How much does a buyer make?

Buyers check sales and stock records, compare suppliers’ prices, quality, and delivery speed, then negotiate a deal. They place orders, track deliveries, and update purchase records—sometimes visiting a supplier’s factory.

Did you know? Some U.S. buyers shop for crops like grain and cotton, which will be processed or sold again—not just finished products.

In the U.S., most buyers earn a bachelor’s degree, often in business, finance, or supply chain; some employers hire high-school graduates. There’s no set starting age; new hires train on the job for a few months, and certificates are optional.

Why does pay differ?

In the U.S., pay varies by location and employer industry: government and retail buyers, for example, earn different amounts. Experience can lead to management roles with different pay, and optional procurement or supply-chain certificates show extra skills.