As of August 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for a Purchasing Generalist I in the United States is $29, which translates to an annual salary of about $61,133.
However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2026 Compensation Trend
Smart Recruiting
Recruit with AI
A Purchasing Generalist I'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 Generalist I'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Purchasing Generalist I | 0-2 years | $61,117 |
| Intermediate Buyer | 2-4 years | $74,257 |
| Purchasing Generalist III | 4-7 years | $91,282 |
| Purchasing Generalist IV | 7+ years | $114,505 |
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 Generalist Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 5.71% |
| Microsoft Office | 1.95% |
| Packaging | 1.05% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Leadership
|
$65,412 |
7%
|
|
Coordination
|
$64,801 |
6%
|
|
Merchandising
|
$63,578 |
4%
|
|
Inventory Management
|
$63,578 |
4%
|
|
Presentation
|
$63,578 |
4%
|
|
Analysis
|
$62,967 |
3%
|
Purchasing Generalist I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $68,435. While startup companies pay approximate $57,894.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $57,894 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $61,230 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $66,086 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $68,435 |
For Purchasing Generalist I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 90% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Purchasing Generalist positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Purchasing Generalist I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $85,586 | $41.0 | 40% |
| Financial Services | $79,473 | $38.0 | 30% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $74,582 | $36.0 | 22% |
| Energy & Utilities | $73,360 | $35.0 | 20% |
| Insurance | $70,303 | $34.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Purchasing Generalist Is enter the field with a Associate'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 Generalist I with a Associate's Degree is between $58,160 and $61,996).
Purchasing Generalist I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.8% |
| High School | 19.1% |
| Associates | 12.8% |
| Bachelors | 59.0% |
| Masters | 8.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.3% |
Understanding how a Purchasing Generalist I'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, 2026Salaries for a Purchasing Generalist I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $61,756 in 2023 to around $60,715 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Purchasing Generalist I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $61,756 |
| 2024 | $61,432 |
| 2025 | $60,715 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.
Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Purchasing Generalist I and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Purchasing Generalist I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Get a Salary Increase
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search Job Openings
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Adjust Employee Salary
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Price My Industry Jobs
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Purchasing Generalist I roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.
The salary for a Purchasing Generalist in the US ranges from $56,643 to $70,133, with a mid-range salary of $63,133 per year. This reflects the typical earnings for this role, which may vary based on experience and location.
Procurement salaries in the USA vary significantly. The minimum salary for a Purchasing Generalist is approximately $56,643, while the mid-range salary is around $63,133. Those at the higher end can earn up to $70,133. Overall, procurement can be a lucrative field, especially for experienced professionals.
A Purchasing Generalist can expect salaries ranging from $56,643 to $70,133, depending on experience and qualifications. The midpoint salary is approximately $63,133, reflecting the average earnings for this role.
The estimated total pay for a Purchasing Generalist in the US ranges from $56,643 to $70,133 per year, with a mid-salary of $63,133. These figures reflect the typical salary range based on collected data, providing a clear picture of what professionals in this role can expect to earn.
Procurement salaries in the USA vary, with a Purchasing Generalist earning between $56,643 and $70,133 annually. The average salary is approximately $63,133. While entry-level positions may start lower, experienced professionals in high-demand sectors can earn significantly more, reflecting the value of procurement expertise.
The highest salary for a Purchasing Generalist is $70,133. The top 10% of employees in this role earn more than $63,133 annually, while the top 1% can exceed this amount significantly.
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.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:
