Mid-Level

Parts Representative (Parts Rep)

The parts department rep — representing automotive parts to customers and accounts.

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 Representative (Parts Rep)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 Parts Representative (Parts Rep)

As a Parts Representative, you represent an automotive parts operation to customers. You might work counter sales, commercial accounts, or a combination. You're the face of the parts department to those who need components.

Your day involves customer interaction and parts sales. You might serve retail customers at the counter, handle commercial account orders, build relationships with regular buyers, and ensure customer satisfaction.

If you enjoy being the customer contact in a parts environment, this role provides that focus. The challenge is serving various customer types effectively. The people who succeed balance service quality with sales results.

RelationshipsModerate
IndependenceLower
SupportLower
Working ConditionsLower
AchievementLower
RecognitionLower
O*NET Work Values survey
StrategyExecution
StructuredAdaptable
ManagingContributing
CollaborativeIndependent
Account focusCustomer typeSales expectationsEmployer typeTerritory structure
Parts representation varies by employer and focus. Some emphasize retail counter; others focus on commercial accounts. Sales expectations and compensation structures vary. Some have outside territory; others are store-based.
✦ 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 Representative (Parts Rep)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 Parts Representative (Parts Rep) career path? Truest helps you figure out if it's the right fit — and plan your path forward.
Explore career tools
1
Relationship building
Regular customers drive consistent business
2
Parts expertise
Knowledge enables confident service
3
Sales ability
Converting interactions to sales
What is the focus — counter, commercial, or both?
What are the sales expectations?
What is the compensation structure?
What customer accounts would I handle?
What career paths exist?
✦ 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 ListeningPersuasionService OrientationReading ComprehensionSocial PerceptivenessCritical ThinkingMonitoringJudgment and Decision MakingTime Management
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.