Mid-Level

Automotive Parts Counterperson (Auto Parts Counterperson)

The parts department professional who handles customer requests, looks up components, and ensures accurate parts delivery.

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
Job markets for Automotive Parts Counterperson (Auto Parts Counterperson)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 Counterperson (Auto Parts Counterperson)

You manage the interface between parts inventory and those who need them—customers, technicians, service writers. Your work involves parts identification, inventory management, order processing, and customer service. You keep repairs moving by getting the right parts to the right people.

At mid-level, you work efficiently and handle complex requests independently. You have developed the product knowledge and system skills to quickly locate parts and alternatives. You have become the knowledgeable resource others rely on.

The work demands multitasking and accuracy. You juggle counter traffic, phone calls, and internal requests while ensuring every part delivered is correct. Success requires combining speed with precision and staying helpful under pressure.

RelationshipsModerate
IndependenceLower
SupportLower
Working ConditionsLower
AchievementLower
RecognitionLower
O*NET Work Values survey
StrategyExecution
StructuredAdaptable
ManagingContributing
CollaborativeIndependent
Operation typeVolume levelSpecializationTechnology systems
Dealer parts counters operate differently than retail stores or wholesale operations. Volume ranges from steady to extremely busy. Some operations specialize in specific makes or parts categories. Technology ranges from basic catalogs to sophisticated systems.
✦ 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 Counterperson (Auto Parts Counterperson)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 Counterperson (Auto Parts Counterperson) 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 maintain accuracy when handling multiple requests at once?
Describe your approach to handling a parts return or core exchange.
What systems or techniques do you use to look up parts efficiently?
✦ 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

Active ListeningSpeakingPersuasionReading 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.