How much does a purchasing manager make?
Answer: A typical purchasing manager in the United States makes $148,080 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 84,000 people work in this job. Well above the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Purchasing manager pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $92,490 | $148,080 | $223,280 | about 84,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $175,720 | about 1,000 |
| New Jersey | $174,520 | about 3,000 |
| Colorado | $171,250 | about 1,000 |
| Massachusetts | $170,750 | about 2,000 |
| New York | $166,300 | about 7,000 |
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., pay can differ with experience, location, industry, company size, and how much expertise a role needs. Procurement or supply-chain certificates are optional and can show skill, but they do not automatically guarantee higher pay.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a purchasing manager do?
Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of buyers, purchasing officers, and related workers involved in purchasing materials, products, and services. Includes wholesale or retail trade merchandising managers and procurement managers.
What's a typical day like?
They check stock and purchase records, compare suppliers, and discuss prices and delivery dates. They also review contracts, solve quality or delivery problems, and guide the buyers on their team.
How to get this job
Many U.S. purchasing managers earn a bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or supply management, then start as buyers or purchasing agents. After several years of related experience, they can move into management; certification is optional.
Usually a bachelor's degree (preparation level 4 of 5)
Good for people who like leading and selling and keeping things organized.
Did you know?
Some purchasing managers visit suppliers’ factories and distribution centers to examine products before buying—so the job can include field trips, not just office work.
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Management jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/purchasing-managers-buyers-and-purchasing
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/11-3061.00
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes113061.htm
- www.phoenix.edu/articles/business/what-is-a-purchasing-manager.html
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY