Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Identifying problems, considering possible solutions, and choosing appropriate actions.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents typically need a bachelor’s degree, although some employers hire candidates who have a high school diploma. Purchasing managers also need several years of related work experience. PayThe median annual wage for buyers and purchasing agents was $77,710 in May 2025.The median annual wage for purchasing managers was $148,080 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 53,600 openings for purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for buyers and purchasing agents was $77,710 in May 2025.The median annual wage for purchasing managers was $148,080 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 53,600 openings for purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 53,600 openings for purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Buyers and purchasing agents buy products and services for organizations. Purchasing managers oversee the work of buyers and purchasing agents.
Work Environment
Purchasing managers and buyers and purchasing agents usually work in an office setting. Most work full time. Travel may be required.
How to Become a Purchasing Manager, Buyer, or Purchasing Agent
Purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents typically need a bachelor’s degree, although some employers hire candidates who have a high school diploma. Purchasing managers also need several years of related work experience.
Pay
The median annual wage for buyers and purchasing agents was $77,710 in May 2025.
The median annual wage for purchasing managers was $148,080 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 53,600 openings for purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Purchasing managers and buyers and purchasing agents usually work in an office setting. Most work full time. Travel may be required.
How to Become a Purchasing Manager, Buyer, or Purchasing Agent
Purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents typically need a bachelor’s degree, although some employers hire candidates who have a high school diploma. Purchasing managers also need several years of related work experience.
Pay
The median annual wage for buyers and purchasing agents was $77,710 in May 2025.
The median annual wage for purchasing managers was $148,080 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 53,600 openings for purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
Find Education Programs
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Explore pathway →Hear From ED
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.