As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for an Associate Buyer in the United States is $61,200 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.
However, an Associate Buyer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Associate Buyer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Associate Buyer's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Buyer | 0-2 years | $61,115 |
| Intermediate Buyer | 2-4 years | $74,233 |
| Purchasing Generalist III | 4-7 years | $91,236 |
| Purchasing Generalist IV | 7+ years | $114,488 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Associate Buyers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 5.71% |
| Microsoft Office | 1.95% |
| Packaging | 1.05% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Leadership
|
$65,484 |
7%
|
|
Coordination
|
$64,872 |
6%
|
|
Merchandising
|
$63,648 |
4%
|
|
Inventory Management
|
$63,648 |
4%
|
|
Presentation
|
$63,648 |
4%
|
|
Analysis
|
$63,036 |
3%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Associate Buyers enter the field with a Associate's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Associate Buyer with a Associate's Degree is between $58,161 and $62,003).
Associate Buyer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.8% |
| High School | 19.1% |
| Associates | 12.8% |
| Bachelors | 59.0% |
| Masters | 8.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.3% |
Understanding how an Associate Buyer's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on January 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Associate Buyer, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Intermediate Buyer | $74,300 | 21% |
| Commodities Purchasing Specialist II | $74,300 | 21% |
Salaries for an Associate Buyer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $61,756 in 2023 to around $60,715 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Associate Buyer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $61,756 |
| 2024 | $61,432 |
| 2025 | $60,715 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Associate Buyer and their salaries, click below for more details.
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The salary for an Associate Buyer typically ranges from $56,700 to $70,200 per year, with a median salary of $63,200. This reflects the compensation structure for this role, providing a competitive salary based on experience and responsibilities.
As of now, the salary for an Associate Buyer in the United States ranges from $56,700 to $70,200 annually, with a median salary of $63,200. This reflects a competitive compensation structure for this role, aligning with industry standards for similar positions.
An Associate Buyer is responsible for researching competition and buying trends, identifying potential suppliers, communicating with them, touring their facilities, managing inventory, making purchasing recommendations, and placing product orders. The salary for this role typically ranges from $56,700 to $70,200, with a midpoint of $63,200.
The salary range for an Associate Buyer is approximately $27.25 to $33.65 per hour, based on an annual salary range of $56,700 to $70,200. The average hourly rate is around $30.38. This includes both base salary and any additional compensation.
The average income of an Associate Buyer ranges from $56,700 to $70,200 per year, with a midpoint salary of $63,200. This reflects the typical salary range for this position, based on collected data. Additional compensation may vary, but the primary salary figures provide a clear overview of expected earnings in this role.
Buyer I is the entry-level position with a salary range of $56,700 to $70,200, while Buyer II, being a second-level professional, typically earns a higher salary, reflecting increased responsibilities and experience. The difference in roles signifies a progression in skills and duties within the organizational structure.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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