As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Buyer I in the United States is $61,117 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.
However, a Buyer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Buyer 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 Buyer 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Buyer I | 0-2 years | $61,117 |
| Buyer II | 2-4 years | $74,253 |
| Buyer III | 4-7 years | $91,276 |
| Buyer 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 Buyer 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
|
$65,395 |
7%
|
|
Coordination
|
$64,784 |
6%
|
|
Merchandising
|
$63,562 |
4%
|
|
Inventory Management
|
$63,562 |
4%
|
|
Presentation
|
$63,562 |
4%
|
|
Analysis
|
$62,951 |
3%
|
Buyer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $68,359. While startup companies pay approximate $57,811.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $57,811 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $61,144 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $66,014 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $68,359 |
For Buyer 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, Buyer positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Buyer I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $85,564 | $41.0 | 40% |
| Financial Services | $79,452 | $38.0 | 30% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $74,563 | $36.0 | 22% |
| Energy & Utilities | $73,340 | $35.0 | 20% |
| Insurance | $70,285 | $34.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Buyer 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 Buyer I with a Associate's Degree is between $58,714 and $62,466).
Buyer 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 Buyer 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 July 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Buyer I, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Buyer II | $74,253 | 21% |
| Commodity Buyer II | $74,253 | 21% |
Salaries for a Buyer 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 Buyer 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
|
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A Buyer I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Buyer I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Buyer I is $77,087.
The highest pay for Buyer I is $72,582.
The lowest pay for Buyer I is $51,471.
Assists in purchasing materials, supplies and services at the most favorable terms for the organization. Qualifies vendors, evaluates bids, and negotiates prices and terms for purchased goods and services. Tracks purchases, monitors vendor quality, and maintains a current database of vendor information. May require a bachelor's degree or its equivalent. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Work is closely managed. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.
The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Buyer I roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.
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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