Mid-Level

Parts Counterperson

The parts department staffer — working the counter to serve automotive parts customers.

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 Parts Counterpersons
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 Parts Counterperson

As a Parts Counterperson, you staff the parts counter, helping customers find and purchase automotive parts. You work with the parts catalog, inventory systems, and your product knowledge to serve customers efficiently and accurately.

Your day involves steady customer service at the counter. You might help customers identify parts they need, look up part numbers and applications, check availability, process sales, and handle returns or special orders.

If you want to work in automotive retail with a focus on parts, this provides that environment. The challenge is developing the knowledge to serve customers confidently. The people who succeed are customer-focused and committed to building their automotive knowledge.

RelationshipsModerate
IndependenceLower
SupportLower
Working ConditionsLower
AchievementLower
RecognitionLower
O*NET Work Values survey
StrategyExecution
StructuredAdaptable
ManagingContributing
CollaborativeIndependent
Store typeCustomer mixTraining providedTechnical expectationsSchedule
Counterperson roles vary by employer. Chain stores have more structure. Independent shops may have more variety. Dealerships focus on specific brands. Training and advancement vary.
✦ 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 Parts Counterpersons (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 Parts Counterperson career path? Truest helps you figure out if it's the right fit — and plan your path forward.
Explore career tools
1
Parts identification
Core skill for the job
2
Customer service
Helping customers effectively
3
System proficiency
Efficient use of catalogs and inventory
What training is provided?
What is the customer profile?
What are the hours?
What is the compensation?
What advancement exists?
✦ 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 ListeningSpeakingPersuasionService OrientationReading ComprehensionSocial PerceptivenessCritical ThinkingMonitoringTime ManagementWriting
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.