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Purchasing Agent IV Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Purchasing Agent IV in the United States is $68,160 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:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $85,067
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $58,930 to $77,010
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $50,527
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Purchasing Agent IV Salaries

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.

How Experience Level Affects Purchasing Agent Salaries?

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:

  • Procurement Clerk II (1-3 years): $52,977
  • Ordering and Inventory Clerk III (3-5 years): $60,817
  • Purchasing Agent IV (5-7 years): $68,154
  • Procurement Supervisor (7+ years): $86,932
  • Procurement Senior Supervisor (7+ years): $99,388
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Procurement Clerk II1-3 years$52,977
Ordering and Inventory Clerk III3-5 years$60,817
Purchasing Agent IV5-7 years$68,154
Procurement Supervisor7+ years$86,932
Procurement Senior Supervisor7+ years$99,388
View as Graph

How Do Purchasing Agent IV 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 IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $75,470.
  • California: $75,180.
  • Massachusetts: $74,180.

Top Paying Cities for Purchasing Agent IVs

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: $85,970
  • San Francisco: $85,030
  • Oakland: $83,230

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 3.08% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • 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.
  • MRP (Mentioned in 0.83% Job Postings): A system for calculating the materials and components needed to manufacture a product. Production planning, scheduling, and inventory control system used to manage manufacturing processes.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 3.08%
Logistics 1.42%
MRP 0.83%
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 IV's salary.

  • Strategic Sourcing: Can increase your salary by up to 14%.
  • Leadership: Can increase your salary by up to 11%.
  • Project Management: Can increase your salary by up to 10%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Strategic Sourcing $77,702
14%
Leadership $75,658
11%
Project Management $74,976
10%
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Purchasing Agent IV Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

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 $76,172. While startup companies pay approximate $64,433.

Purchasing Agent IV Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $64,433
Growth Stage 51~500 $68,145
Established 501~5000 $73,553
Enterprise 5000+ $76,172

Purchasing Agent IV Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

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.

The top paying industries for a Purchasing Agent IV

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$88,608$43.030%
Financial Services$81,792$39.020%
Biotechnology$78,384$38.015%
Energy & Utilities$78,384$38.015%
Software & Networking$77,021$37.013%

How Education impacts a Purchasing Agent IV's Salary?

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

Typical Education for Purchasing Agent IV
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%
View as Graph

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

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 September 01, 2026
$58,930
Average $68,160/year
$77,010
$4,911
Average $5,680/month
$6,418
$1,133
Average $1,311/week
$1,481
$28
Average $33/hour
$37
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $77,010 $6,418 $1,481 $37
Average $68,160 $5,680 $1,311 $33
25th Percentile $58,930 $4,911 $1,133 $28

Purchasing Agent IV Salary Growth & Career Path

Purchasing Agent IV

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions 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 $168,800 148%
IT Acquisitions Manager $139,400 105%
Procurement Supervisor $87,000 28%

Most common benefits for Purchasing Agent IV

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

Common company salaries for Purchasing Agent IV

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

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FAQ about Purchasing Agent IV

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

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Purchasing Agent IV roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

2. Are purchasing agents in demand?

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.

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

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.

4. What degree is best for a purchasing agent?

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.

5. Is procurement a high stress job?

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.

6. What is the lowest position in procurement?

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.

7. What is the highest position in purchasing?

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.

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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