As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Category Planner in the United States is $79,360 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.
However, a Category Planner's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Category Planner'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 Category Planners. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 12.2% |
| Supply Chain | 1.47% |
| Purchasing | 1.09% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Project Management
|
$93,644 |
18%
|
|
Decision Making
|
$92,851 |
17%
|
|
Initiative
|
$92,057 |
16%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$92,057 |
16%
|
|
Collaborating
|
$91,264 |
15%
|
|
Partnering
|
$91,264 |
15%
|
For Category Planner roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 80% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the MFG Durable and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Category Planner positions in MFG Nondurable or Media typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Category Planner as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| MFG Durable | $111,104 | $53.0 | 40% |
| Internet | $103,168 | $50.0 | 30% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $99,200 | $48.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $95,232 | $46.0 | 20% |
| Hospitality & Leisure | $91,264 | $44.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Category Planners enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Category Planner with a No Diploma is between $74,378 and $79,738).
Category Planner Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.3% |
| High School | 5.7% |
| Associates | 7.7% |
| Bachelors | 72.5% |
| Masters | 13.4% |
| Doctorate | 0.3% |
Understanding how a Category Planner'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 a Category Planner can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $61,331 in 2023 to around $60,778 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Category Planner salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $61,331 |
| 2024 | $61,384 |
| 2025 | $60,778 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The MFG Durable industry offers the highest average compensation for Category Planner roles, with salaries approximately 40% 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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