As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Purchasing Clerk I in the United States is $47,253 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.
However, a Purchasing Clerk I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Purchasing Clerk I'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 a Purchasing Clerk I'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Purchasing Clerk I | 0-1 years | $47,253 |
| Purchasing Clerk II | 1-3 years | $52,962 |
| Purchasing Clerk III | 3-5 years | $60,796 |
| Purchasing Clerk IV | 5-7 years | $68,129 |
| Purchasing Supervisor | 7+ years | $86,908 |
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 Purchasing Clerk Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 3.39% |
| Logistics | 1.42% |
| PowerPoint | 0.84% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Teamwork
|
$56,231 |
19%
|
|
Presentation
|
$55,286 |
17%
|
|
Process Improvement
|
$55,286 |
17%
|
|
RFP
|
$54,813 |
16%
|
|
Cost Reduction
|
$54,341 |
15%
|
|
Supply Chain Management
|
$53,868 |
14%
|
Purchasing Clerk I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $52,852. While startup companies pay approximate $44,697.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $44,697 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $47,274 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $51,039 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $52,852 |
For Purchasing Clerk I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Purchasing Clerk positions in Retail & Wholesale or Energy & Utilities typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Purchasing Clerk I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $59,066 | $28.0 | 25% |
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $56,704 | $27.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $54,341 | $26.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $51,978 | $25.0 | 10% |
| MFG Durable | $51,978 | $25.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Purchasing Clerk Is enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Purchasing Clerk I with a No Diploma is between $45,917 and $49,288).
Purchasing Clerk I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.1% |
| High School | 35.6% |
| Associates | 18.9% |
| Bachelors | 39.2% |
| Masters | 5.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.3% |
Understanding how a Purchasing Clerk I'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 a Purchasing Clerk I, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Gas Supply Manager | $168,623 | 257% |
| IT Procurement Manager | $139,370 | 195% |
| Purchasing Clerk II | $52,962 | 12% |
Salaries for a Purchasing Clerk I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $44,569 in 2023 to around $44,584 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Purchasing Clerk I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $44,569 |
| 2024 | $45,004 |
| 2025 | $44,584 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Purchasing Clerk I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Purchasing Clerk I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Purchasing Clerk I is $59,600.
The highest pay for Purchasing Clerk I is $55,019.
The lowest pay for Purchasing Clerk I is $38,469.
Initiates, prepares, processes, and verifies purchase orders following established guidelines to purchase materials and goods by required delivery dates. Inputs transactions and administers a purchasing and contracts system or database. Interacts with suppliers to obtain favorable pricing terms, product specifications, monitor availability, and optimize savings. Expedites delayed orders and resolves issues with changes, returns, replacements, and credit arrangements. Coordinates with internal teams to ensure that procurement needs are met promptly and efficiently. Requires a high school diploma. Typically reports to a supervisor or team leader. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.
The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Purchasing Clerk I roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
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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