What Parts Salespersons do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Parts Salespersons this way: "Sell spare and replacement parts and equipment in repair shop or parts store."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "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"; "Receive and fill telephone orders for parts"; "Prepare sales slips or sales contracts"; "Receive payment or obtain credit authorization".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is no formal educational credential. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is moderate-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Parts Salespersons
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 273,300 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 281,600 in 2035, an increase of 8,300 jobs (+3%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 30,000 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 11.0% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $38,630, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Parts Salespersons earn the most
Across the 2 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $34,424 in Texas to $43,547 in California, a gap of $9,123 (1.27 times). 1 of those 2 states average above the BLS national median of $38,630 and 1 average at or below it.
California employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 25,860, which is 50.6% of the 51,110 counted across them. Texas follows with 25,250.
Highest-paying states
California ($43,547) and Texas ($34,424) lead the ranking, while Texas ($34,424) and California ($43,547) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Occupations related to Parts Salespersons
Counter and Rental Clerks belong to the same detailed SOC group. Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (41-2000) include Retail Salespersons and Cashiers.
Frequently asked questions about Parts Salespersons
How much do Parts Salespersons earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $38,630. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $34,424 to $43,547.
Which state pays Parts Salespersons the most?
California, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $43,547. Texas is next at $34,424.
Is Parts Salespersons a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to grow by 3% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 30,000 openings a year.
What education do Parts Salespersons need?
The typical entry-level education is no formal educational credential and moderate-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.