Purchasing Manager: Career Overview
Official government data · Updated April 2026
Purchasing Managers earn a national median of $139,510/yr with 3.1% projected employment growth over 2024–2034. The role draws on expertise in Administration and Management, Customer and Personal Service, English Language.
Median Salary
$139,510
National · 2024
10-Year Growth
3.1%
About as fast as average
Employed Nationally
81,240
2024 data
Typical Education
Bachelor's degree
Entry-level
What Employers Expect From a Purchasing Manager
These are the competencies recruiters screen for in Purchasing Manager candidates, ranked by importance. Your resume should demonstrate each one:
Knowledge Areas
Core knowledge domains most important for Purchasing Manager performance, based on verified occupational data.
Tools & Technologies
High-demand tools and technologies for Purchasing Manager roles.
Job Outlook: 2024–2034
Employment is projected to grow 3.1% for Purchasing Manager roles over the 2024–2034 decade. That's about as fast as average compared to the 4% average across all occupations.
- Current Employment
- 81,240
- Projected Growth
- 3.1%
- Typical Education
- Bachelor's degree
Top Employers
Companies actively hiring for Purchasing Manager roles, ranked by disclosure volume. Salaries reflect base pay from employer disclosure records.
| Company | Median Disclosed Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|
| Bain & Company | $145,000 | 2 |
Base salary only — excludes equity and bonuses.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does a Purchasing Manager do?
- Purchasing Managers apply expertise in Administration and Management, Customer and Personal Service, English Language to perform their core responsibilities. Key competencies include Active Listening, Speaking, Management of Personnel Resources, Reading Comprehension.
- How much does a Purchasing Manager make?
- The national median salary for a Purchasing Manager is $139,510 per year based on official government wage survey data. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.
- Is Purchasing Manager a good career in 2026?
- Employment for Purchasing Manager roles is projected to grow 3.1% over the 2024–2034 decade — about as fast as average compared to all occupations. There are currently 81,240 workers in this occupation nationally.
- What education do you need to become a Purchasing Manager?
- The typical entry-level education for a Purchasing Manager is Bachelor's degree. Requirements vary by employer and specialization.
- What skills do Purchasing Managers need?
- The most important skills for Purchasing Manager roles based on verified occupational data: Active Listening, Speaking, Management of Personnel Resources, Reading Comprehension, Writing, Monitoring, Social Perceptiveness, Negotiation, Time Management, Critical Thinking. Key tools and technologies include: Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Purchasing software.
Does Your Resume Cover These Skills?
Tap the skills that are currently on your resume.
Salary, employment, and skills figures sourced from official U.S. government records and occupational databases. Actual compensation and requirements vary by location, experience, and employer. Salary and employment figures from official U.S. government records. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.