As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Purchasing Generalist III in the United States is $91,300 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $44.
However, a Purchasing Generalist III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Purchasing Generalist 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, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Purchasing Generalist 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Buyer | 0-2 years | $61,117 |
| Intermediate Buyer | 2-4 years | $74,253 |
| Purchasing Generalist III | 4-7 years | $91,276 |
| Purchasing Generalist IV | 7+ years | $114,503 |
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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 5.58% |
| Microsoft Office | 1.95% |
| Supply Chain Management | 1.12% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Merchandising
|
$95,865 |
5%
|
|
ISO
|
$94,952 |
4%
|
|
Cost Reduction
|
$94,039 |
3%
|
|
Production Schedule
|
$94,039 |
3%
|
|
Kanban
|
$94,039 |
3%
|
|
Coordination
|
$94,039 |
3%
|
Purchasing Generalist III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $102,118. While startup companies pay approximate $86,362.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $86,362 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $91,341 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $98,615 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $102,118 |
For Purchasing Generalist III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Purchasing Generalist positions in Biotechnology or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Purchasing Generalist III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $109,560 | $53.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Purchasing Generalist IIIs 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 III with a Associate's Degree is between $87,322 and $92,939).
Purchasing Generalist III Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.1% |
| High School | 19.9% |
| Associates | 11.0% |
| Bachelors | 48.4% |
| Masters | 18.8% |
| Doctorate | 0.7% |
Understanding how a Purchasing Generalist 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, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Purchasing Generalist 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Purchasing Generalist IV | $114,600 | 26% |
| Commodities Purchasing Specialist IV | $118,000 | 29% |
Salaries for a Purchasing Generalist III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $88,889 in 2023 to around $86,732 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Purchasing Generalist III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $88,889 |
| 2024 | $87,873 |
| 2025 | $86,732 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Purchasing Generalist III job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Purchasing Generalist III roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
Myth 3: Purchasing Generalists Get Bonuses for Savings. In reality, 80% of Purchasing Generalists earn a fixed salary, ranging from $83,400 to $104,000, with a mid-salary of $93,300. The remaining 20% may receive bonuses, but these are typically based on other performance metrics rather than direct savings.
The salary for a Purchasing Generalist ranges from AED 83,400 to AED 104,000 annually, with a mid-range salary of AED 93,300. This reflects the competitive compensation for purchasing roles, ensuring that professionals are rewarded for their expertise and contributions in the field.
The highest position in purchasing is the Chief Procurement Officer (CPO). The CPO leads the sourcing process, develops procurement strategies, identifies suppliers, conducts negotiations, and manages organizational goals. In this role, salaries typically range from $83,400 to $104,000, with a midpoint of $93,300, reflecting the importance and responsibility of the position.
The Purchasing Generalist position has a salary range with a minimum of $83,400, a mid-level salary of $93,300, and a maximum of $104,000. While this role offers a competitive salary, it may not be among the highest-paying jobs compared to positions like Obstetrician and Gynecologist or Anesthesiologist, which typically earn significantly more.
The estimated total pay for a Purchasing Generalist in the US ranges from $83,400 to $104,000 per year, with a mid-salary of $93,300. These figures reflect the salary range based on industry data and provide a clear picture of potential earnings in this role.
The estimated total pay for a Purchasing Generalist in the US ranges from $83,400 to $104,000 per year, with a mid-salary of $93,300. These figures reflect the salary range based on industry data, providing a clearer picture of compensation for this role.
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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