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Merchandise Buyer II Salary in the United States

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

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Merchandise Buyer II in the United States is $68,679 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $33.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $89,195
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $62,255 to $79,418
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $56,406

Key Factors That Influence Merchandise Buyer II Salaries

A Merchandise Buyer II'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 II Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Merchandise Buyer II'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

Top Paying Cities for Merchandise Buyer II

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: $86,625
  • San Francisco: $85,676
  • Oakland: $83,871

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 7.59% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Advertising (Mentioned in 2.23% Job Postings): Advertising is a marketing communication that employs an openly sponsored, non-personal message to promote or sell a product, service or idea.:465 Sponsors of advertising are typically businesses wishing to promote their products or services. Advertising is differentiated from public relations in that an advertiser pays for and has control over the message. It differs from personal selling in that the message is non-personal, i.e., not directed to a particular individual.:661,672 Advertising is communicated through various mass media, including traditional media such as newspapers, magazines, television, radio, outdoor advertising or direct mail; and new media such as search results, blogs, social media, websites or text messages. The actual presentation of the message in a medium is referred to as an advertisement, or "ad" or advert for short. Commercial ads often seek to generate increased consumption of their products or services through "branding", which associates a product name or image with certain qualities in the minds of consumers. On the other hand, ads that intend to elicit an immediate sale are known as direct-response advertising. Non-commercial entities that advertise more than consumer products or services include political parties, interest groups, religious organizations and governmental agencies. Non-profit organizations may use free modes of persuasion, such as a public service announcement. Advertising may also help to reassure employees or shareholders that a company is viable or successful.
  • Procurement (Mentioned in 1.34% Job Postings): Procurement is the process of finding and agreeing to terms, and acquiring goods, services, or works from an external source, often via a tendering or competitive bidding process. Procurement is used to ensure the buyer receives goods, services, or works at the best possible price when aspects such as quality, quantity, time, and location are compared. Corporations and public bodies often define processes intended to promote fair and open competition for their business while minimizing risks such as exposure to fraud and collusion. Almost all purchasing decisions include factors such as delivery and handling, marginal benefit, and price fluctuations. Procurement generally involves making buying decisions under conditions of scarcity. If sound data is available, it is good practice to make use of economic analysis methods such as cost-benefit analysis or cost-utility analysis.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 7.59%
Advertising 2.23%
Procurement 1.34%

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 II's salary.

  • Marketing Plans: Can increase your salary by up to 18%.
  • Return on Investment: Can increase your salary by up to 17%.
  • Market Analysis: Can increase your salary by up to 16%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Marketing Plans $81,041
18%
Return on Investment $80,354
17%
Market Analysis $79,668
16%

Merchandise Buyer II Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Merchandise Buyer II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $76,882. While startup companies pay approximate $65,041.

Merchandise Buyer II Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $65,041
Growth Stage 51~500 $68,788
Established 501~5000 $74,243
Enterprise 5000+ $76,882

Merchandise Buyer II Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Merchandise Buyer II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 38% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 18% above the average. In contrast, Merchandise Buyer positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Merchandise Buyer II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Merchandise Buyer II

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$81,041$39.018%
Aerospace & Defense$78,981$38.015%
Software & Networking$76,920$37.012%
Energy & Utilities$75,547$36.010%
Insurance$75,547$36.010%

How Education impacts an Merchandise Buyer II's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Merchandise Buyer II 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 II with a Bachelor's Degree is between $75,450 and $80,325.

Merchandise Buyer II Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Merchandise Buyer II
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 6.4%
High School 6.4%
Associates 8.2%
Bachelors 78.2%
Masters 7.3%
Doctorate 0.0%

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

Understanding how a Merchandise Buyer II'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
$62,255
Average $68,679/year
$79,418
$5,188
Average $5,723/month
$6,618
$1,197
Average $1,321/week
$1,527
$30
Average $33/hour
$38
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $79,418 $6,618 $1,527 $38
Average $68,679 $5,723 $1,321 $33
25th Percentile $62,255 $5,188 $1,197 $30

Merchandise Buyer II Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Merchandise Buyer II, 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.

Merchandise Buyer II Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Merchandise Buyer III $96,738 41%
Merchandise Planner, Sr. $93,030 35%

Most common benefits for Merchandise Buyer II

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

Common company salaries for Merchandise Buyer II

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

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FAQ about Merchandise Buyer II

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

A Merchandise Buyer II'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 II earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Merchandise Buyer II is $86,625.

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

The highest pay for Merchandise Buyer II is $89,195.

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

The lowest pay for Merchandise Buyer II is $56,406.

4. What are the responsibilities of Merchandise Buyer II?

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. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2-4 years of related experience.

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

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Merchandise Buyer II roles, with salaries approximately 18% 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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