Auto aftermarket size, trends, and how many jobs are available in the automotive aftermarket

The latest automotive aftermarket data trends and statistics. Scroll to the bottom of the page for more in-depth articles on trends and analysis.

How many jobs are available in the auto parts (OEM or aftermarket) industry?

Just how many jobs are available in automotive aftermarket? A lot!

The aftermarket employs about 5 million people in the US. That includes employment at parts manufacturers, dealerships, wholesale distributors, auto parts stores, tire stores, gas stations, and service repair companies.

The industry’s employment has grown about 2% to 4% every year since the pandemic. In the pandemic, in 2020, it shrank about 5% according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employment has grown at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of nearly 2% from 2013 to 2023.

Demand for automotive technician jobs has been outpacing actual employment for over 10 years. That’s close to a guarantee of getting a job if you want to become an auto technician. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is forecasting 2.8% growth in employment 2021-2031. Even better news for techs: they’re forecasting a CAGR 3.6% growth in wages from 2021 to 2031.

How big is the auto parts industry or aftermarket industry?
The light duty auto parts industry is projected at just over $470 billion by 2027 (parts and service). The entire automotive aftermarket/auto care industry including medium and heavy-duty parts is projected at over $600 billion in 2027 (parts and service). Stats are from the Auto Care/AASA Channel Forecast Model.

Automotive aftermarket distribution model

CLICK TO ENLARGE: Distribution channels in the auto parts industry. The dashed lines indicate a relatively new channel of distribution in the auto parts market, from internet retailers sending drop ship orders to WDs, who in turn ship directly to auto aftermarket consumers.

The automotive aftermarket is the after-sales auto parts market. This chart shows the complexities of distribution for the auto parts industry and aftermarket accessories.

“Two-step distribution” was the primary channel of distribution for aftermarket auto parts for decades. This distribution channel went from manufacturer, to warehouse distributor (WD), to the auto parts retailer/jobber, to the consumer.

This has given way to multiple channels of distribution in the auto parts market, as the internet has opened new channels of distribution and consumer buying. A prime example of this is shown with the dashed lines: internet retailers who take orders for parts and accessories, send orders to warehouse distributors (WDs), who then drop ship orders directly to consumers. Manufacturers are increasingly selling direct to consumer (DTC) on the internet, bypassing all other traditional distribution channels.

At a glance: Automotive aftermarket trends

1. The US light duty auto parts aftermarket market size is projected at $472 billion in 2027.
2. The entire US automotive aftermarket including light, medium and heavy-duty motor vehicle auto care industry was at $546 billion in 2024.
3. Automotive eCommerce trends: the expected growth in 2022: 11.7%.
4. Automotive DIY activity continues to rise in 2021-2022, which is a good sign for the auto parts market.
5. 242.1 million people will be licensed to drive in the US by 2025.
6. In the US auto parts market, eCommerce is projected at $50 billion in 2027.
7. More automotive eCommerce trends: North American eCommerce was estimated at USD$26.1 billion in 2022.
8. More companies are supporting the industry with automotive eCommerce solutions including heavyweights Shopify and BigCommerce.
9. The medium- and heavy-duty parts market grew about 2% in 2021.
10. Industry demand for automotive technicians continues to outpace the available pool of auto techs, continuing a pattern since 2009.

Learn the latest automotive aftermarket outlook for 2025-2027, with our interpretation and analysis. We cover news and statistics from SEMA, AASA, CAN and the AutoCare Association, as well as other news on the automotive aftermarket industry.

Historically the auto parts industry has grown about 3.5% to 3.9% per year. However, auto parts eCommerce has been growing at about a 20% compounded annual growth rate (CAGR).

The power of digital influence on the automotive aftermarket industry is an aftermarket auto parts sales statistics trend to watch. About $174 billion in automotive through all sales channels, including online and brick and mortar, are influenced by digital. Digital influence on auto parts retail will grow to nearly $200 billion by 2025.

Automotive online shopping is growing, automotive technology is changing with more hybrids and electric vehicles, mobile shopping is on the rise, self-driving cars are supposedly on the horizon, and Amazon and eBay are going strong. How do you know what aftermarket information to follow, or even which automotive aftermarket trends are important in the first place?

Performance accessories trends in the auto parts market

We track auto parts performance accessories trend analysis over time, including online sales data, car owner demographic data and more.

Auto repair and service outlook

The aftermarket industry employs about 4.5 million people and includes over 270,000 repair shops and over 265,000 retail parts outlets. Vehicles drive over 3 trillion miles per year on US roads.

Common automotive aftermarket questions

Why is it called the aftermarket anyway?
This is a “market” for parts and accessories “after” a vehicle is sold, so it’s called the aftermarket. It’s the secondary market of the automotive industry. These are replacement parts and accessories sold after a vehicle is sold as new, intended for repair, customization or enhancement.

Which is better, OEM or aftermarket?
There is no “better” level of quality when it comes to OEM or aftermarket parts. OEM replacement parts are made by the manufacturer of a vehicle or for the manufacturer according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Aftermarket parts can be made to similar specifications or in some cases may exceed OEM specifications. In some cases there is no OEM equivalent to an aftermarket part.