Parts associate vs parts counter clerk

The differences between parts associates and parts counter clerks can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a parts associate and a parts counter clerk. Additionally, a parts counter clerk has an average salary of $34,122, which is higher than the $32,152 average annual salary of a parts associate.

The top three skills for a parts associate include parts inventory, customer satisfaction and inventory control. The most important skills for a parts counter clerk are customer service, parts counter, and phone calls.

Parts associate vs parts counter clerk overview

	Parts Associate	Parts Counter Clerk
Yearly salary	$32,152	$34,122
Hourly rate	$15.46	$16.40
Growth rate	-	-
Number of jobs	23,603	95,411
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 37%	High School Diploma, 45%
Average age	46	46
Years of experience	4	4

What does a parts associate do?

A parts associate works in a parts store and is responsible for selling, identifying, and procuring parts. Working with customers, parts associates evaluate customer problems and descriptions to identify the right parts needed for replacement. These associates also maintain an inventory log and trace parts for older machines as may be required. Parts associates advise and demonstrate to clients how respective parts function, how to properly install the components on machines, and how to use them correctly.

What does a parts counter clerk do?

A parts counter clerk is a customer service position responsible for advising customers about parts and selling parts to customers. The person holding this position is responsible for receiving and verifying new stock when delivered, managing inventory and sales records, billing and receiving payment, and making orders to replenish parts stock. Parts counter clerks are also responsible for the day to day management of a parts store, including doing returns, basic bookkeeping, and cleaning.

Parts associate vs parts counter clerk salary

Parts associates and parts counter clerks have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Parts Associate	Parts Counter Clerk
Average salary	$32,152	$34,122
Salary range	Between $26,000 And $38,000	Between $27,000 And $42,000
Highest paying City	-	Addison, IL
Highest paying state	-	Minnesota
Best paying company	-	Freightliner Trucks
Best paying industry	-	Manufacturing

Differences between parts associate and parts counter clerk education

There are a few differences between a parts associate and a parts counter clerk in terms of educational background:

	Parts Associate	Parts Counter Clerk
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 37%	High School Diploma, 45%
Most common major	Business	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Parts associate vs parts counter clerk demographics

Here are the differences between parts associates' and parts counter clerks' demographics:

	Parts Associate	Parts Counter Clerk
Average age	46	46
Gender ratio	Male, 77.7% Female, 22.3%	Male, 79.1% Female, 20.9%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 4.5% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.0% Asian, 1.7% White, 70.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%	Black or African American, 4.0% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 20.1% Asian, 1.6% White, 69.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage	4%	4%

Differences between parts associate and parts counter clerk duties and responsibilities

Parts associate example responsibilities.

Manage DIY services including battery installation, testing, wiper installs, etc.
Develop relationships with personnel from other Chrysler dealerships to participate in a mutually beneficial parts purchase and delivery co op.
Complete minor to extensive repair of motor cycles and ATV's.
Deliver items to customers, whether they are a dealership, bodyshop or regular customer.

Parts counter clerk example responsibilities.

Manage DIY services including battery installation, testing, wiper installs, etc.
Develop relationships with personnel from other Chrysler dealerships to participate in a mutually beneficial parts purchase and delivery co op.
Deliver items to customers, whether they are a dealership, bodyshop or regular customer.

Parts associate vs parts counter clerk skills

Common parts associate skills

Parts Inventory, 16%
Customer Satisfaction, 11%
Inventory Control, 10%
Cycle Counts, 8%
Computer System, 8%
Retail Sales, 5%

Common parts counter clerk skills

Customer Service, 30%
Parts Counter, 14%
Phone Calls, 12%
POS, 5%
Inventory Control, 4%
Customer Orders, 4%

Parts Associate vs. similar jobs

Parts Associate related careers

Parts Associate related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Sales Industry
Parts Associate
Parts Associate vs Parts Counter Clerk

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse sales jobs