Parts Salespersons vs. Retail Salespersons: Who Earns More?
Parts Salespersonss out-earn Retail Salespersonss by $3K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Parts Salespersonss land at $38,630 and Retail Salespersonss at $35,410. The education gap is real: parts salesperson programs typically require high school diploma or equivalent, while retail salesperson programs require no formal educational credential. Top-paying state for Parts Salespersonss is North Dakota ($48,600); for Retail Salespersonss it's Washington ($39,560).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Parts Salespersons median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Parts Salespersonss or Retail Salespersonss?
Parts Salespersonss earn more nationally. The median is $38,630 for Parts Salespersonss versus $35,410 for Retail Salespersonss, a difference of $3K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Parts Salespersons or Retail Salespersons?
BLS Employment Projections data is not available for one or both occupations. Check the individual career pages for current outlook figures.
Which requires more education, Parts Salespersons or Retail Salespersons?
Parts Salespersons typically requires high school diploma or equivalent. Retail Salespersons requires no formal educational credential. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Parts Salespersonss get paid the most?
North Dakota is the top-paying state for Parts Salespersonss at $48,600/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Parts Salespersons vs. Retail Salespersons pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Colorado, Parts Salespersonss earn $47,660 vs. $37,950 for Retail Salespersonss. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.