As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Category Manager (Non-IT) in the United States is $128,190 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $62.
However, a Category Manager (Non-IT)'s salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Category Manager (Non-IT)'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 Category Manager (Non-IT)'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Category ... Level Category Manager (Non-IT) | $163,566 |
| Category ... Level Category Manager (Non-IT) | $110,855 |
| Category ... Level Category Manager (Non-IT) | $127,345 |
| Category ... Level Category Manager (Non-IT) | $146,691 |
| Category ... Level Category Manager (Non-IT) | $180,204 |
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 Category Manager (Non-IT)s. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 7.3% |
| Strategic Sourcing | 2.62% |
| Economics | 0.86% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Insight
|
$132,036 |
3%
|
|
Partnering
|
$132,036 |
3%
|
|
Accountability
|
$132,036 |
3%
|
|
Product Development
|
$132,036 |
3%
|
|
Supplier Management
|
$130,754 |
2%
|
|
Presentation
|
$130,754 |
2%
|
For Category Manager (Non-IT) roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 105% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Category Manager (Non-IT) positions in Transportation or MFG Durable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Category Manager (Non-IT) as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $166,647 | $80.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $160,238 | $77.0 | 25% |
| Internet | $153,828 | $74.0 | 20% |
| MFG Nondurable | $147,418 | $71.0 | 15% |
| Energy & Utilities | $141,009 | $68.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Category Manager (Non-IT)'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, 2026Salaries for a Category Manager (Non-IT) can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $148,641 in 2023 to around $147,638 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Category Manager (Non-IT) salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $148,641 |
| 2024 | $149,304 |
| 2025 | $147,638 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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