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Purchasing Agent II Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Purchasing Agent II in the United States is $52,967 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $63,306
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $46,773 to $58,379
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $41,134

Key Factors That Influence Purchasing Agent II Salaries

A Purchasing Agent II'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 II'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:

  • Procurement Clerk I (0-1 years): $47,260
  • Purchasing Agent 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
Procurement Clerk I0-1 years$47,260
Purchasing Agent 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

Top Paying Cities for Purchasing Agent IIs

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: $66,810
  • San Francisco: $66,079
  • Oakland: $64,686

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Planning (Mentioned in 3.32% Job Postings): An act or process of making or carrying out plans. Establishment of goals, policies, and procedures for a social or economic unit city planning business planning.
  • ERP (Mentioned in 2.02% Job Postings): Enterprise resource planning (ERP) refers to a type of software that organizations use to manage day-to-day business activities such as accounting, procurement, project management, risk management and compliance, and supply chain operations.
  • Inventory Management (Mentioned in 1.03% Job Postings): Overseeing and controlling supplies and stock to ensure that an organization maintains an adequate stock quantity.
Skills Demand Percentage
Planning 3.32%
ERP 2.02%
Inventory Management 1.03%

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 II's salary.

  • Strategic Sourcing: Can increase your salary by up to 25%.
  • Cost Reduction: Can increase your salary by up to 14%.
  • Project Management: Can increase your salary by up to 13%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Strategic Sourcing $66,209
25%
Cost Reduction $60,382
14%
Project Management $59,853
13%

Purchasing Agent II Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Purchasing Agent II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $59,193. While startup companies pay approximate $50,071.

Purchasing Agent II Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $50,071
Growth Stage 51~500 $52,955
Established 501~5000 $57,158
Enterprise 5000+ $59,193

Purchasing Agent II Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Purchasing Agent II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Purchasing Agent positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Purchasing Agent II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Purchasing Agent II

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$63,560$31.020%
Biotechnology$63,560$31.020%
Business Services$63,560$31.020%
Chemicals$63,560$31.020%
Construction$63,560$31.020%

How Education impacts a Purchasing Agent II's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Purchasing Agent IIs enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate 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 II with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $49,128 and $52,879).

Purchasing Agent II Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Purchasing Agent II
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 8.3%
High School 16.7%
Associates 25.0%
Bachelors 50.0%
Masters 0.0%
Doctorate 0.0%

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

Understanding how a Purchasing Agent II'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
$46,773
Average $52,967/year
$58,379
$3,898
Average $4,414/month
$4,865
$899
Average $1,019/week
$1,123
$22
Average $25/hour
$28
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $58,379 $4,865 $1,123 $28
Average $52,967 $4,414 $1,019 $25
25th Percentile $46,773 $3,898 $899 $22

Purchasing Agent II Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Purchasing Agent II, 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.

Purchasing Agent II Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Gas Purchasing & Contracts Manager $168,800 219%
IT Acquisitions Manager $139,400 163%
Ordering and Inventory Clerk III $60,900 15%

Most common benefits for Purchasing Agent II

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

Common company salaries for Purchasing Agent II

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

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FAQ about Purchasing Agent II

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

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Purchasing Agent II roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. Can you make a lot of money in procurement?

While top Procurement roles can offer high salaries, Purchasing Agents typically earn between $46,821 and $60,724 annually, with a median salary of $53,011. The role focuses on supply chain optimization, ensuring the best prices for goods and services while maintaining efficiency.

3. How much do procurement agents make in the US?

Procurement agents in the US earn between $46,821 and $60,724 annually, with a median salary of $53,011. This reflects a range of salaries based on experience and location, providing a competitive compensation structure for professionals in this field.

4. 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, impacting their well-being. With salaries ranging from $46,821 to $60,724, the financial rewards may not always offset the stress associated with the role.

5. What degree is best for purchasing agent?

To become a purchasing agent, a bachelor's degree is generally required for entry-level roles, though some positions may accept a high school diploma. Relevant fields of study include business, finance, or supply management. Salaries for purchasing agents range from $46,821 to $60,724, with a median salary of $53,011.

6. What is the highest salary in the purchase department?

The highest salary for a Purchasing Agent is $60,724 per year. While roles like Director of Supply Chain and Vice President of Procurement offer significantly higher salaries, the Purchasing Agent position has a salary range with a minimum of $46,821 and a midpoint of $53,011, reflecting its importance in the procurement process.

7. Do purchasing agents get commission?

Purchasing agents typically earn a salary ranging from $46,821 to $60,724, with a median salary of $53,011. In addition to their base salary, they may receive commissions based on performance, which can enhance their overall earnings. The total compensation can vary significantly depending on the industry and location.

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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