Mid-Level

Parts Specialist

The automotive parts expert — providing specialized knowledge and service for complex parts needs.

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 Specialists
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 Specialist

As a Parts Specialist, you bring specialized expertise to parts operations. You might focus on specific vehicle systems, handle complex identification, or serve as technical resource for the department. The title suggests expertise beyond standard counter work.

Your day involves applying specialized knowledge. You might handle difficult parts identification, assist with technical questions, train others, and serve customers with complex needs.

If you have deep automotive knowledge and want to use that expertise, specialist roles provide that opportunity. The challenge is maintaining expertise as vehicles evolve. The people in these roles are often the technical backbone of parts operations.

RelationshipsModerate
IndependenceLower
SupportLower
Working ConditionsLower
AchievementLower
RecognitionLower
O*NET Work Values survey
StrategyExecution
StructuredAdaptable
ManagingContributing
CollaborativeIndependent
Specialization areaTechnical depthCustomer vs internal focusTraining roleExperience level
Parts specialist roles vary by focus area. Some specialize in specific systems or vehicle types. Others serve as general technical experts. Training and mentoring responsibilities 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
1 BLS OEWS May 2024 covers all Parts Specialists (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 Specialist career path? Truest helps you figure out if it's the right fit — and plan your path forward.
Explore career tools
1
Deep technical expertise
Specialized knowledge is the value
2
Teaching ability
Sharing expertise extends impact
3
Problem solving
Handling complex situations
What is the specialization focus?
What technical depth is expected?
Is there a training role?
What is the compensation?
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 ThinkingMonitoringTime ManagementJudgment and Decision Making
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.