Parts Salespersons
Retail sales workers sell merchandise, spare and replacement parts, and equipment to customers.
Is parts salespersons a good career?
It scores 15/100 and ranks #507 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- High volume of openings — about 30,200 a year
- No college degree typically required to enter
Possible tradeoffs
- Pays below the U.S. median wage ($38,630 vs $61,390)
What parts salespersons earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. parts salespersons earn between $33,110 and $49,850 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live parts salespersons jobs
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- Typical education
- No formal educational credential
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow little or no change through 2034.
Education
Although retail or parts sales positions usually have no formal education requirement, some employers prefer to hire candidates who have a high school diploma or the equivalent.
Training
Most retail sales workers receive on-the-job training, which usually lasts a few days to a few months. An experienced employee often trains newly hired workers, but some training programs are more formal and may be conducted over several days.
Training topics usually include customer service, security, store policies and procedures, and cash register or point-of-sale system operation.
Depending on the product they are selling, employees may receive additional specialized training. For example, salespersons working in automotive sales get instruction on the types of vehicles for sale, sales promotions, and financing options. Similarly, those who sell auto parts may be instructed on the technical functions of various parts, in addition to sales technique.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Some states require licensure for selected retail sales occupations, such as car salespersons. Aspiring salespersons may be required to pass an exam, complete a background check, or meet other conditions for employment.
Requirements vary by state. Contact individual state licensing agencies
Advancement
Retail sales workers may advance to supervisory or managerial positions. Some employers prefer that candidates for managerial positions have a bachelor’s degree.
As sales workers gain experience and seniority, they often have greater responsibility and may be given a choice of departments in which to work. Such opportunities often mean moving to positions with higher potential earnings and commissions.
Important qualities
Customer-service skills. Retail sales workers must be responsive to customers and be friendly and outgoing. They should explain product options and make appropriate recommendations to customers.
Interpersonal skills. Retail sales workers have frequent interaction with customers. Engaging with and relating to people may increase customer loyalty.
Math skills. Retail sales workers must be able to calculate price totals, discounts, and change owed to customers.
Persistence. A large number of attempted sales may not be successful, so sales workers should not be discouraged easily.
Persuasion. Retail sales workers must be persuasive when interacting with customers. They must clearly and effectively explain the benefits of the merchandise.
Related occupations
How much do parts salespersons make?
The national median wage is $38,630 a year, with the middle half earning between $33,110 and $49,850 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is parts salespersons a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 15 of 100 and ranks #507 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +3.1% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a parts salesperson?
The typical entry-level education is no formal educational credential.
Where do parts salespersons earn the most?
Among states, North Dakota pays the highest median ($48,600). Local pay for every state and metro is below.