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How much does a Merchandise Buyer III make in Ruby, SC?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Merchandise Buyer III in Ruby, SC is $87,961 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $42.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $103,675
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $79,734 to $96,186
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $72,244

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, skills 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): $47,711
  • Merchandise Buyer II (2-4 years): $62,445
  • Merchandise Buyer III (4-7 years): $87,961
  • Merchandise Buyer IV (7+ years): $123,473
  • Merchandise Buying Supervisor (7+ years): $72,540
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Merchandise Buyer I0-2 years$47,711
Merchandise Buyer II2-4 years$62,445
Merchandise Buyer III4-7 years$87,961
Merchandise Buyer IV7+ years$123,473
Merchandise Buying Supervisor7+ years$72,540

Top Paying Cities for Merchandise Buyer IIIs

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: $122,032
  • San Francisco: $120,696
  • Oakland: $118,152

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%

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 $126,664
44%
Return on Investment $118,748
35%
Product Packaging $118,748
35%

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 $98,300. While startup companies pay approximate $83,152.

Merchandise Buyer III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $83,152
Growth Stage 51~500 $87,942
Established 501~5000 $94,921
Enterprise 5000+ $98,300

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$116,101$56.020%
Energy & Utilities$111,264$53.015%
Software & Networking$111,264$53.015%
Chemicals$106,426$51.010%
Internet$106,426$51.010%

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 September 01, 2026
$79,734
Average $87,961/year
$96,186
$6,645
Average $7,330/month
$8,016
$1,533
Average $1,692/week
$1,850
$38
Average $42/hour
$46
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $96,186 $8,016 $1,850 $46
Average $87,961 $7,330 $1,692 $42
25th Percentile $79,734 $6,645 $1,533 $38

Merchandise Buyer III Salary Growth & Career Path

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.

Merchandise Buyer III Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Merchandise Buyer IV $123,473 40%
Merchandise Planning Manager $102,730 17%

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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