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Merchandise Buying Manager Salary in the United States

How much does a Merchandise Buying Manager make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Merchandise Buying Manager in the United States is $93,428 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $45.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $120,172
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $81,557 to $107,427
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $70,749
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Merchandise Buying Manager Salaries

A Merchandise Buying Manager'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Merchandise Buying Manager Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Merchandise Buying Manager'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 III (4-7 years): $96,751
  • Merchandise Buyer IV (7+ years): $135,812
  • Merchandise Buying Supervisor (7+ years): $79,789
  • Merchandise Buying Manager (7+ years): $93,428
  • Merchandise Buying Senior Manager (7+ years): $100,212
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Merchandise Buyer III4-7 years$96,751
Merchandise Buyer IV7+ years$135,812
Merchandise Buying Supervisor7+ years$79,789
Merchandise Buying Manager7+ years$93,428
Merchandise Buying Senior Manager7+ years$100,212
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How Do Merchandise Buying Manager 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 Buying Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $103,443.
  • California: $103,051.
  • Massachusetts: $101,678.

Top Paying Cities for Merchandise Buying Managers

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: $117,841
  • San Francisco: $116,550
  • Oakland: $114,094

Merchandise Buying Manager Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Merchandise Buying Manager salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $104,410. While startup companies pay approximate $88,320.

Merchandise Buying Manager Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $88,320
Growth Stage 51~500 $93,407
Established 501~5000 $100,821
Enterprise 5000+ $104,410

Merchandise Buying Manager Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Merchandise Buying Manager roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Merchandise Buying Manager positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Merchandise Buying Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Merchandise Buying Manager

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$121,456$58.030%
Financial Services$121,456$58.030%
Internet$121,456$58.030%
Pharmaceuticals$121,456$58.030%
Software & Networking$121,456$58.030%

Merchandise Buying Manager Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Merchandise Buying Manager'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
$81,557
Average $93,428/year
$107,427
$6,796
Average $7,786/month
$8,952
$1,568
Average $1,797/week
$2,066
$39
Average $45/hour
$52
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $107,427 $8,952 $2,066 $52
Average $93,428 $7,786 $1,797 $45
25th Percentile $81,557 $6,796 $1,568 $39

Merchandise Buying Manager Salary Growth & Career Path

Merchandise Buying Manager

Next Role

For a Merchandise Buying Manager, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Merchandise Buying Senior Manager role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $100,212 - a projected growth of 7% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Merchandise Buying Manager

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

Common company salaries for Merchandise Buying Manager

Here are companies hiring for Merchandise Buying Manager and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Merchandise Buying Manager

1. Where can a Merchandise Buying Manager earn the most?

A Merchandise Buying Manager'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 Buying Manager earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Merchandise Buying Manager is $117,841.

2. What is the highest pay for Merchandise Buying Manager?

The highest pay for Merchandise Buying Manager is $120,172.

3. What is the lowest pay for Merchandise Buying Manager?

The lowest pay for Merchandise Buying Manager is $70,749.

4. What are the responsibilities of Merchandise Buying Manager?

Manages the selection, sourcing, and purchasing of merchandise to align with the company's brand, sales goals, and customer preferences. Monitors market trend analyses, sales performance, and competitor activities to identify profitable product opportunities. Leads pricing negotiations, oversees vendor relationships, and ensures the timely delivery of merchandise. Collaborates cross-functionally to optimize product assortments and maintain appropriate inventory levels. Typically requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a director. Manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1-3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Merchandise Buying Manager?

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Merchandise Buying Manager roles, with salaries approximately 30% 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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