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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Category Buyer in California is $79,942 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.
However, a Category Buyer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Category Buyer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $86,584 | $7,215 | $1,665 | $42 |
| Average | $79,942 | $6,662 | $1,537 | $38 |
| 25th Percentile | $71,008 | $5,917 | $1,366 | $34 |
Weee! - La Mirada, CA
Metalcraft of Mayville - MAYVILLE, WI
Micro Center - GALLOWAY, OH
Micro Center - BRICE, OH
A Category 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 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 Category Buyers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
For Category 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, Category Buyer positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Category Buyer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $99,927 | $48.0 | 25% |
| Financial Services | $95,930 | $46.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $94,331 | $45.0 | 18% |
| Insurance | $91,933 | $44.0 | 15% |
| Energy & Utilities | $89,535 | $43.0 | 12% |
Understanding how a Category 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $86,584 | $7,215 | $1,665 | $42 |
| Average | $79,942 | $6,662 | $1,537 | $38 |
| 25th Percentile | $71,008 | $5,917 | $1,366 | $34 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Category Buyer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Micro Center
DUBLIN, OH
Micro Center | DUBLIN, OH
MICRO CENTER is the nation’s leading computer and electronics big box retailer, offering more than 40,000 top technology products. For over 45 years, our s... more
6 Days Ago
Micro Center
SAN MARGHERITA, OH
Micro Center | SAN MARGHERITA, OH
MICRO CENTER is the nation’s leading computer and electronics big box retailer, offering more than 40,000 top technology products. For over 45 years, our s... more
6 Days Ago
Micro Center
MILFORD CENTER, OH
Micro Center | MILFORD CENTER, OH
MICRO CENTER is the nation’s leading computer and electronics big box retailer, offering more than 40,000 top technology products. For over 45 years, our s... more
6 Days Ago
Micro Center
WEST JEFFERSON, OH
Micro Center | WEST JEFFERSON, OH
MICRO CENTER is the nation’s leading computer and electronics big box retailer, offering more than 40,000 top technology products. For over 45 years, our s... more
6 Days Ago
Micro Center
HILLIARD, OH
Micro Center | HILLIARD, OH
MICRO CENTER is the nation’s leading computer and electronics big box retailer, offering more than 40,000 top technology products. For over 45 years, our s... more
6 Days Ago
Micro Center
OSTRANDER, OH
Micro Center | OSTRANDER, OH
MICRO CENTER is the nation’s leading computer and electronics big box retailer, offering more than 40,000 top technology products. For over 45 years, our s... more
6 Days Ago
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