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Merchandise Buyer IV Salary in the United States

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

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Merchandise Buyer IV in the United States is $135,801 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $65.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $148,668
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $122,086 to $142,536
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $109,599
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Merchandise Buyer IV Salaries

A Merchandise Buyer IV'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 IV Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Merchandise Buyer IV'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 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
  • Merchandise Buying Manager (7+ years): $93,436
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
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
Merchandise Buying Manager7+ years$93,436
View as Graph

How Do Merchandise Buyer IVs 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 IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $150,359.
  • California: $149,789.
  • Massachusetts: $147,792.

Top Paying Cities for Merchandise Buyer IV

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: $171,286
  • San Francisco: $169,410
  • Oakland: $165,840

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 16.02% 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.
  • SOP (Mentioned in 1.88% Job Postings): SOP is A standard operating procedure is a set of step-by-step instructions compiled by an organization to help workers carry out routine operations.
  • Point of Sale Systems (Mentioned in 0.47% Job Postings): Simply put, a POS system is made up of hardware and software that works together to process sales and payment transactions at the point of purchase.
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 16.02%
SOP 1.88%
Point of Sale Systems 0.47%
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 IV's salary.

  • Written Communication: Can increase your salary by up to 28%.
  • Microsoft Office: Can increase your salary by up to 28%.
  • Analysis: Can increase your salary by up to 14%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Written Communication $173,825
28%
Microsoft Office $173,825
28%
Analysis $154,813
14%
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Merchandise Buyer IV Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Merchandise Buyer IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $152,021. While startup companies pay approximate $128,607.

Merchandise Buyer IV Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $128,607
Growth Stage 51~500 $136,017
Established 501~5000 $146,804
Enterprise 5000+ $152,021

Merchandise Buyer IV Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Merchandise Buyer IV roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 80% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Healthcare sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Merchandise Buyer positions in Telecom or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Merchandise Buyer IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Merchandise Buyer IV

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$190,121$91.040%
Healthcare$176,541$85.030%
Internet$169,751$82.025%
Construction$162,961$78.020%
Aerospace & Defense$156,171$75.015%

How Education impacts an Merchandise Buyer IV's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Merchandise Buyer IV 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 IV with a Bachelor's Degree is between $140,125 and $152,376.

Merchandise Buyer IV Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Merchandise Buyer IV
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 1.8%
High School 20.0%
Associates 5.5%
Bachelors 63.6%
Masters 9.1%
Doctorate 0.0%
View as Graph

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

Understanding how a Merchandise Buyer IV'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
$122,086
Average $135,801/year
$142,536
$10,174
Average $11,317/month
$11,878
$2,348
Average $2,612/week
$2,741
$59
Average $65/hour
$69
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $142,536 $11,878 $2,741 $69
Average $135,801 $11,317 $2,612 $65
25th Percentile $122,086 $10,174 $2,348 $59

Merchandise Buyer IV Salary Growth & Career Path

Merchandise Buyer IV

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Merchandise Buyer IV, 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 Buying Supervisor $79,777 -41%
Merchandise Planning Manager $112,990 -17%

Most common benefits for Merchandise Buyer IV

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

Common company salaries for Merchandise Buyer IV

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

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FAQ about Merchandise Buyer IV

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

A Merchandise Buyer IV'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 IV earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Merchandise Buyer IV is $171,286.

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

The highest pay for Merchandise Buyer IV is $148,668.

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

The lowest pay for Merchandise Buyer IV is $109,599.

4. What are the responsibilities of Merchandise Buyer IV?

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 highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. Typically requires 7+ years of related experience.

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

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Merchandise Buyer IV roles, with salaries approximately 40% 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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