A parts salesperson sells replacement parts and components to businesses and the public. You'll work in a retail or warehouse setting, help customers find what they need, and manage inventory. Most positions require a high school diploma and some on-the-job training.
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Parts salespersons assist customers in identifying and purchasing the right components for their needs. You'll spend time working with computers to check inventory and pricing, answer customer questions, and explain product specifications. The role involves communicating with people outside your organization, documenting sales and customer information, and making decisions about product recommendations. You'll need to listen carefully to what customers need, read technical information, and sometimes do basic math to calculate costs or quantities.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Parts Salespersons earn a median of $38,630 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is steady. Employment is projected to grow 3 percent from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as average for all occupations, with about 30,200 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Most parts salesperson positions require a high school diploma or equivalent. You'll typically learn the job through on-the-job training at a retail or warehouse location. During training, you'll become familiar with inventory systems, product catalogs, and customer service practices specific to your employer. Some employers may provide product knowledge training or certifications related to the parts you'll be selling. Starting in this role gives you hands-on experience in sales and customer service without requiring a four-year degree.
Many people enter this field directly from high school or move into it from other retail roles. If you're exploring whether this fits your timeline and interests, Pathly can map the part salesperson path that fits you and work through the options with your counselor.
You do not need a license to work as a part salesperson, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You're drawn to practical, hands-on work and enjoy solving problems for customers. You communicate clearly, listen well, and like working with real products and systems.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).