parts by VIN and catalog
Check inventory and place special orders
Process sales, returns and warranty claims
Advise customers on installation basics
Stock and organize parts
Build relationships with commercial accounts

Work environment and schedule

Parts salespeople work behind counters, in warehouses and sometimes in delivery vehicles.

Schedule: Most work full-time; retail stores include evenings and weekends.

A day in the life

7:30 AMOpen the counter and check overnight special orders.
8:00 AMHelp a shop find brake parts using the VIN.
9:30 AMTest a customer’s battery and recommend a replacement.
11:00 AMOrder a hard-to-find part from a warehouse.

See a full day in the life of a parts salesperson →

Parts Salesperson salary

Half of parts salespeople earned more than $38,630 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $28,240 for the lowest 10% to $62,890 for the top 10%.

$28,24010th$38,630Median$62,89090th

Full parts salesperson pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a parts salesperson

Learn vehicle basics
Get hired at a parts store
Learn the catalog
Earn ASE parts certification
Advance

No formal education is required. Training is on the job; automotive classes and ASE parts certifications help.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a parts salesperson →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

Parts lookup
Vehicle systems knowledge
Inventory management
POS systems
Warranty processing

People skills

Customer service
Problem solving
Accuracy
Communication

All parts salesperson skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

Use mechanical knowledge
No degree needed
Steady demand
Path to parts manager

Cons

Weekend work in retail
Customers need parts urgently
Returns and warranty disputes
Modest pay at entry level

Certifications and licenses

ASE P2 Automobile Parts Specialist: Certification for auto parts professionals.
ASE P1 Medium-Heavy Truck Parts Specialist: For truck parts professionals.
ASE P4 General Motor Parts Specialist: For general motor parts.
Manufacturer parts training: Training from brands and suppliers.

Career path

Parts Associate: Stock and sell parts.
Parts Specialist: Handle complex lookups and accounts.
Commercial Sales Specialist: Manage shop accounts.
Parts Manager: Run a parts department.

Learn the job before day one

Our Parts Salesperson training (6 hours, $59.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as look up a part by VIN and process a core return, safety and how to land your first job.

View Parts Salesperson training Is this career right for me?

Automotive Service Technician

Inspect, diagnose and repair cars and light trucks, including hybrids and EVs.

$50,620
6–24 months

Retail Sales Associate

Help shoppers find what they need and keep stores running smoothly.

$35,410
1–2 weeks

Wholesale Sales Representative

Sell products from manufacturers and distributors to businesses in a territory.

$72,080
1–6 months

Diesel Mechanic

Diagnose and repair trucks, buses and diesel-powered equipment.

$61,770
6–24 months

Compare: Parts Salesperson vs. Auto Technician · Parts Salesperson vs. Retail Sales Associate · Parts Salesperson vs. Wholesale Sales Rep · Parts Salesperson vs. Diesel Mechanic

Parts Salesperson FAQ

Do parts salespeople need experience?

Not always, but car knowledge helps.

What certification helps?

ASE parts specialist certifications.

Where do parts salespeople work?

Auto parts stores, dealerships and equipment dealers.

How much does a parts salesperson make?

The median annual wage for parts salespeople was $38,630 ($18.57 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $28,240 and the highest 10% earned more than $62,890.

How long does it take to become a parts salesperson?

Most people need about 1–3 months on the job of training. No formal education is required. Training is on the job; automotive classes and ASE parts certifications help.

Do you need a degree to be a parts salesperson?

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “no formal educational credential” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 41-2022 (Parts salespersons).
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
O*NET OnLine summary for Parts salespersons (U.S. Department of Labor).
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

Parts Salesperson