Car salesmen's earnings vary widely depending on factors such as location, dealership type, experience, and sales performance. Here is a detailed overview:
Average Earnings
- Nationally, the average salary for a car salesperson in the U.S. is around $82,000 to $103,000 per year, according to multiple sources including Indeed and Salary.com
- Entry-level car salesmen typically make about $38,000 to $40,000 annually, with monthly earnings around $2,000 to $4,000 if paid a base wage
- Average monthly income for a salesperson selling about 8 cars per month ranges from $3,000 to $4,000, while above-average salespeople selling 10-12 cars monthly can earn $4,000 to $6,000 per month
Commission Structure
- Most car salesmen earn primarily through commissions, which usually range from 20% to 40% of the front-end profit on each car sold
- Commission per car can vary; for example, selling 10 cars a month at $350 commission each yields $3,500 monthly
- Meeting or exceeding sales quotas often leads to bonus commissions, increasing total earnings
Salary Variation by Dealership and Vehicle Type
Dealership Type| Average Annual Salary (2024)
---|---
Luxury Car Salesman| $88,923
New Car Salesman| $60,457
Used Car Salesman| $40,100
Luxury brands (e.g., Porsche, Mercedes, Ford) tend to offer higher salaries due to larger profit margins
Geographic Differences
- Salaries vary significantly by location, with high-paying cities including Seattle (~$105,000), Concord, California (~$148,000), Dallas (~$96,000), and Washington, D.C. (~$80,000)
- For example, average yearly salaries in California are around $104,000, Texas $64,000, and Florida $65,000
Potential for Six-Figure Income
- Experienced and highly skilled car salesmen, especially those selling luxury vehicles, can earn over $100,000 annually
- However, income can be unstable with fluctuations depending on sales volume and market conditions
Summary
- Average car salesmen make roughly $60,000 to $80,000 per year.
- Commission-based pay means earnings are closely tied to sales performance.
- Top earners, particularly in luxury markets and high-demand areas, can exceed six figures.
- Entry-level pay is lower, often around $38,000 annually.
This makes car sales a potentially lucrative but variable career depending on skill, location, and dealership