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Merchandise Buyer I Salary in the United States

How much does a Merchandise Buyer I make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Merchandise Buyer I in the United States is $52,481 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.

However, a Merchandise Buyer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $66,429
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $46,233 to $59,782
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $40,545
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Merchandise Buyer I Salaries

A Merchandise 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.

How Experience Level Affects Merchandise Buyer I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Merchandise 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:

  • Merchandise Buyer I (0-2 years): $52,481
  • Merchandise Buyer II (2-4 years): $68,679
  • Merchandise Buyer III (4-7 years): $96,738
  • Merchandise Buyer IV (7+ years): $135,801
  • Merchandise Buying Supervisor (7+ years): $79,777
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Merchandise Buyer I0-2 years$52,481
Merchandise Buyer II2-4 years$68,679
Merchandise Buyer III4-7 years$96,738
Merchandise Buyer IV7+ years$135,801
Merchandise Buying Supervisor7+ years$79,777
View as Graph

How Do Merchandise Buyer Is 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 Merchandise Buyer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $58,107.
  • California: $57,887.
  • Massachusetts: $57,115.

Top Paying Cities for Merchandise Buyer I

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: $66,194
  • San Francisco: $65,470
  • Oakland: $64,090

What Skills Can Increase a Merchandise Buyer I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 7.25% Job Postings): Customer service is the provision of service to customers before, during and after a purchase. The perception of success of such interactions is dependent on employees "who can adjust themselves to the personality of the guest". Customer service concerns the priority an organization assigns to customer service relative to components such as product innovation and pricing. In this sense, an organization that values good customer service may spend more money in training employees than the average organization or may proactively interview customers for feedback. From the point of view of an overall sales process engineering effort, customer service plays an important role in an organization's ability to generate income and revenue. From that perspective, customer service should be included as part of an overall approach to systematic improvement. One good customer service experience can change the entire perception a customer holds towards the organization.
  • Data Entry (Mentioned in 1.59% Job Postings): Transcribing information into an electronic medium such as a computer or other electronic device.
  • Lead Generation (Mentioned in 0.92% Job Postings): In marketing, lead generation (/ˈliːd/) is the initiation of consumer interest or enquiry into products or services of a business. Leads can be created for purposes such as list building, e-newsletter list acquisition or for sales leads. The methods for generating leads typically fall under the umbrella of advertising, but may also include non-paid sources such as organic search engine results or referrals from existing customers. Leads may come from various sources or activities, for example, digitally via the Internet, through personal referrals, through telephone calls either by the company or telemarketers, through advertisements, and events. A 2015 study found that 89% of respondents cited email as the most-used channel for generating leads, followed by content marketing, search engine, and finally events. A study from 2014 found that direct traffic, search engines, and web referrals were the three most popular online channels for lead generation, accounting for 93% of leads.
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 7.25%
Data Entry 1.59%
Lead Generation 0.92%
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 Merchandise Buyer I's salary.

  • Lead Generation: Can increase your salary by up to 17%.
  • Insight: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
  • Leadership: Can increase your salary by up to 11%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Lead Generation $61,403
17%
Insight $58,779
12%
Leadership $58,254
11%
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Merchandise Buyer I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Merchandise Buyer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $58,749. While startup companies pay approximate $49,701.

Merchandise Buyer I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $49,701
Growth Stage 51~500 $52,564
Established 501~5000 $56,733
Enterprise 5000+ $58,749

Merchandise Buyer I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Merchandise Buyer I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Merchandise Buyer positions in Insurance or Internet typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Merchandise Buyer I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Merchandise Buyer I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$68,225$33.030%
Biotechnology$65,601$32.025%
Business Services$62,977$30.020%
Chemicals$60,353$29.015%
Construction$58,779$28.012%

How Education impacts an Merchandise Buyer I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Merchandise Buyer I enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Merchandise Buyer I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $58,044 and $61,552.

Merchandise Buyer I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Merchandise Buyer I
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.9%
High School 7.9%
Associates 6.4%
Bachelors 79.1%
Masters 5.6%
Doctorate 0.0%
View as Graph

Merchandise Buyer I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Merchandise 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 August 01, 2026
$46,233
Average $52,481/year
$59,782
$3,853
Average $4,373/month
$4,982
$889
Average $1,009/week
$1,150
$22
Average $25/hour
$29
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $59,782 $4,982 $1,150 $29
Average $52,481 $4,373 $1,009 $25
25th Percentile $46,233 $3,853 $889 $22

Merchandise Buyer I Salary Growth & Career Path

Merchandise Buyer I

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Merchandise 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
Merchandise Planner - Bakery $60,582 15%
Merchandise Buyer II $68,679 31%
Merchandise Planner - Deli $60,582 15%
Merchandise Planner $79,389 51%

Most common benefits for Merchandise Buyer I

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

Common company salaries for Merchandise Buyer I

Here are companies hiring for Merchandise Buyer I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Merchandise Buyer I

1. Where can a Merchandise Buyer I earn the most?

A Merchandise 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 Merchandise Buyer I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Merchandise Buyer I is $66,194.

2. What is the highest pay for Merchandise Buyer I?

The highest pay for Merchandise Buyer I is $66,429.

3. What is the lowest pay for Merchandise Buyer I?

The lowest pay for Merchandise Buyer I is $40,545.

4. What are the responsibilities of Merchandise Buyer I?

Selects, sources, and purchases merchandise that aligns with a company's brand, sales goals, and customer preferences. Analyzes market trends, sales data, and competitor activity to determine which items will drive profitability. Negotiates pricing, manages vendor relationships, and ensures timely delivery of merchandise. Collaborates with planning, marketing, and inventory teams to optimize product assortments and maintain stock levels. Typically requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Merchandise Buyer I?

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Merchandise Buyer I roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

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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