Automobile Sales Workers

Earnings for automobile sales workers vary depending on location, size, and method of salary. Previously, most dealerships paid their sales workers either straight commission or salary plus commission. This forced sales workers to become extremely aggressive in their selling strategy—and often too aggressive for many customers. With a new trend toward pressure-free selling, more sales workers are earning a straight salary. Many dealerships still offer incentives such as bonuses and profit sharing to encourage sales.

In May 2023, the average hourly wage for retail salespersons at automobile dealers was $29.99, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. This makes for an annual salary of approximately $62,380 a year. Those who work on a straight commission basis can earn more than $85,000 a year; however, their earnings are minimal during slow periods. Sales workers who are just getting started in the field may earn lower annual salaries for a few years as they work to establish a client base. They may start in the low $20,000s. At the end of 2022, the average weekly earnings for new-car dealership employees were $1,681, which translates to around $87,412 per year, according to National Automobile Dealers Association.

Benefits vary by dealership but often include health insurance and a paid vacation. An increasing number of employers will pay all or most of an employee's certification training.