How to become parts salespersonseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Retail Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$38,630

25th–75th pct. $33,110–$49,850

Top pay (est.)

$81,800

Top 10% $62,890

Pay in 5 years

$44,800est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$51,900est.

$44,600–$60,200

Outlook score

47/100

★★☆☆☆ Average

AI replacement risk

44%

Moderate

Job growth (10 yr)

+3.0%

30K openings / yr

How to become parts salespersons

Typical education

No formal educational credential

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

Moderate-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Parts Salespersons

Key skills

Active Listening

3.9

Speaking

3.4

Persuasion

3.2

Critical Thinking

3.2

Service Orientation

3.1

Reading Comprehension

3.1

Active Learning

3.1

Coordination

3.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service

5.7

Administrative

4.5

Administration and Management

4.4

Computers and Electronics

4.4

Sales and Marketing

4.2

Mathematics

4.0

Production and Processing

3.7

Personnel and Human Resources

3.5

What the work involves

Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersHandling and Moving ObjectsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsGetting Information

Important abilities

Oral ExpressionNear VisionOral ComprehensionSpeech RecognitionSpeech ClarityWritten Comprehension

Education of workers

High school diploma

47%

Some college

25%

Bachelor's degree

14%

Associate's degree

Post-secondary certificate

Training before entry

1–3 months

30%

Up to 1 month

23%

3–6 months

20%

1–2 years

14%

6–12 months

Over 10 years

Related work experience

1–2 years

50%

1–3 months

18%

6–12 months

14%

2–4 years

6–8 years

3–6 months

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as parts salespersons

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Retail Salespersons Sell merchandise, such as furniture, motor vehicles, appliances, or apparel to consumers.	$35,410	40/100	39%
2	Cashiers Receive and disburse money in establishments other than financial institutions.	$32,880	32/100	49%
3	First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers Directly supervise and coordinate activities of retail sales workers in an establishment or department.	$48,520	38/100	46%
4	Counter and Rental Clerks Receive orders, generally in person, for repairs, rentals, and services.	$41,300	44/100	54%
5	First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers Directly supervise and coordinate activities of sales workers other than retail sales workers.	$87,520	51/100	62%
6	Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers Exchange coins, tokens, and chips for patrons' money.	$36,220	36/100	51%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.