Merchandise Forecast/Planning Manager Salary in the United States

How much does a Merchandise Forecast/Planning Manager make in the United States?

As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Merchandise Forecast/Planning Manager in the United States is $113,000 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $54.

However, a Merchandise Forecast/Planning Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $130,194
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $98,500 to $122,000
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $85,299
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View as table View as graph 25% $98,500 10% $85,299 90% $130,194 75% $122,000 $113,000 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Merchandise Forecast/Planning Manager Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $122,000 $10,167 $2,346 $59
Average $113,000 $9,417 $2,173 $54
25th Percentile $98,500 $8,208 $1,894 $47
Check out Merchandise Forecast/Planning Manager Job Openings in the United States
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Ulta Beauty - Aurora, OH

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Ulta Beauty - Cincinnati, OH

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Key Factors That Influence Merchandise Forecast/Planning Manager Salaries

A Merchandise Forecast/Planning Manager'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.

How Experience Level Affects Merchandise Forecast/Planning Manager Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Merchandise Forecast/Planning Manager'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:

  • Merchandise Forecast/Planning Analyst (2-4 years): $79,372
  • Merchandise Forecast/Planning Senior Analyst (4-7 years): $93,021
  • Merchandise Forecast/Planning Manager (7+ years): $112,985
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Merchandise Forecast/Planning Analyst2-4 years$79,372
Merchandise Forecast/Planning Senior Analyst4-7 years$93,021
Merchandise Forecast/Planning Manager7+ years$112,985
$79,372 Merchandi...
$93,021 Merchandi...
$112,985 Merchandi...
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How Do Merchandise Forecast/Planning Manager Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Merchandise Forecast/Planning Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $125,100.
  • California: $124,700.
  • Massachusetts: $123,000.

Top Paying Cities for Merchandise Forecast/Planning Managers

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:

  • San Jose: $142,600
  • San Francisco: $141,000
  • Oakland: $138,000

Merchandise Forecast/Planning Manager Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Merchandise Forecast/Planning Manager salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $126,390. While startup companies pay approximate $106,888.

Merchandise Forecast/Planning Manager Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$106,888
Growth Stage51~500$113,051
Established501~5000$122,053
Enterprise5000+$126,390

Merchandise Forecast/Planning Manager Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Merchandise Forecast/Planning Manager 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 Internet and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Merchandise Forecast/Planning Manager positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Merchandise Forecast/Planning Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Merchandise Forecast/Planning Manager

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Internet$141,250$68.025%
Software & Networking$141,250$68.025%
Energy & Utilities$135,600$65.020%
Financial Services$135,600$65.020%
Healthcare$129,950$62.015%

Merchandise Forecast/Planning Manager Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Merchandise Forecast/Planning Manager'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, 2026

Merchandise Forecast/Planning Manager Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Merchandise Forecast/Planning Manager, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Retail Buying Senior Manager role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $100,300 - a projected growth of -11% over your current level.

Salary Trends for Merchandise Forecast/Planning Manager

Salaries for a Merchandise Forecast/Planning Manager can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $93,648 in 2023 to around $91,032 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Merchandise Forecast/Planning Manager salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Merchandise Forecast/Planning Manager Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$93,648
2024
$92,440
2025
$91,032
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $93,648
2024 $92,440
2025 $91,032
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Merchandise Forecast/Planning Manager

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Merchandise Forecast/Planning Manager

Here are companies hiring for Merchandise Forecast/Planning Manager and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Merchandise Forecast/Planning Manager

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Merchandise Forecast/Planning Manager?

The Internet industry offers the highest average compensation for Merchandise Forecast/Planning Manager roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.

2. How much does a merchandise planning manager at Ralph Lauren make?

A Merchandise Forecast/Planning Manager typically earns a base salary ranging from $112,600 to $147,800, with a midpoint of $129,000. This reflects the competitive compensation for this role, which may vary based on experience and location.

3. What is the highest paid merchandiser?

The highest paid position in merchandising is the Merchandise Forecast/Planning Manager, with a salary range of $112,600 to $147,800 per year. The average salary for this role is approximately $129,000. Other high-paying roles include Merchandising Director and Visual Merchandising Director, but the Merchandise Forecast/Planning Manager offers competitive compensation within the industry.

4. What is the highest paying manager position?

The highest paying manager position is often the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), with salaries significantly exceeding those of other managerial roles. For example, a Merchandise Forecast/Planning Manager earns between $112,600 and $147,800, with a median salary of $129,000. Other high-paying management roles include Sales Manager, Financial Manager, and Medical Manager.

5. What is the salary range of merchandising manager?

The salary range for a Merchandise Forecast/Planning Manager is between $112,600 and $147,800 annually, with a midpoint of $129,000. This reflects the competitive compensation for professionals in this role, ensuring alignment with industry standards and responsibilities.

6. What is the role of a planning manager?

A Planning Manager oversees rezoning, site plans, and special-use permits, while gathering statistical data to draft reports on demographics, occupancy rates, and land use. They present development proposals to government agencies. The salary for this role ranges from $112,600 to $147,800, with a midpoint of $129,000.

7. What is the salary of a merchandiser planner?

The salary for a Merchandise Forecast/Planning Manager ranges from $112,600 to $147,800 per year, with a midpoint of $129,000. This reflects the competitive compensation for professionals in this role, ensuring alignment with industry standards and responsibilities.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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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