Parts salespersons
SOC Code: 41-2022Also known as:
Appliance Parts Counter Clerk, Automotive Parts Clerk (Auto Parts Clerk), Automotive Parts Counter Associate (Auto Parts Counter Associate), Automotive Parts Counter Person (Auto Parts Counter Person), Automotive Parts Counterperson (Auto Parts Counterperson)
Median Annual Salary
$37,440
+3.1% growth (2024-2034)
30K
Openings/Year
272K
Current Jobs
What Parts salespersons Do
Sell spare and replacement parts and equipment in repair shop or parts store.
💰 Salary
$37,440
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+3.1%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
No formal educational credential
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
30K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
272,100
Projected Employment (2034)
280,600
Related Careers
Counter and rental clerks
$38,540 •
+3.2% growth
Retail salespersons
$34,580 •
-0.5% growth
Shipping, receiving, and inventory clerks
$43,190 •
-7.7% growth
Engine and other machine assemblers
$52,540 •
-21.1% growth
Stockers and order fillers
$37,090 •
+8.5% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Speaking
Persuasion
Reading Comprehension
Service Orientation
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Receive payment or obtain credit authorization.
- Assist customers, such as responding to customer complaints and updating them about back-ordered parts.
- Fill customer orders from stock, and place orders when requested items are out of stock.
- Receive and fill telephone orders for parts.
- Locate and label parts, and maintain inventory of stock.
- Prepare sales slips or sales contracts.
- Read catalogs, microfiche viewers, or computer displays to determine replacement part stock numbers and prices.
- Determine replacement parts required, according to inspections of old parts, customer requests, or customers' descriptions of malfunctions.
- Examine returned parts for defects, and exchange defective parts or refund money.
- Manage shipments by researching shipping methods or costs and tracking packages.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
No formal educational credential
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Parts salespersons
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a parts salespersons:
Selling Skills and Sales Operations
1,566 degrees awarded •
82 colleges offer this program
Vehicle and Vehicle Parts and Accessories Marketing Operations
41 degrees awarded •
5 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Parts salespersons
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become parts salespersons.
| # | College | Location | Related Degrees | Repit Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Purdue University-Main Campus | West Lafayette, IN | 93 | B+ |
| 2 | University of Wisconsin-Madison | Madison, WI | 4 | B+ |
| 3 | Kansas State University | Manhattan, KS | 126 | B |
| 4 | University of Kentucky | Lexington, KY | 88 | B |
| 5 | Oklahoma State University-Main Campus | Stillwater, OK | 78 | B |
| 6 | Iowa State University | Ames, IA | 67 | B |
| 7 | Washington State University | Pullman, WA | 56 | B |
| 8 | Miami University-Oxford | Oxford, OH | 24 | B |
| 9 | University of Wyoming | Laramie, WY | 21 | B |
| 10 | University of Louisville | Louisville, KY | 16 | B |
| 11 | Ball State University | Muncie, IN | 13 | B |
| 12 | Bentley University | Waltham, MA | 11 | B |
| 13 | Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | 1 | B |
| 14 | University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire | Eau Claire, WI | 1 | B |
| 15 | University of Nebraska-Lincoln | Lincoln, NE | 1 | B |
| 16 | Weber State University | Ogden, UT | 125 | C+ |
| 17 | East Carolina University | Greenville, NC | 88 | C+ |
| 18 | Lake Land College | Mattoon, IL | 83 | C+ |
| 19 | University of Minnesota-Duluth | Duluth, MN | 48 | C+ |
| 20 | Kent State University at Kent | Kent, OH | 33 | C+ |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do parts salespersons make?
The median annual salary for parts salespersons is $37,440.
What education do parts salespersons need?
Most parts salespersons positions require a no formal educational credential.
Common degree programs include Selling Skills and Sales Operations, Vehicle and Vehicle Parts and Accessories Marketing Operations.
Is becoming parts salespersons a good career choice?
Parts salespersons is projected to see +3.1% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 30,200 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for parts salespersons?
Top colleges for aspiring parts salespersons include
Purdue University-Main Campus, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Kansas State University, University of Kentucky, Oklahoma State University-Main Campus.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to parts salespersons?
Parts salespersons may also be known as: Appliance Parts Counter Clerk, Automotive Parts Clerk (Auto Parts Clerk), Automotive Parts Counter Associate (Auto Parts Counter Associate), Automotive Parts Counter Person (Auto Parts Counter Person), Automotive Parts Counterperson (Auto Parts Counterperson), Automotive Parts Handler (Auto Parts Handler), Automotive Parts Salesperson (Auto Parts Salesperson), Automotive Parts Specialist (Auto Parts Specialist), Electronic Parts Salesperson, Merchandising Assistant, Parts Advisor, Parts Associate, Parts Back Counter Man, Parts Clerk, Parts Consultant, Parts Coordinator, Parts Counter Associate, Parts Counter Clerk, Parts Counter Person, Parts Counter Representative (Parts Counter Rep).
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.