As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Buyer in the United States is $61,120 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.
However, an Entry Buyer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Entry 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 Entry 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Buyer | 0-2 years | $61,117 |
| Intermediate Buyer | 2-4 years | $74,253 |
| Purchasing Generalist III | 4-7 years | $91,276 |
| Purchasing Generalist IV | 7+ years | $114,503 |
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 Entry 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
|
$65,398 |
7%
|
|
Coordination
|
$64,787 |
6%
|
|
Merchandising
|
$63,565 |
4%
|
|
Inventory Management
|
$63,565 |
4%
|
|
Presentation
|
$63,565 |
4%
|
|
Analysis
|
$62,954 |
3%
|
Entry Buyer salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $68,362. While startup companies pay approximate $57,814.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $57,814 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $61,147 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $66,017 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $68,362 |
For Entry Buyer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 90% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Entry Buyer positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Entry Buyer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $85,568 | $41.0 | 40% |
| Financial Services | $79,456 | $38.0 | 30% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $74,566 | $36.0 | 22% |
| Energy & Utilities | $73,344 | $35.0 | 20% |
| Insurance | $70,288 | $34.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Entry 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 Entry Buyer with a Associate's Degree is between $58,147 and $61,983).
Entry 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 Entry 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 July 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Entry 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 | 22% |
| Commodities Purchasing Specialist II | $74,300 | 22% |
Salaries for an Entry 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 Entry 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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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Entry Buyer roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.
The four levels of a buyer's journey are awareness, consideration, decision, and delight. Entry-level buyers typically earn between $56,630 and $70,120, with a mid-salary of $63,120. Understanding these stages helps businesses tailor their strategies to effectively engage customers throughout their purchasing process.
Buyers in California earn between $56,630 and $70,120 annually, with a median salary of $63,120. This translates to approximately $27.24 to $33.65 per hour, or $1,087 to $1,348 weekly. Overall, while the salary can vary, buyers can earn a competitive income in the state.
Being a professional buyer can be challenging. It requires hard work and sharp analytical skills to navigate a competitive market. Buyers must evaluate products and manage budgets effectively, often earning between $56,630 and $70,120 annually. While the role has its perks, the demands of the job should not be underestimated.
As of January 27, 2025, the salary for an Entry Buyer in the United States ranges from $56,630 to $70,120 annually, with a median salary of $63,120. This translates to an hourly wage of approximately $27.24 to $33.65, depending on experience and location.
Is a buyer's agent a great career option? Yes, it can be rewarding, with entry-level salaries ranging from $56,630 to $70,120. With dedication and the right strategies, you could potentially earn a six-figure income even in your first year. Understanding the market and building relationships are key to your success.
Buyers' income level is crucial in determining their purchasing power. For Entry Buyers, salaries range from $56,630 to $70,120, with a midpoint of $63,120. This income level influences their ability to buy goods, impacting demand. Changes in buyers' income can shift the demand curve, reflecting their purchasing capacity in the market.
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.)
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