Why We Love It
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$32,750Potential Avg. Salary
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7.2%Job Growth Rate
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Growing DemandJob Outlook
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Dependable Daily WorkloadCareer Attribute
The job of an auto parts salesman is to find and supply spare parts for automobiles, mechanical equipment, electronics and other consumer products for the safe and profitable operation of the dealership or retail store. Often, such a role also includes advertising and marketing tasks for the benefit of the parts department. Further, one may have to assess the correct replacement or spare part required by discussing the problem with customers and inspecting the vehicle closely.
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What is an Auto Parts Salesman?
Duties
While the duties of an auto parts salesman is widespread and encompasses different tasks, here are some of the key functions:
- Promote sales of correct auto parts to repair customer issues with the vehicle in-store, and keep an up-to-date record of all transactions made.
- Follow prescribed cash, credit and check processing procedures for merchandise, as per company policy.
- Arrange and plan showroom inventory to maximize sales and increase customer satisfaction.
- Attend selective training as recommended by senior management, to enhance learning and knowledge in responsibilities maintained.
- Efficiently take care of customer complaints and concerns to the satisfaction of both parties.
Day in the life
Work as an auto parts salesman is available in two distinct work settings – retail automotive stores and car dealerships around the country. At a retail automotive store, you will have detailed interactions with customers, seeking to answer their questions and finding the appropriate auto parts that match the make and model of their vehicles.
By contrast, in a dealership, you will work with clients and automotive mechanics to find different auto accessories and parts for repairs or upgrades to both commercial and consumer vehicles as needed.
Work schedule and typical hours
All auto parts salesmen have to be prepared to work at early hours of the day and maintain a flexible time schedule. Auto parts salesmen usually work in well-lit stockrooms or garages that are organised and ventilated. Having good vision is helpful for reading small print in catalogs and on computer screens.
Growth of the job
Employment of auto parts salesmen is expected to increase by 7 percent from 2014 to 2024, the average rate for most occupations. This field has a high turnover rate with workers frequently switching to other jobs, which means there will be a promising number of available openings.
While the growth rate for jobs is expected to be average, auto parts salesmen will locate more job opportunities when the economy improves. potentially exposed to battery acid, gasoline, chemical cleaning material or other toxic materials commonly found in motor vehicle service departments, some of which may be considered health hazards.
Typical employers
There are various dealerships and used car dealers that require auto parts sales reps for different makes of automobiles and trucks. Dealerships are companies that sell and service vehicles made by one or two manufacturers.
Employers can also include retail automotive stores, automobile repair shops, service stations, and other businesses servicing motor vehicles. Larger dealerships with well-stocked inventories tend to attract more customers. This can result in better job and income prospects for auto parts salesmen.
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How To Become an Auto Parts Salesman
To be an auto-parts salesman, you do not require post-secondary school credentials before working as a salesperson. Most positions require only a high school diploma or GED equivalent. However, some auto salesmen have a college or postsecondary certificate program. Certification as a parts salesman is available and can be helpful for job advancement. Keeping up to date with the latest developments in the sector will also be advantageous for attaining success in the field.
Some of the necessary qualities for an auto part salesman includes the ability to successfully take care of customers’ needs, be a good listener and take constructive criticism, have superior organizational skills and basic computer skills. Working as an auto parts salesman can require you to frequently bend, stoop, crouch, reach, handle tools and lift in excess of 80lbs. of material as required. In addition, most job responsibilities also involve having to stand for most of the day and to carry heavy parts.
If you are interested in taking on the job of an auto parts salesman, start by getting in touch directly with automobile and truck dealers, as well as wit retail and wholesale parts stores. The state employment service might also post available job openings. Openings are also found on most career sites on the Internet and in classified ads in local newspapers.
Auto Parts Salesman Salary Data
We’ve provided you the following to learn more about this career. The salary and growth data on this page comes from recently published Bureau of Labor Statistics data while the recommendations and editorial content are based on our research.
National Anual Salary
Low Range
$22,400Average
$32,750High Range
$51,280National Hourly Wage
Low Range
$11/hrAverage
$16/hrHigh Range
$25/hrHow do Auto Parts Salesman salaries stack up to other jobs across the country? Based on the latest jobs data nationwide, Auto Parts Salesman's can make an average annual salary of $32,750, or $16 per hour. This makes it an Above Average Salary. On the lower end, they can make $22,400 or $11 per hour, perhaps when just starting out or based on the state you live in.
Salary Rankings And Facts
#661 Nationally for All Careers
Highest Education Among Auto Parts Salesmans
- 0.2% Doctorate
- 0.5% Masters
- 6% Bachelors
- 7.6% Associates
- 29% College
- 48.7% High School
- 8% Less than High School
Job Growth Projections and Forecast
2014 Total Jobs
234,7002024 Est. Jobs
251,500Job Growth Rate
7.2%Est. New Jobs
16,800How does Auto Parts Salesman job growth stack up to other jobs across the country? By 2024, there will be a change of 16,800 jobs for a total of 251,500 people employed in the career nationwide. This is a 7.2% change in growth over the next ten years, giving the career a growth rate nationwide of Below Average.
Growth Rankings And Facts
#307 Nationally for All Careers
What Companies Employ The Most Auto Parts Salesmans
| Industry | Current Jobs | New Jobs Needed | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive parts, accessories, and tire stores | 94,000 | 4,700 | 5% |
| Automobile dealers | 55,800 | 7,300 | 7% |
| Motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts and supplies merchant wholesalers | 20,200 | 1,400 | 1% |
