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Purchasing Clerk III Salary in the United States

How much does a Purchasing Clerk III make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Purchasing Clerk III in the United States is $60,817 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.

However, a Purchasing Clerk III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $76,404
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $53,734 to $68,976
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $47,285
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Purchasing Clerk III Salaries

A Purchasing Clerk III'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 Purchasing Clerk III Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Purchasing Clerk III'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:

  • Purchasing Clerk I (0-1 years): $47,260
  • Purchasing Clerk II (1-3 years): $52,977
  • Purchasing Clerk III (3-5 years): $60,817
  • Purchasing Clerk IV (5-7 years): $68,154
  • Purchasing Supervisor (7+ years): $86,932
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Purchasing Clerk I0-1 years$47,260
Purchasing Clerk II1-3 years$52,977
Purchasing Clerk III3-5 years$60,817
Purchasing Clerk IV5-7 years$68,154
Purchasing Supervisor7+ years$86,932
View as Graph

How Do Purchasing Clerk III 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 Purchasing Clerk IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $67,337.
  • California: $67,081.
  • Massachusetts: $66,187.

Top Paying Cities for Purchasing Clerk IIIs

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: $76,708
  • San Francisco: $75,869
  • Oakland: $74,270

Purchasing Clerk III Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Purchasing Clerk III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $67,966. While startup companies pay approximate $57,492.

Purchasing Clerk III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $57,492
Growth Stage 51~500 $60,803
Established 501~5000 $65,629
Enterprise 5000+ $67,966

Purchasing Clerk III Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Purchasing Clerk III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 35% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Internet and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 13% above the average. In contrast, Purchasing Clerk positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Purchasing Clerk III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Purchasing Clerk III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Internet$68,723$33.013%
Financial Services$66,899$32.010%
Pharmaceuticals$66,291$32.09%
Energy & Utilities$65,682$32.08%
Healthcare$65,074$31.07%

Purchasing Clerk III Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Purchasing Clerk III'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 September 01, 2026
$53,734
Average $60,817/year
$68,976
$4,478
Average $5,068/month
$5,748
$1,033
Average $1,170/week
$1,326
$26
Average $29/hour
$33
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $68,976 $5,748 $1,326 $33
Average $60,817 $5,068 $1,170 $29
25th Percentile $53,734 $4,478 $1,033 $26

Purchasing Clerk III Salary Growth & Career Path

Purchasing Clerk III

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Purchasing Clerk III, 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 $168,713 177%
IT Procurement Manager $139,400 129%
Purchasing Clerk IV $68,154 12%

Most common benefits for Purchasing Clerk III

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

Common company salaries for Purchasing Clerk III

Here are companies hiring for Purchasing Clerk III and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Purchasing Clerk III

1. Where can a Purchasing Clerk III earn the most?

A Purchasing Clerk III'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 Purchasing Clerk III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Purchasing Clerk III is $76,708.

2. What is the highest pay for Purchasing Clerk III?

The highest pay for Purchasing Clerk III is $76,404.

3. What is the lowest pay for Purchasing Clerk III?

The lowest pay for Purchasing Clerk III is $47,285.

4. What are the responsibilities of Purchasing Clerk III?

Initiates, prepares, processes, and verifies purchase orders following established guidelines to purchase materials and goods by required delivery dates. Inputs transactions and administers a purchasing and contracts system or database. Interacts with suppliers to obtain favorable pricing terms, product specifications, monitor availability, and optimize savings. Expedites delayed orders and resolves issues with changes, returns, replacements, and credit arrangements. Coordinates with internal teams to ensure that procurement needs are met promptly and efficiently. Requires a high school diploma. Typically reports to a supervisor or team leader. Works independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function. Has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job. Typically requires 3-5 years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Purchasing Clerk III?

The Internet industry offers the highest average compensation for Purchasing Clerk III roles, with salaries approximately 13% 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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