As of July 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for a Purchasing Agent III in the United States is $29, which translates to an annual salary of about $60,790.
However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:
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A Purchasing Agent III'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 Purchasing Agent III'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Procurement Clerk I | 0-1 years | $47,253 |
| Procurement Clerk II | 1-3 years | $52,962 |
| Purchasing Agent III | 3-5 years | $60,796 |
| Ordering and Inventory Clerk IV | 5-7 years | $68,129 |
| Procurement 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 Agent IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Purchasing Agent III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $67,993. While startup companies pay approximate $57,502.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $57,502 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $60,817 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $65,660 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $67,993 |
For Purchasing Agent III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 35% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Internet and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 13% above the average. In contrast, Purchasing Agent positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Purchasing Agent III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet | $68,693 | $33.0 | 13% |
| Financial Services | $66,869 | $32.0 | 10% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $66,261 | $32.0 | 9% |
| Energy & Utilities | $65,653 | $32.0 | 8% |
| Healthcare | $65,045 | $31.0 | 7% |
Understanding how a Purchasing Agent III'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, 2026Salaries for a Purchasing Agent III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $52,505 in 2023 to around $52,787 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Purchasing Agent III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $52,505 |
| 2024 | $53,070 |
| 2025 | $52,787 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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The Internet industry offers the highest average compensation for Purchasing Agent III roles, with salaries approximately 13% above the market median.
Purchasing Agents often encounter 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 $54,990 to $67,790, the financial rewards may not always offset the stress associated with the role.
The highest paid procurement jobs include roles like Director of Supply Chain, with salaries ranging from $182,000 to $206,000 per year, and Vice President of Procurement, earning between $130,000 and $194,000 annually. For Purchasing Agents, the salary ranges from $54,990 to $67,790, with a mid-salary of $61,190.
A Buyer III typically earns an annual salary ranging from $54,990 to $67,790, with a mid-salary of $61,190. This indicates a competitive compensation package, reflecting the responsibilities and expertise required for the role.
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, especially considering their salary range of $54,990 to $67,790. The success of these negotiations is crucial, as it directly impacts company operations and profitability.
Purchasing agents are in high demand across various industries, offering a competitive salary range from $54,990 to $67,790, with a median salary of $61,190. Professionals skilled in analyzing financial reports and price proposals enjoy a promising career outlook in supply chain management and procurement, making it a rewarding job choice.
Purchasing agents typically work more than 40 hours a week to meet special sales or deadlines, often including evenings and weekends, especially before holiday seasons. They may also travel several days a month. The salary for this role ranges from $54,990 to $67,790, with a mid-salary of $61,190.
Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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