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Purchasing Agent I Salary in the United States

How much does a Purchasing Agent I make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Purchasing Agent I in the United States is $47,250 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.

However, a Purchasing Agent I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $55,014
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $42,649 to $51,314
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $38,460
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Purchasing Agent I Salaries

A Purchasing Agent 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.

How Experience Level Affects Purchasing Agent Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Purchasing Agent 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:

  • Purchasing Agent I (0-1 years): $47,260
  • Procurement Clerk II (1-3 years): $52,977
  • Ordering and Inventory Clerk III (3-5 years): $60,817
  • Ordering and Inventory Clerk IV (5-7 years): $68,154
  • Procurement Supervisor (7+ years): $86,932
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Purchasing Agent I0-1 years$47,260
Procurement Clerk II1-3 years$52,977
Ordering and Inventory Clerk III3-5 years$60,817
Ordering and Inventory Clerk IV5-7 years$68,154
Procurement Supervisor7+ years$86,932
View as Graph

How Do Purchasing Agent I 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 Purchasing Agent Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $52,317.
  • California: $52,118.
  • Massachusetts: $51,424.

Top Paying Cities for Purchasing Agent Is

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: $59,600
  • San Francisco: $58,947
  • Oakland: $57,704

What Skills Can Increase a Purchasing Agent I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 3.39% Job Postings): Customer service is the provision of service to customers before, during and after a purchase. The perception of success of such interactions is dependent on employees "who can adjust themselves to the personality of the guest". Customer service concerns the priority an organization assigns to customer service relative to components such as product innovation and pricing. In this sense, an organization that values good customer service may spend more money in training employees than the average organization or may proactively interview customers for feedback. From the point of view of an overall sales process engineering effort, customer service plays an important role in an organization's ability to generate income and revenue. From that perspective, customer service should be included as part of an overall approach to systematic improvement. One good customer service experience can change the entire perception a customer holds towards the organization.
  • Logistics (Mentioned in 1.42% Job Postings): In a general business sense, logistics is the management of the flow of things between the point of origin and the point of consumption to meet the requirements of customers or corporations.
  • PowerPoint (Mentioned in 0.84% Job Postings): A computer software created by Microsoft which allows the user to create slides with recordings, narrations, transitions and other features in order to present information.
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 3.39%
Logistics 1.42%
PowerPoint 0.84%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Purchasing Agent I's salary.

  • Teamwork: Can increase your salary by up to 19%.
  • Presentation: Can increase your salary by up to 17%.
  • Process Improvement: Can increase your salary by up to 17%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Teamwork $56,228
19%
Presentation $55,283
17%
Process Improvement $55,283
17%
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Purchasing Agent I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Purchasing Agent I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $52,804. While startup companies pay approximate $44,667.

Purchasing Agent I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $44,667
Growth Stage 51~500 $47,239
Established 501~5000 $50,989
Enterprise 5000+ $52,804

Purchasing Agent I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Purchasing Agent 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 Agent positions in Retail & Wholesale or Energy & Utilities typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Purchasing Agent I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Purchasing Agent I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$59,062$28.025%
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit$56,700$27.020%
Financial Services$54,337$26.015%
Aerospace & Defense$51,975$25.010%
MFG Durable$51,975$25.010%

How Education impacts a Purchasing Agent I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Purchasing Agent 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 Agent I with a No Diploma is between $45,390 and $48,724).

Purchasing Agent I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Purchasing Agent I
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%
View as Graph

Purchasing Agent I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Purchasing Agent 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 September 01, 2026
$42,649
Average $47,250/year
$51,314
$3,554
Average $3,938/month
$4,276
$820
Average $909/week
$987
$21
Average $23/hour
$25
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $51,314 $4,276 $987 $25
Average $47,250 $3,938 $909 $23
25th Percentile $42,649 $3,554 $820 $21

Purchasing Agent I Salary Growth & Career Path

Purchasing Agent I

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Purchasing Agent 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 Purchasing & Contracts Manager $168,800 257%
IT Acquisitions Manager $139,400 195%
Procurement Clerk II $52,980 12%

Most common benefits for Purchasing Agent I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Purchasing Agent I

Here are companies hiring for Purchasing Agent I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Purchasing Agent I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Purchasing Agent I?

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Purchasing Agent I roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.

2. Do buyers agents make money?

Yes, buyer's agents do earn money, primarily through commissions. Typically, both the listing and buyer's agents receive a commission of 2.5% to 3% each, which is deducted from the seller's proceeds at closing. In terms of salary, purchasing agents can expect to earn between $43,989 and $56,549, with a median salary of $49,823.

3. Is purchasing agent stressful?

Purchasing Agents often experience stress due to tight deadlines for securing contracts and finalizing deals. The pressure to negotiate favorable terms can lead to extended work hours. With salaries ranging from $43,989 to $56,549, the financial stakes can add to the stress, as successful negotiations directly impact company operations and profitability.

4. What degree is good for procurement?

A good degree for procurement includes Business, Management, Marketing, and related fields. Specialized programs in Logistics, Materials, and Supply Chain Management are also beneficial. With a salary range for Purchasing Agents between $43,989 and $56,549, a solid educational background can enhance career prospects and earning potential.

5. What are the qualifications for purchasing agent?

Qualifications for a Purchasing Agent generally include a bachelor's degree in business, finance, supply chain management, or a related field. Experience in purchasing or a similar role within the manufacturing sector is beneficial. Strong negotiation and analytical skills are essential. The salary range for this position is approximately $43,989 to $56,549, with a mid-salary of $49,823.

6. Are purchasing agents in demand?

Yes, purchasing agents are in demand. Employment for purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents is projected to grow by 7% from 2023 to 2033, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Salaries for purchasing agents range from $43,989 to $56,549, with a median salary of $49,823, reflecting the growing need for these professionals.

7. What is the highest paying farm job?

The highest paying farm job can vary, but roles such as Agricultural Operations Manager and Agricultural Engineer often offer competitive salaries. For instance, a Purchasing Agent in agriculture can expect a salary ranging from $43,989 to $56,549, with a mid-salary of $49,823. These positions leverage expertise in managing resources and optimizing supply chains in the agricultural sector.

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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