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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lead Buyer in New Jersey is $124,120 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $60.
However, a Lead Buyer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Lead Buyer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $132,560 | $11,047 | $2,549 | $64 |
| Average | $124,120 | $10,343 | $2,387 | $60 |
| 25th Percentile | $116,660 | $9,722 | $2,243 | $56 |
Client Accelerators - Westfield, NJ
Performance Food Group - SHAWANO, WI
Walser Automotive Group - SAVAGE, MN
Walser Automotive Group - EDINA, MN
A Lead 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, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Lead 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 | $66,245 |
| Intermediate Buyer | 2-4 years | $80,487 |
| Purchasing Generalist III | 4-7 years | $98,941 |
| Lead Buyer | 7+ years | $124,112 |
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 Lead Buyers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
Lead Buyer salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $138,945. While startup companies pay approximate $117,544.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $117,544 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $124,317 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $134,176 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $138,945 |
For Lead Buyer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 65% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Lead Buyer positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Lead Buyer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $155,150 | $75.0 | 25% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $148,944 | $72.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $148,944 | $72.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $142,738 | $69.0 | 15% |
| Financial Services | $142,738 | $69.0 | 15% |
Understanding how a Lead 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $132,560 | $11,047 | $2,549 | $64 |
| Average | $124,120 | $10,343 | $2,387 | $60 |
| 25th Percentile | $116,660 | $9,722 | $2,243 | $56 |
For a Lead Buyer, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Commodities Manager role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $135,600 - a projected growth of 9% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Lead Buyer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Walser Automotive Group
RICHFIELD, MN
Walser Automotive Group | RICHFIELD, MN
For more than 70 years, Walser Automotive Group has put people first: our customers, our employees, and our communities. As a family-owned, family-run comp... more
2 Days Ago
Walser Automotive Group
BLOOMINGTON, MN
Walser Automotive Group | BLOOMINGTON, MN
For more than 70 years, Walser Automotive Group has put people first: our customers, our employees, and our communities. As a family-owned, family-run comp... more
2 Days Ago
Walser Automotive Group
SAVAGE, MN
Walser Automotive Group | SAVAGE, MN
For more than 70 years, Walser Automotive Group has put people first: our customers, our employees, and our communities. As a family-owned, family-run comp... more
2 Days Ago
Aramark
POST FALLS, ID
ARAMARK
BUFFALO, WV
Willamette Veterinary Hospital
PHILOMATH, OR
Willamette Veterinary Hospital | PHILOMATH, OR
Willamette Veterinary Hospital, a 24/7 small animal hospital in Corvallis, OR, seeks a Lead Veterinarian to guide medical quality, mentor doctors and staff... more
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