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:
Merchandise Buyer II Salaries by Percentile
| 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 |
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.
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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 7.59% |
| Advertising | 2.23% |
| Procurement | 1.34% |
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.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Marketing Plans | $81,041 | |
| Return on Investment | $80,354 | |
| Market Analysis | $79,668 |
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.
| 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 |
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.
| 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% |
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.
| 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 |
Next Role
Advancement
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.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Merchandise Buyer III | $96,738 | 41% |
| Merchandise Planner, Sr. | $93,030 | 35% |
Salaries for a Merchandise Buyer II can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $62,070 in 2023 to around $61,510 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Merchandise Buyer II salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $62,070 |
| 2024 | $62,124 |
| 2025 | $61,510 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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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.
The highest pay for Merchandise Buyer II is $89,195.
The lowest pay for Merchandise Buyer II is $56,406.
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.
The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Merchandise Buyer II roles, with salaries approximately 18% above the market median.
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