In every car purchase, consumers typically focus on negotiating the best price and maximizing their benefits.
However, few question the actual earnings of those behind these transactions. The latest statistics from the U.S. market in late 2025 paint a nuanced picture of the car sales profession, where income can be a dream figure but is also fraught with intense pressure.
Data from Indeed in December 2025 reveals that the average income of a new car salesperson in the U.S. is approximately $81,900 (2.15 billion VND) annually. This figure includes base salary and commissions, reflecting the market average rather than the starting income for newcomers.
In reality, a car salesperson’s income depends on various factors: location, car brand, dealership policies, and especially individual experience.
At most dealerships, sales staff typically receive only a modest base salary or a short-term guaranteed income during the initial period. After this probationary phase, their earnings rely entirely on commissions. The key difference is that commissions are not calculated solely on the car’s value but on the actual profit per deal. This means selling multiple cars is not enough; salespeople must ensure profit margins and meet monthly sales targets to sustain their livelihood.
Geography plays a significant role in income disparities. In Seattle (Washington), the average income for new car salespeople exceeds $100,000 (2.62 billion VND) annually. In Concord (California), it surpasses $140,000 (3.67 billion VND). Meanwhile, in many other major cities, earnings hover around the national average, highlighting how the same job can yield vastly different financial outcomes.
According to CarEdge experts, an average salesperson selling 8 to 12 cars monthly earns between $3,000 and $6,000 (78.7 – 157.5 million VND). Top performers, who close over 25 deals monthly, can earn an impressive $150,000 (3.93 billion VND) annually. However, this group is small and often faces burnout due to extreme work pressure.
The current average commission is $400 to $500 (10.5 – 13.13 million VND) per car after dealership expenses. Luxury car segments offer higher commissions due to larger profit margins but come with stringent hiring standards and intense brand image maintenance pressure.
In essence, car sales demand persistence, negotiation skills, and high-pressure tolerance. It can be a path to substantial income but is also a fiercely competitive field. High or low earnings depend not only on the profession itself but on individual choices, abilities, and resilience in this challenging arena.
