Buyers and Purchasing Agents
Buyers and purchasing agents buy products and services for organizations. Purchasing managers oversee the work of buyers and purchasing agents.
Is buyers and purchasing agents a good career?
It scores 29/100 and ranks #149 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays well above the U.S. median wage ($77,710 vs $61,390)
- High volume of openings — about 52,200 a year
Possible tradeoffs
- Typically requires a bachelor's degree
What buyers and purchasing agents earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. buyers and purchasing agents earn between $60,800 and $100,820 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Live buyers and purchasing agents jobs
No live buyers and purchasing agents openings yet
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- Typical education
- Bachelor's degree
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow faster than average through 2034.
Education
Purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents typically need a bachelor's degree for entry-level positions. However, a high school diploma or the equivalent may be sufficient for some positions.
Fields of study vary, but a degree in business, finance, or supply management may be helpful. For positions as a buyer or purchasing agent of farm products, a degree in agriculture, agriculture production, or animal science may be beneficial.
Training
Buyers and purchasing agents typically get on-the-job training for a few months. During this time, they learn how to perform their basic duties, including monitoring inventory levels and negotiating with suppliers.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Some workers may choose to earn optional certification in an area such as procurement or supply chain management. Certification helps to demonstrate that candidates have attained competency in the field.
Advancement
An experienced purchasing agent or buyer may become an assistant purchasing manager before advancing to purchasing manager or other, related management positions.
Purchasing managers and buyers and purchasing agents with extensive work experience also may advance to become the Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) for an organization.
Important qualities
Analytical skills. Purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents must evaluate options and choose suppliers with the best combination of price, quality, delivery, or service.
Communication skills. Purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents must be able to provide clear information both orally and in writing.
Decision-making skills. Purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents need to make informed and timely choices about the products that they think will sell.
Interpersonal skills. Purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents must be able to effectively negotiate terms and resolve issues diplomatically.
Math skills. Purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents must be able to calculate costs and compare prices from different suppliers to ensure that their organization is getting the best deal.
Related occupations
How much do buyers and purchasing agents make?
The national median wage is $77,710 a year, with the middle half earning between $60,800 and $100,820 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is buyers and purchasing agents a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 29 of 100 and ranks #149 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +5.8% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a buyers and purchasing agent?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree.
Where do buyers and purchasing agents earn the most?
Among states, District of Columbia pays the highest median ($124,090). Local pay for every state and metro is below.