As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Merchandise Buying Manager in the United States is $93,469 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:
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Merchandise Buying Manager Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $106,922 | $8,910 | $2,056 | $51 |
| Average | $93,469 | $7,789 | $1,797 | $45 |
| 25th Percentile | $85,537 | $7,128 | $1,645 | $41 |
Confidential - Columbus, OH
Five Below - Cambridge, OH
Dollar Tree - Girard, OH
BNED - Toledo, OH
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.
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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Merchandise Buyer III | 4-7 years | $96,698 |
| Merchandise Buyer IV | 7+ years | $135,767 |
| Merchandise Buying Supervisor | 7+ years | $39,421 |
| Merchandise Buying Manager | 7+ years | $93,469 |
| Merchandise Buying Senior Manager | 7+ years | $100,206 |
What Am I Worth?
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:
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:
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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $106,922 | $8,910 | $2,056 | $51 |
| Average | $93,469 | $7,789 | $1,797 | $45 |
| 25th Percentile | $85,537 | $7,128 | $1,645 | $41 |
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 $100,206 - a projected growth of 7% over your current level.
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Merchandise Buying Manager and their salaries, click below for more details.
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Biotechnology
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Merchandise Buying Manager job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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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 $117,892.
The highest pay for Merchandise Buying Manager is $119,170.
The lowest pay for Merchandise Buying Manager is $78,315.
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.
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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