As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Purchasing Clerk I in District of Columbia is $52,319 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.
However, a Purchasing Clerk I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Purchasing Clerk I'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 Purchasing Clerk I'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Purchasing Clerk I | 0-1 years | $52,319 |
| Purchasing Clerk II | 1-3 years | $58,640 |
| Purchasing Clerk III | 3-5 years | $67,313 |
| Purchasing Clerk IV | 5-7 years | $75,432 |
| Purchasing Supervisor | 7+ years | $96,225 |
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 Purchasing Clerk Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Purchasing Clerk I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $58,518. While startup companies pay approximate $49,489.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $49,489 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $52,342 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $56,510 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $58,518 |
For Purchasing Clerk I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Purchasing Clerk positions in Retail & Wholesale or Energy & Utilities typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Purchasing Clerk I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $65,398 | $31.0 | 25% |
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $62,782 | $30.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $60,166 | $29.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $57,550 | $28.0 | 10% |
| MFG Durable | $57,550 | $28.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Purchasing Clerk I'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 July 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Purchasing Clerk I, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Gas Supply Manager | $186,699 | 257% |
| IT Procurement Manager | $154,310 | 195% |
| Purchasing Clerk II | $58,640 | 12% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Purchasing Clerk I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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