As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Category Development Manager in the United States is $124,006 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $60.
However, a Category Development Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Category Development Manager'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 Development Manager'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 |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Category Development Manager | $120,071 |
| Intermediate Level Category Development Manager | $120,661 |
| Senior Level Category Development Manager | $122,629 |
| Specialist Level Category Development Manager | $124,990 |
| Expert Level Category Development Manager | $127,756 |
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 Development Managers. 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
|
$127,726 |
3%
|
|
Partnering
|
$127,726 |
3%
|
|
Accountability
|
$127,726 |
3%
|
|
Product Development
|
$127,726 |
3%
|
|
Supplier Management
|
$126,486 |
2%
|
|
Presentation
|
$126,486 |
2%
|
Understanding how a Category Development Manager'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 January 01, 2026Salaries for a Category Development Manager can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $145,917 in 2023 to around $144,933 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Category Development Manager salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $145,917 |
| 2024 | $146,568 |
| 2025 | $144,933 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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