Mid-Level

Parts Salesman

The automotive parts seller — moving parts through expertise and customer relationships.

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 Salesmans
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 Salesman

As a Parts Salesman, you sell automotive parts to customers — retail, commercial, or both. The traditional title suggests experienced sales ability combined with parts knowledge.

Your day involves selling parts and building customer relationships. You might serve retail customers at the counter, develop commercial accounts, handle special orders, and work to maximize sales from every opportunity.

If you have sales ability and automotive knowledge, parts sales puts both to work. The challenge is maintaining relationships while meeting sales goals. The people who succeed balance customer service with revenue results.

RelationshipsModerate
IndependenceLower
SupportLower
Working ConditionsLower
AchievementLower
RecognitionLower
O*NET Work Values survey
StrategyExecution
StructuredAdaptable
ManagingContributing
CollaborativeIndependent
Customer focusCommission opportunityAccount scopeEmployer typeExperience expected
Parts sales varies by employer and role scope. Some are heavily retail-focused. Others emphasize commercial accounts. Commission structures and sales expectations vary. Some expect significant experience; others train.
✦ 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 Salesmans (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 Salesman career path? Truest helps you figure out if it's the right fit — and plan your path forward.
Explore career tools
1
Active selling
Driving sales rather than waiting for them
2
Customer development
Building relationships that generate business
3
Parts expertise
Knowledge enables confident recommendations
What is the customer focus?
What is the compensation structure?
What sales expectations exist?
What training and support is provided?
What career advancement is available?
✦ 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.