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Merchandise Planning Manager Salary in the United States

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

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Merchandise Planning Manager in the United States is $112,990 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $54.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $130,236
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $98,507 to $122,017
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $85,321
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Merchandise Planning Manager Salaries

A Merchandise Planning 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 Planning Manager Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Merchandise Planning 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 Planner (2-4 years): $79,389
  • Merchandise Planner, Sr. (4-7 years): $93,030
  • Merchandise Planning Manager (7+ years): $112,990
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Merchandise Planner2-4 years$79,389
Merchandise Planner, Sr.4-7 years$93,030
Merchandise Planning Manager7+ years$112,990
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How Do Merchandise Planning Managers 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 Planning Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $125,103.
  • California: $124,628.
  • Massachusetts: $122,967.

Top Paying Cities for Merchandise Planning Manager

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: $142,514
  • San Francisco: $140,954
  • Oakland: $137,983

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

Merchandise Planning Manager salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $126,486. While startup companies pay approximate $107,004.

Merchandise Planning Manager Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $107,004
Growth Stage 51~500 $113,169
Established 501~5000 $122,144
Enterprise 5000+ $126,486

Merchandise Planning Manager Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Merchandise Planning Manager roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 65% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Internet and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Merchandise Planning Manager positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Merchandise Planning Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Merchandise Planning Manager

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Internet$141,238$68.025%
Software & Networking$141,238$68.025%
Energy & Utilities$135,588$65.020%
Financial Services$135,588$65.020%
Healthcare$129,938$62.015%

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

Understanding how a Merchandise Planning 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 August 01, 2026
$98,507
Average $112,990/year
$122,017
$8,209
Average $9,416/month
$10,168
$1,894
Average $2,173/week
$2,346
$47
Average $54/hour
$59
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $122,017 $10,168 $2,346 $59
Average $112,990 $9,416 $2,173 $54
25th Percentile $98,507 $8,209 $1,894 $47

Merchandise Planning Manager Salary Growth & Career Path

Merchandise Planning Manager

Next Role

For a Merchandise Planning 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 -11% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Merchandise Planning Manager

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

Common company salaries for Merchandise Planning Manager

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

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FAQ about Merchandise Planning Manager

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

A Merchandise Planning 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 Planning Manager earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Merchandise Planning Manager is $142,514.

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

The highest pay for Merchandise Planning Manager is $130,236.

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

The lowest pay for Merchandise Planning Manager is $85,321.

4. What are the responsibilities of Merchandise Planning Manager?

Manages the planning and forecasting for future merchandise buys based on historical buys, reoccurring buys, and current inventory levels. Establishes systematic methods and tools to monitor stock-to-sale ratios and sales trend data to develop forecasts by product category, line, brand, and locations. Incorporates financial reporting and budget requirements into merchandise plans and recommendations. 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 Planning Manager?

The Internet industry offers the highest average compensation for Merchandise Planning Manager roles, with salaries approximately 25% 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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