Parts Salespersons Salary 2025: $38,630 Median, Growth Outlook & How to Start
The median annual salary for Parts Salespersons in the U.S. is $38,630 as of May 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That works out to roughly $19 per hour. The typical range runs from $28,240 at the 10th percentile to $62,890 at the top. With 270,070 people employed in the role and about 30,200 openings projected each year, this is a stable occupation with steady demand.
How much Parts Salespersons earn
The national median salary for Parts Salespersons is $38,630, with a mean of $43,830. The lowest-earning 10 percent make $28,240 or less, while the highest 10 percent earn $62,890 or more. Pay varies significantly by industry, employer, and location.
Experience matters. Entry-level positions often start near the lower end, but top performers—especially those with technical product knowledge or commercial accounts—can reach the upper end of the pay scale. Commission structures also boost earnings in some dealerships and wholesale settings.
Pay by state
Where you work heavily influences your paycheck in this field. North Dakota tops the list at $48,600, followed by Colorado ($47,660), Minnesota ($47,030), Washington ($46,830), and Iowa ($46,670). These states tend to have higher demand for agricultural, construction, or heavy-equipment parts sales.
The lowest-paying states include North Carolina ($32,480), South Carolina ($32,180), and Louisiana ($31,310). Keep in mind that cost of living varies, but the raw salary gap between the highest and lowest state is over $17,000 per year.
How to become Parts Salesperson
Most Parts Salespersons enter the field with a high school diploma or equivalent and learn on the job. Employers often provide several weeks of training on inventory systems, product lines, and customer service. No formal certification is required, but experience with automotive, industrial, or machinery parts gives you a leg up.
Helpful steps include:
- Get a high school diploma or GED.
- Gain customer service or retail experience.
- Learn about parts inventory software and basic mechanical concepts.
- Consider earning a sales certificate (e.g., from the Automotive Parts and Service Association or manufacturer-specific training).
- Apply for entry-level counter or warehouse roles.
Job outlook
Employment of Parts Salespersons is projected to grow 3.1 percent from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. That translates to roughly 30,200 openings each year over the decade. Most openings come from workers retiring or moving into other roles. The steady need for replacement parts in automotive, farm, and construction equipment supports job demand.
Frequently asked questions
What is the hourly wage for Parts Salespersons?
The mean hourly wage is about $19 per hour. The median hourly wage falls similarly around $18.50.
Which state pays Parts Salespersons the most?
North Dakota is the highest-paying state at a mean annual wage of $48,600, followed by Colorado ($47,660) and Minnesota ($47,030).
How do I become a Parts Salesperson without experience?
Start with a high school diploma. Apply for entry-level positions at auto dealerships, parts stores, or industrial distributors. Employers typically train new hires on the product line and computer systems.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Parts Salespersons data.