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Merchandise Planner, Sr. Salary in the United States

How much does a Merchandise Planner, Sr. make in the United States?

As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Merchandise Planner, Sr. in the United States is $93,002 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $45.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $109,625
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $84,308 to $101,703
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $76,393
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View as table View as graph 25% $84,308 10% $76,393 90% $109,625 75% $101,703 $93,002 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Merchandise Planner, Sr. Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $101,703 $8,475 $1,956 $49
Average $93,002 $7,750 $1,789 $45
25th Percentile $84,308 $7,026 $1,621 $41
Check out Merchandise Planner, Sr. Job Openings in the United States
Associate Merchandise Planner

Arhaus - Boston Heights, OH

Buyer Planner

The HT Group - Wadsworth, OH

Sr Buyer Planner Finished Goods

Danaher - Cincinnati, OH

Production Planner

Johnson Matthey - West Chester, PA –, OH

Search More Merchandise Planner, Sr. Jobs in the United States

Key Factors That Influence Merchandise Planner, Sr. Salaries

A Merchandise Planner, Sr.'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 Planner, Sr. Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Merchandise Planner, Sr.'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 Planner (2-4 years): $79,339
  • Merchandise Planner, Sr. (4-7 years): $93,002
  • Merchandise Planning Manager (7+ years): $112,973
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Merchandise Planner2-4 years$79,339
Merchandise Planner, Sr.4-7 years$93,002
Merchandise Planning Manager7+ years$112,973
$79,339 Merchandi...
$93,002 Merchandi...
$112,973 Merchandi...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Merchandise Planner, Sr.s

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: $117,303
  • San Francisco: $116,019
  • Oakland: $113,574

What Skills Can Increase a Merchandise Planner, Sr.'s Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Coordination (Mentioned in 6.3% Job Postings): Ability to plan, execute, and adjust job duties to achieve business goals.
  • Project Coordination (Mentioned in 5.12% Job Postings): Managing daily operations of project tasks to ensure that a project successfully achieves its target goals.
  • Inventory Control (Mentioned in 1.17% Job Postings): Inventory control or stock control can be broadly defined as "the activity of checking a shop’s stock." However, a more focused definition takes into account the more science-based, methodical practice of not only verifying a business' inventory but also focusing on the many related facets of inventory management (such as forecasting future demand) "within an organisation to meet the demand placed upon that business economically." Other facets of inventory control include supply chain management, production control, financial flexibility, and customer satisfaction. At the root of inventory control, however, is the inventory control problem, which involves determining when to order, how much to order, and the logistics (where) of those decisions. An extension of inventory control is the inventory control system. This may come in the form of a technological system and its programmed software used for managing various aspects of inventory problems , or it may refer to a methodology (which may include the use of technological barriers) for handling loss prevention in a business.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Coordination 6.3%
Project Coordination 5.12%
Inventory Control 1.17%
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 Planner, Sr.'s salary.
  • Visual Presentation: Can increase your salary by up to 11%.
  • Flexibility: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Coaching: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Visual Presentation
$103,232
11%
Flexibility
$97,652
5%
Coaching
$97,652
5%
Guest Service
$97,652
5%
Pricing
$97,652
5%
Effective Communication
$97,652
5%
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How Education impacts a Merchandise Planner, Sr.'s Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Merchandise Planner, Sr.s 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, Sr. with a No Diploma is between $91,981 and $99,324).

Merchandise Planner, Sr. Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Merchandise Planner, Sr.
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 8.4%
High School 8.4%
Associates 5.4%
Bachelors 62.9%
Masters 23.4%
Doctorate 0.0%
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Merchandise Planner, Sr. Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Merchandise Planner, Sr.'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 May 01, 2026

Merchandise Planner, Sr. Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Merchandise Planner, Sr., 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 Planner, Sr. Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Merchandise Buyer IV $135,767 46%
Merchandise Planning Manager $112,973 21%

Salary Trends for Merchandise Planner, Sr.

Salaries for a Merchandise Planner, Sr. can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $80,342 in 2023 to around $78,765 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Merchandise Planner, Sr. salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Merchandise Planner, Sr. Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$80,342
2024
$79,563
2025
$78,765
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $80,342
2024 $79,563
2025 $78,765
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Merchandise Planner, Sr.

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Merchandise Planner, Sr.

Here are companies hiring for Merchandise Planner, Sr. and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Merchandise Planner, Sr.

1. Where can a Merchandise Planner, Sr. earn the most?

A Merchandise Planner, Sr.'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, Sr. earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Merchandise Planner, Sr. is $117,303.

2. What is the highest pay for Merchandise Planner, Sr.?

The highest pay for Merchandise Planner, Sr. is $109,625.

3. What is the lowest pay for Merchandise Planner, Sr.?

The lowest pay for Merchandise Planner, Sr. is $76,393.

4. What are the responsibilities of Merchandise Planner, Sr.?

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. May require a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Typically requires 4 to 7 years of related experience. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature.

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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