Salary AI Book a Demo
upper level job

Merchandise Buyer III Salary in the United States

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

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Merchandise Buyer III in the United States is $96,738 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $47.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $114,058
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $87,709 to $105,804
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $79,489
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Merchandise Buyer III Salaries

A Merchandise Buyer 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.

How Experience Level Affects Merchandise Buyer III Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Merchandise Buyer 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:

  • 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 IIIs 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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $107,108.
  • California: $106,702.
  • Massachusetts: $105,280.

Top Paying Cities for Merchandise Buyer III

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: $122,016
  • San Francisco: $120,680
  • Oakland: $118,136

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 7.66% 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 2.25% 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.
  • Product Knowledge (Mentioned in 1.35% Job Postings): Product knowledge is the ability to communicate information and answer questions about a product or service. It is considered an important knowledge area for any role that puts you in front of customers, investors or the media.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 7.66%
Advertising 2.25%
Product Knowledge 1.35%
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 III's salary.

  • Self-Development: Can increase your salary by up to 44%.
  • Return on Investment: Can increase your salary by up to 35%.
  • Product Packaging: Can increase your salary by up to 35%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Self-Development $139,303
44%
Return on Investment $130,596
35%
Product Packaging $130,596
35%
Get Latest Data

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

Merchandise Buyer III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $108,293. While startup companies pay approximate $91,613.

Merchandise Buyer III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $91,613
Growth Stage 51~500 $96,892
Established 501~5000 $104,576
Enterprise 5000+ $108,293

Merchandise Buyer III Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Merchandise Buyer 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 Biotechnology and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Merchandise Buyer positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Merchandise Buyer III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Merchandise Buyer III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$116,086$56.020%
Energy & Utilities$111,249$53.015%
Software & Networking$111,249$53.015%
Chemicals$106,412$51.010%
Internet$106,412$51.010%

How Education impacts an Merchandise Buyer III's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Merchandise Buyer III 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 III with a Bachelor's Degree is between $100,571 and $108,682.

Merchandise Buyer III Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Merchandise Buyer III
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.8%
High School 14.6%
Associates 10.4%
Bachelors 61.7%
Masters 12.4%
Doctorate 0.0%
View as Graph

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

Understanding how a Merchandise Buyer 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 August 01, 2026
$87,709
Average $96,738/year
$105,804
$7,309
Average $8,062/month
$8,817
$1,687
Average $1,860/week
$2,035
$42
Average $47/hour
$51
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $105,804 $8,817 $2,035 $51
Average $96,738 $8,062 $1,860 $47
25th Percentile $87,709 $7,309 $1,687 $42

Merchandise Buyer III Salary Growth & Career Path

Merchandise Buyer III

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Merchandise Buyer 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
Merchandise Buyer IV $135,801 40%
Merchandise Planning Manager $112,990 17%

Most common benefits for Merchandise Buyer III

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

Common company salaries for Merchandise Buyer III

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

Find Your Next Merchandise Buyer III Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Merchandise Buyer III job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

For Employees

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Get a Salary Increase

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

Search Job Openings

For Employers

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Adjust Employee Salary

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

Price My Industry Jobs

FAQ about Merchandise Buyer III

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

A Merchandise Buyer III'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 III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Merchandise Buyer III is $122,016.

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

The highest pay for Merchandise Buyer III is $114,058.

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

The lowest pay for Merchandise Buyer III is $79,489.

4. What are the responsibilities of Merchandise Buyer III?

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 generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4-7 years of related experience.

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

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Merchandise Buyer III roles, with salaries approximately 20% 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.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

  • Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
  • Job and employee pricing reports
  • Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.
Learn about CompAnalyst
lower level job