Mid-Level

Automotive Parts Counter Associate (Auto Parts Counter Associate)

The parts team member who assists customers and service departments, looking up and retrieving automotive components.

Career Level
Junior
Mid
Senior
Director
VP
Executive
Work Personality
C
R
E
S
I
A
Conventionalorganizing, detail-oriented
Realistichands-on, practical
Based on Holland Code framework
Industries that often hire Automotive Parts Counter Associate (Auto Parts Counter Associate)s
Job markets for Automotive Parts Counter Associate (Auto Parts Counter Associate)s
Employment concentration · ~389 areas
Based on employment in related occupations
Mapped SOC categories:
BLS Occupational Employment Statistics
What it's like

What it's like to be a Automotive Parts Counter Associate (Auto Parts Counter Associate)

You support the parts operation, helping customers find what they need and keeping technicians supplied with components for repairs. Your work involves parts lookup, inventory checking, order processing, and customer service at the counter and phone.

At mid-level, you handle most inquiries independently and have developed solid product knowledge. You know the layout of your inventory, common part numbers, and how to use lookup systems effectively. You have become a reliable resource for both customers and colleagues.

The work rewards attention to detail and helpfulness. Every correct part delivered efficiently keeps repairs moving and customers satisfied. Success comes from combining accuracy with speed and maintaining patience when facing challenging requests.

RelationshipsModerate
IndependenceLower
SupportLower
Working ConditionsLower
AchievementLower
RecognitionLower
O*NET Work Values survey
StrategyExecution
StructuredAdaptable
ManagingContributing
CollaborativeIndependent
Retail vs wholesale focusBrand coverageService department supportTechnology level
Some positions emphasize retail counter sales while others focus on supporting professional technicians. Brand coverage ranges from OEM-only to comprehensive aftermarket. Service department support roles involve more technician interaction. Technology sophistication varies significantly.
✦ Editorial — written by Truest from industry research and career patterns
Career Paths

Where this role sits in the broader career landscape — and where it can take you.

$239K$179K$119K$60K$0KLower paying387 metro areas, sorted by salary level
All experience levels1
This level's estimated range
INDUSTRIES PAYING ABOVE AVERAGE
1 BLS OEWS May 2024 covers all Automotive Parts Counter Associate (Auto Parts Counter Associate)s (SOC 41-2022.00), not just this title · BEA RPP 2023
* Top salaries exceed this figure. BLS caps reported wages at ~$240K to protect individual privacy in high-earning roles.
Exploring the Automotive Parts Counter Associate (Auto Parts Counter Associate) career path? Truest helps you figure out if it's the right fit — and plan your path forward.
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How do you stay organized when handling multiple customer requests simultaneously?
Describe your approach to learning new products and applications.
What do you do when you cannot find a part in inventory that a customer needs?
✦ Editorial — career progression and interview guidance based on industry patterns
The Broader Landscape

Roles like this one sit within a broader occupational category. The numbers below reflect that full landscape — helpful for context, but your specific experience will depend on level, specialty, and where you work.

$28K–$62K
Salary Range
10th – 90th percentile
265K
U.S. Employment
+3.1%
10yr Growth
30K
Annual Openings

How this category is changing

$64K$61K$58K$55K$52K201920202021202220232024$52K$64K
BLS OEWS May 2024 · BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034

Skills & Requirements

SpeakingActive ListeningPersuasionReading ComprehensionService OrientationSocial PerceptivenessCritical ThinkingMonitoringJudgment and Decision MakingWriting
O*NET OnLine · Bureau of Labor Statistics
41-2022.00

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Federal data: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics (May 2024) · BLS Employment Projections · O*NET OnLine
Truest editorial: Fit check, role profile, things that vary, advancement analysis, lateral moves, interview questions.