How much does a purchasing manager make?
a year · about $71 an hour
A typical purchasing manager in the United States makes $148,080 a year, about $71 an hour, about 2.9× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
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.
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.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $92,490 and $223,280How do you become one?
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.
School needed: Usually a bachelor's degree
Good for people who like leading and selling and keeping things organized
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.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in District of Columbia ($175,720), lowest in Iowa ($121,580).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| 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 |
Official definition: 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.
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