Highest-Paying Buyer Jobs [2023] - Zippia (2024)

Research Summary. Using a combination of public government and company data as well as data gathered from thousands of job postings, the Zippia data team has created average salary estimates for jobs across the US. Using that data set, the team has identified the types of buyers that are the highest paid based on their average annual salaries.

Here is a summary of our findings for the highest-paying types of buyers:

• Director Of Purchasing is the highest-paid type of buyer with an average salary of $106,945 and an average hourly rate of $51.42.

• The second highest-paying type of buyer is purchasing manager, with an average salary of $98,118.

• The average buyer salary is $54,049 per year, and the average hourly pay is $25.99.

Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs

Background

Choosing a career path can be difficult, and while pay shouldn’t be the only thing you consider in your decision, it is a significant factor. So if you’d like to work as a buyer, it helps to have an idea of what the highest-paid types of buyers are so that you can plan your career progression.

Here are the top salaries for different types of buyers:

1. Director Of Purchasing

   Average Salary: $106,945

   A director of purchasing oversees the procedures related to buying resources and supplies, directing operations from planning to execution while adhering to standards and company policies. They primarily perform research and assessments to understand project needs in terms of price, quality, and delivery time. They also identify ideal suppliers, negotiate deals, and build positive business relationships. Additionally, a director of purchasing has the authority to make significant decisions, delegate responsibilities among staff, oversee employment procedures within the department, and solve issues and concerns when any arise.

2. Purchasing Manager

   Average Salary: $98,118

   A purchasing manager is responsible for organizing and managing products to order or sell. Purchasing managers review product specifications, negotiate pricing details with the vendors, evaluate and choose the best suppliers, and assist purchasing agents. Purchase managers are also responsible for resolving order processing issues and analyzing current market trends to determine which products to purchase. A purchasing manager must have excellent decision-making and strategical skills to examine effects, inspect defective items, and create an in-depth analysis of customers’ needs to improve their performance and sales.

3. Senior Buyer

   Average Salary: $79,848

   The job of senior buyers, or also known as purchasing agents, is to meet the material needs of an organization. They are responsible for finding suppliers, arranging the distribution to several retail outlets, and supervising other purchasing agents. They also look for new product streams and establish procurement strategies. Senior buyers typically begin their careers as assistant buyers or junior purchasing agents. Most employers usually prefer those with college degrees in marketing, business, and economics.

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4. Senior Purchasing Agent

   Average Salary: $73,386

   Senior Purchasing Agents are experienced employees in the company’s purchasing department. They oversee the purchase requisitions of the employees. They validate requests, ensure that the requestors followed company guidelines, check the availability of the items with the chosen supplier, and forward the purchase order to the supplier. Upon fulfillment of the request, Senior Purchasing Agents check the deliveries, ensure that the items are complete and correct, forward the items to the requestor, and process the payment for the supplier. Senior Purchasing agents also prepare reports, spot trends in employee or department purchases, and create recommendations based on observations. They are also expected to form good working relationships with suppliers.

5. Procurement Agent

   Average Salary: $72,384

   A procurement agent develops profitable measures to save the client money and ensure the quality of goods supplied. Procurement agents obtain the purchased items through suppliers, monitor them, and expedite the orders. They oversee the activities and performance of the suppliers for compliance. Their duties include the verification of item receipts, resolving shipment-related problems, and authorizing purchase payments through documentation. The necessary skills for this job include being accomplished, decisive, and strong communication skills.

Below is a full table of the average pay for various buyer that pay the most followed by a more detailed explanation of our methodology.

Highest-Paying Types Of Buyers

Methodology

Zippia uses publicly published information from government sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to create its salary estimates.

Our data science team also checks job postings and company-published resources for additional up-to-date salary information for buyers.

Once they’ve gathered the data, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title they’re estimating a salary for. For more details on our salary estimates, you can read the detailed methodology.

Highest-Paying Types Of Buyer Jobs FAQs

1. What is the highest-paid buyer job?

   The highest-paid buyer job is a director of purchasing. Directors Of Purchasing earn an average salary of $106,945, which is $ 51.42 hourly.

   A director of purchasing oversees the procedures related to buying resources and supplies, directing operations from planning to execution while adhering to standards and company policies. They primarily perform research and assessments to understand project needs in terms of price, quality, and delivery time. They also identify ideal suppliers, negotiate deals, and build positive business relationships. Additionally, a director of purchasing has the authority to make significant decisions, delegate responsibilities among staff, oversee employment procedures within the department, and solve issues and concerns when any arise.

2. What is a good salary for a buyer?

   A good salary for a buyer is $54,049 or more. The average buyer salary is $54,049, so those making at least $54,049 are earning above-average paychecks.

   Keep in mind, however, that the average buyer salary does fluctuate based on location, as companies will adjust their pay scales based on the cost of living in that area. Research what the average salary is in your area for someone of your expertise and experience level to get a more accurate view on how well you’re being paid.

   In addition, if you’re just starting your career as a buyer, the average entry level salary is $0, so don’t base your opinion of your salary on the $54,049 average, as this includes all buyers of all skill and experience levels.

3. Do Buyer jobs pay well?

   Yes, buyer jobs pay well. As in any industry, some buyer jobs pay better than others, but the average buyer salary of $54,049 is times the average national salary of about $44,225 per year.

   In addition to this, many buyer jobs have high earning potential, with the top 10% of buyers earning $0 a year on average.

   Buyers’ salaries will fluctuate based on their experience level, industry, and location, so pay attention to these factors when you’re looking for a job as a buyer. Do your research on the going rate for a buyer in your area with your expertise, and don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary based on that information.

4. Where do buyers get paid the most?

   Buyers get paid the most in Pennsylvania. In Pennsylvania, buyers earn an average annual salary of $59,918 and an average hourly wage of $28.81.

   Following PA, the states with the highest-paid buyers are Michigan, Ohio, and Washington, with average annual salaries of $58,965, $58,883, and $60,792 respectively.

   The cities with the highest-paid buyer salaries are:

   1. Englewood, NJ – $61,676

   2. Kansas City, KS – $61,254

   3. Seattle, WA – $60,906