As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Retail Buyer in the United States is $72,710 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.
However, a Retail Buyer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Retail Buyer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $79,040 | $6,587 | $1,520 | $38 |
| Average | $72,710 | $6,059 | $1,398 | $35 |
| 25th Percentile | $65,457 | $5,455 | $1,259 | $31 |
A Retail Buyer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 5.57% |
| Microsoft Office | 1.89% |
| Cost Reduction | 1.06% |
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Retail Buyer's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Project Management | $77,799 | |
| Collaboration | $77,072 | |
| Merchandising | $77,072 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Retail Buyers enter the field with a Associate's Degree 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 Retail Buyer with a Associate's Degree is between $70,887 and $75,234).
| Typical Education for Retail Buyer | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Diploma | 1.7% |
| High School | 20.1% |
| Associates | 9.0% |
| Bachelors | 53.7% |
| Masters | 15.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.3% |
Understanding how a Retail 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 | $79,040 | $6,587 | $1,520 | $38 |
| Average | $72,710 | $6,059 | $1,398 | $35 |
| 25th Percentile | $65,457 | $5,455 | $1,259 | $31 |
Salaries for a Retail Buyer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $69,044 in 2023 to around $69,013 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Retail Buyer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $69,044 |
| 2024 | $69,392 |
| 2025 | $69,013 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Retail Buyer roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
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