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Purchasing Agent III Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Purchasing Agent III in the United States is $60,890 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $76,365
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $53,790 to $68,990
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $47,326
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Purchasing Agent III Salaries

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.

How Experience Level Affects Purchasing Agent Salaries?

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:

  • Procurement Clerk I (0-1 years): $47,260
  • Procurement Clerk II (1-3 years): $52,977
  • Purchasing Agent 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
Procurement Clerk II1-3 years$52,977
Purchasing Agent 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 III 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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $67,390.
  • California: $67,090.
  • Massachusetts: $66,190.

Top Paying Cities for Purchasing Agent IIIs

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: $76,790
  • San Francisco: $75,890
  • Oakland: $74,290

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

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 $68,047. While startup companies pay approximate $57,561.

Purchasing Agent III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $57,561
Growth Stage 51~500 $60,876
Established 501~5000 $65,708
Enterprise 5000+ $68,047

Purchasing Agent III Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

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.

The top paying industries for a Purchasing Agent III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Internet$68,806$33.013%
Financial Services$66,979$32.010%
Pharmaceuticals$66,370$32.09%
Energy & Utilities$65,761$32.08%
Healthcare$65,152$31.07%

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

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 September 01, 2026
$53,790
Average $60,890/year
$68,990
$4,483
Average $5,074/month
$5,749
$1,034
Average $1,171/week
$1,327
$26
Average $29/hour
$33
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $68,990 $5,749 $1,327 $33
Average $60,890 $5,074 $1,171 $29
25th Percentile $53,790 $4,483 $1,034 $26

Purchasing Agent III Salary Growth & Career Path

Purchasing Agent III

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Purchasing Agent III, 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 $168,800 177%
IT Acquisitions Manager $139,400 129%
Ordering and Inventory Clerk IV $68,200 12%

Most common benefits for Purchasing Agent III

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

Common company salaries for Purchasing Agent III

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

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FAQ about Purchasing Agent III

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

The Internet industry offers the highest average compensation for Purchasing Agent III roles, with salaries approximately 13% above the market median.

2. Is purchasing agent a stressful job?

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.

3. What is the highest paid procurement job?

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.

4. How much does a Buyer III make?

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.

5. 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, 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.

6. Is a purchasing agent a good job?

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.

7. How many hours do purchasing agent work?

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.

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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