As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Merchandise Planner in the United States is $79,323 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.
However, a Merchandise Planner's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Merchandise Planner'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Merchandise Planner'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 Planner | 2-4 years | $79,323 |
| Merchandise Planner, Sr. | 4-7 years | $92,992 |
| Merchandise Planning Manager | 7+ years | $112,968 |
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 Planners. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 12.2% |
| Supply Chain | 1.47% |
| Purchasing | 1.09% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Project Management
|
$93,601 |
18%
|
|
Decision Making
|
$92,808 |
17%
|
|
Initiative
|
$92,015 |
16%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$92,015 |
16%
|
|
Collaborating
|
$91,221 |
15%
|
|
Partnering
|
$91,221 |
15%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Merchandise Planners enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Merchandise Planner with a No Diploma is between $74,378 and $79,738).
Merchandise Planner Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.3% |
| High School | 5.7% |
| Associates | 7.7% |
| Bachelors | 72.5% |
| Masters | 13.4% |
| Doctorate | 0.3% |
Understanding how a Merchandise Planner'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 April 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Merchandise Planner, 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 III | $96,685 | 22% |
| Merchandise Planner, Sr. | $92,992 | 17% |
Salaries for a Merchandise Planner can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $62,070 in 2023 to around $61,510 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Merchandise Planner salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $62,070 |
| 2024 | $62,124 |
| 2025 | $61,510 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Merchandise Planner job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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A Merchandise Planner'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 Planner earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Merchandise Planner is $100,050.
The highest pay for Merchandise Planner is $102,948.
The lowest pay for Merchandise Planner is $65,153.
Plans and forecasts for future merchandise buys based on historical buys, reoccurring buys and current inventory levels. Responsible for reviewing stock to sales ratios, responding to changing sales trends, and ensuring plan sales, plan markups, and plan markdowns are achieved by departments. Plans and coordinates merchandise flow-through. Inputs and maintains data in various merchandising systems. May require a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Gains exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Typically requires 2 to 4 years of related experience.
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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