As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Purchase Administrator in the United States is $53,598 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.
However, a Purchase Administrator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Purchase Administrator'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Purchase Administrator'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 |
|---|---|
| Purchasin... Level Purchase Administrator | $47,455 |
| Purchase ... Level Purchase Administrator | $53,192 |
| Purchasin... Level Purchase Administrator | $61,062 |
| Purchasin... Level Purchase Administrator | $68,428 |
| Purchasin... Level Purchase Administrator | $87,285 |
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 Purchase Administrators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 3.32% |
| ERP | 2.02% |
| Inventory Management | 1.03% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Strategic Sourcing
|
$66,998 |
25%
|
|
Cost Reduction
|
$61,102 |
14%
|
|
Project Management
|
$60,566 |
13%
|
|
Supply Chain Management
|
$60,030 |
12%
|
|
Business Administration
|
$60,030 |
12%
|
|
RFP
|
$59,494 |
11%
|
For Purchase Administrator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Purchase Administrator positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Purchase Administrator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $64,318 | $31.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $64,318 | $31.0 | 20% |
| Business Services | $64,318 | $31.0 | 20% |
| Chemicals | $64,318 | $31.0 | 20% |
| Construction | $64,318 | $31.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Purchase Administrators enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate 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 Purchase Administrator with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $49,129 and $52,612).
Purchase Administrator Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 8.3% |
| High School | 16.7% |
| Associates | 25.0% |
| Bachelors | 50.0% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Purchase Administrator'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 Purchase Administrator can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $49,097 in 2023 to around $48,732 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Purchase Administrator salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $49,097 |
| 2024 | $48,994 |
| 2025 | $48,732 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Purchase Administrator roles, with salaries approximately 20% 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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