Purchasing agents are essential in overseeing the procurement process, ensuring they acquire the necessary goods and services at the best possible prices. For 2025, the average annual salary for purchasing agents in the United States is $51,541.

Purchasing agent salaries can vary based on factors such as education level, experience, and location. In the following sections, we will provide an overview of their salaries, along with an outline of their key responsibilities and job outlook for the coming years.

An Overview of Purchasing Agent Salaries

For 2025, the average salary for purchasing agents in the United States is $51,541 per year, or $24.78 per hour, which is 3.7% higher than the 2024 annual salary of $49,702. Purchasing agent salary range typically falls between $38,581 and $62,515, with most earning between $43,881 and $56,409, according to our recent data.

Based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the salary of purchasing agents also varies depending on the industries in which they work. Purchasing agents in government can earn up to $87,900, while those in retail trade can only earn $51,420.

• Government: $87,900 per year
• Management of companies and enterprises: $81,280 per year
• Manufacturing: $74,000 per year
• Wholesale trade: $64,060 per year
• Retail trade: $51,420 per year

Purchasing Agent Salary: Hourly, Weekly, Monthly, and Yearly Breakdown

The salary of purchasing agents can be divided into hourly, weekly, monthly, and yearly amounts. According to Salary.com, the average rate for purchasing agents in the United States is $24 per hour or $4,142 per month.

• Average salary per hour: $24
• Average salary per week: $956
• Average salary per month: $4,142
• Average salary per year: $49,702

As previously noted, purchasing agents in the United States will find that pay varies due to factors such as geographic location, years of experience, and education. These factors will be explored in detail below.

How Experience Impacts Purchasing Agent Salaries

The level of experience plays a significant role in the salary of purchasing agents in the United States. As shown in the list below, the salary differences across experience levels are notable.

Based on our data, the salary difference between an entry-level purchasing agent and an expert-level purchasing agent is around $4,500. It also shows that an expert-level purchasing agent earns an average of $52,939, while an entry-level purchasing agent only earns $48,415.

• Entry-level salary: $48,415
• Intermediate-level salary: $49,651
• Senior-level salary: $52,441
• Specialist-level salary: $52,740
• Expert-level salary: $52,939

State-by-State Breakdown of Average Salaries for Purchasing Agent

Each state has different average salaries for purchasing agents due to the cost of living and demand.

Based on the salary data, the District of Columbia offers the highest average annual salary for purchasing agents in the United States, at $55,319. The second is California with $54,822 per year, followed by New Jersey at $54,474.

Purchasing Agent Salaries: Top Earning Cities Revealed

According to our data, the top three paying cities for purchasing agent wages in the United States are San Jose, San Francisco, and Oakland, all in California.

Explore Purchasing Agent Benefits and Perks Beyond Salary

In addition to their salary, purchasing agents receive a range of benefits and perks. According to data from Salary.com, the total compensation for purchasing agents includes benefits such as Social Security and 401(k)/403(b) plans.

• Social Security
• 401K/403B plans
• Disability insurance
• Healthcare
• Pension plan
• Time Off (PTO)

If you're a purchasing agent, these benefits are common, but the details can vary depending on your company's policies. Verify with your company for exact information.

Purchasing Agent Job Description: Roles and Responsibilities

The function of a purchasing agent involves reviewing sales records and inventory, finding suppliers, and staying updated on changes in product supply and demand. They must also have an understanding of the goods or services they buy.

The job description of a purchasing agent includes a full range of roles and responsibilities, such as:

• Assess suppliers based on price, quality, and delivery speed.
• Talk to vendors and visit suppliers to learn about their products, services, and prices.
• Review price proposals and financial reports to set fair prices.
• Negotiate contracts for the organization.
• Set delivery schedules with suppliers.
• Discuss issues with defective goods or services and decide on solutions.
• Keep records of purchases, costs, deliveries, product performance, and inventory.

When and How to Ask for a Raise as a Purchasing Agent

As a purchasing agent, you help your company succeed by managing procurement, negotiating contracts, and controlling costs. If you think you deserve a raise, here’s how to ask for one:

1. Prepare your case: Collect evidence of your contributions, such as successful projects, cost savings, or important deals you've negotiated. Compare your salary to industry benchmarks or others in similar roles to show you may be underpaid.
2. Choose the right time: Ask when the company is doing well or after a big achievement. Performance review time is also a good opportunity. Avoid asking during tough financial times.
3. Schedule a meeting: Ask for a formal meeting with your managers or employers instead of bringing it up casually. This makes the conversation more serious and focused.
4. Present your case confidently: Talk about the value you bring to the company, like your achievements and responsibilities. Be clear about your salary expectations and stay positive, no matter what the outcome.

Why Does Purchasing Agent Make So Much?

A purchasing agent can make a relatively good salary because they play a key role in a company's financial health by negotiating the best deals on goods and services, directly impacting profit margins by securing quality products at the lowest cost.

This requires the necessary skills to optimize purchasing decisions and ensure quality. As per BLS, important qualities that a purchasing agent should have include:

• Analytical skills
• Communication skills
• Decision-making skills
• Interpersonal skills, and
• Math skills.

Additionally, certain skills and completing certifications can increase earning potential. According to our real-time job posting salary data solution, purchasing agents with quality control skills can earn 13.73% more than those who don’t. Also, procurement skills can lead to an 8.85% salary increase.

Other highly compensation skills include:

• Quality Control: +13.73% salary increase
• Procurement: +8.85% salary increase
• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP): +8.36% salary increase
• Systems Applications and Products (SAP): +8.07% salary increase
• Billing: +4.96% salary increase
• Packaging: +5.67% salary increase

The Future of Purchasing Agent: Job Outlook and Career Trends

Based on the report of the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for purchasing agents and buyers is projected to grow by 7 percent from 2023 to 2033. About 61,100 job openings are expected each year, mainly due to workers retiring or moving to other fields.

Also, while businesses will continue to need purchasing agents to buy goods, manage supply chains, and negotiate contracts, some tasks may be automated with technology like AI, which could slow job growth. In the public sector, cooperative purchasing agreements between government agencies may also reduce the need for purchasing agents.