As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Ingredient Buyer in the United States is $72,150 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.
However, an Ingredient Buyer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Ingredient Buyer'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.
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 Ingredient Buyers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 5.57% |
| Microsoft Office | 1.89% |
| Cost Reduction | 1.06% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Project Management
|
$77,200 |
7%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$76,479 |
6%
|
|
Merchandising
|
$76,479 |
6%
|
|
Analysis
|
$75,757 |
5%
|
|
Leadership
|
$75,757 |
5%
|
|
Presentation
|
$75,757 |
5%
|
For Ingredient Buyer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 67% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Ingredient Buyer positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Ingredient Buyer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $90,187 | $43.0 | 25% |
| Financial Services | $86,580 | $42.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $85,137 | $41.0 | 18% |
| Insurance | $82,972 | $40.0 | 15% |
| Energy & Utilities | $80,808 | $39.0 | 12% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Ingredient Buyers enter the field with a Associate's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Ingredient Buyer with a Associate's Degree is between $70,887 and $75,234).
Ingredient Buyer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.7% |
| High School | 20.1% |
| Associates | 9.0% |
| Bachelors | 53.7% |
| Masters | 15.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.3% |
Understanding how an Ingredient Buyer'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, 2026Salaries for an Ingredient Buyer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $70,591 in 2023 to around $70,560 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Ingredient Buyer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $70,591 |
| 2024 | $70,947 |
| 2025 | $70,560 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Ingredient Buyer roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
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.)
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