As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Purchasing Agent IV in the United States is $68,150 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $33.
However, a Purchasing Agent IV's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Purchasing Agent IV'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Purchasing Agent IV'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 II | 1-3 years | $52,970 |
| Ordering and Inventory Clerk III | 3-5 years | $60,807 |
| Purchasing Agent IV | 5-7 years | $68,142 |
| Procurement Supervisor | 7+ years | $86,920 |
| Procurement Senior Supervisor | 7+ years | $99,384 |
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 IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 3.08% |
| Logistics | 1.42% |
| MRP | 0.83% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Strategic Sourcing
|
$77,691 |
14%
|
|
Leadership
|
$75,647 |
11%
|
|
Project Management
|
$74,965 |
10%
|
|
Supply Chain Management
|
$74,284 |
9%
|
|
Process Improvement
|
$74,284 |
9%
|
|
Cost Reduction
|
$74,284 |
9%
|
Purchasing Agent IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $76,290. While startup companies pay approximate $64,540.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $64,540 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $68,258 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $73,672 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $76,290 |
For Purchasing Agent IV roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 53% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Purchasing Agent positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Purchasing Agent IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $88,595 | $43.0 | 30% |
| Financial Services | $81,780 | $39.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $78,372 | $38.0 | 15% |
| Energy & Utilities | $78,372 | $38.0 | 15% |
| Software & Networking | $77,010 | $37.0 | 13% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Purchasing Agent IVs enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree 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 IV with a Bachelor's Degree is between $63,969 and $69,416).
Purchasing Agent IV Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.0% |
| High School | 32.4% |
| Associates | 15.6% |
| Bachelors | 42.0% |
| Masters | 8.8% |
| Doctorate | 0.2% |
Understanding how a Purchasing Agent IV'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 August 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Purchasing Agent IV, 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 | $168,700 | 148% |
| IT Acquisitions Manager | $139,390 | 105% |
| Procurement Supervisor | $87,000 | 28% |
Salaries for a Purchasing Agent IV can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $61,960 in 2023 to around $61,841 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Purchasing Agent IV salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $61,960 |
| 2024 | $62,299 |
| 2025 | $61,841 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Purchasing Agent IV roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
Purchasing agents are in high demand across most industries. With salaries ranging from $61,020 to $78,640, professionals skilled in analyzing financial reports and price proposals can expect a promising career in supply chain management and procurement. Their expertise is crucial for effective purchasing decisions, making them valuable assets to organizations.
The highest salary for a Purchasing Agent is $78,640 per year. In comparison, other high-paying roles in procurement include the Director of Supply Chain, with salaries ranging from $182,000 to $206,000, and the Vice President of Procurement, earning between $130,000 and $194,000.
To become a purchasing agent, a bachelor's degree is typically 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 $61,020 to $78,640, with a median salary of $68,860.
Procurement Specialists often navigate complex negotiations, tight deadlines, and cost management, which can be inherently stressful. With a salary range from $61,020 to $78,640, establishing strong relationships with suppliers, maintaining clear communication with stakeholders, and staying informed on market trends can help mitigate stress effectively.
Procurement Clerk is the lowest position in procurement, suitable for those beginning their careers. This entry-level role involves handling administrative tasks, assisting with purchase orders, and maintaining records, providing vital support to the procurement department. Salaries for this position typically range from $61,020 to $78,640, with a midpoint of $68,860.
The highest position in purchasing is typically the Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) or Director of Purchasing. These roles involve strategic decision-making and oversight of the purchasing department. Salaries for purchasing agents range from $61,020 to $78,640, with a mid-salary of $68,860, reflecting the importance and complexity of procurement in organizations.
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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