Parts runner vs parts counter clerk

The differences between parts runners 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 runner and a parts counter clerk. Additionally, a parts counter clerk has an average salary of $34,122, which is higher than the $31,562 average annual salary of a parts runner.

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

Parts runner vs parts counter clerk overview

	Parts Runner	Parts Counter Clerk
Yearly salary	$31,562	$34,122
Hourly rate	$15.17	$16.40
Growth rate	-	-
Number of jobs	36,491	95,411
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 54%	High School Diploma, 45%
Average age	46	46
Years of experience	4	4

What does a parts runner do?

Parts runners are essential to the function of the parts department. They are responsible for either delivering the part of the automotive to customers or picking up the parts for a shop job. Their duties include picking up the payment for items ordered, delivering several automotive parts to different routes, and picking up parts needed to complete the automotive repair. Also, they pick up returned items from clients, examine the parts to match the parts sold to them, and provide the customer with the return receipt. In addition, parts runners maintain the vehicle used for the delivery.

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 runner vs parts counter clerk salary

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

	Parts Runner	Parts Counter Clerk
Average salary	$31,562	$34,122
Salary range	Between $26,000 And $38,000	Between $27,000 And $42,000
Highest paying City	Grand Forks, ND	Addison, IL
Highest paying state	Washington	Minnesota
Best paying company	Martin Marietta	Freightliner Trucks
Best paying industry	Construction	Manufacturing

Differences between parts runner and parts counter clerk education

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

	Parts Runner	Parts Counter Clerk
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 54%	High School Diploma, 45%
Most common major	Business	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Parts runner vs parts counter clerk demographics

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

	Parts Runner	Parts Counter Clerk
Average age	46	46
Gender ratio	Male, 76.0% Female, 24.0%	Male, 79.1% Female, 20.9%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 4.5% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 1.7% White, 69.7% 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 runner and parts counter clerk duties and responsibilities

Parts runner 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 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 runner vs parts counter clerk skills

Common parts runner skills

Phone Calls, 16%
Customer Service, 15%
Inventory Control, 9%
HVAC, 8%
DOT, 6%
Delivery Truck, 6%

Common parts counter clerk skills

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

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Parts Runner
Parts Runner vs Parts Counter Clerk

Updated January 8, 2025

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