Purchasing Managers
Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed
Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of buyers, purchasing officers, and related workers involved in purchasing materials, products, and services. Includes wholesale or retail trade merchandising managers and procurement managers.
Median pay: $148,080/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: +3.1% projected growth, 2024–2034 — about as fast as average.
About 6,400 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• Develop and implement purchasing and contract management instructions, policies, and procedures.
• Locate vendors of materials, equipment or supplies, and interview them to determine product availability and terms of sales.
• Prepare bid awards requiring board approval.
• Direct and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in buying, selling, and distributing materials, equipment, machinery, and supplies.
• Review purchase order claims and contracts for conformance to company policy.
• Review, evaluate, and approve specifications for issuing and awarding bids.
• Administer online purchasing systems.
• Prepare and process requisitions and purchase orders for supplies and equipment.
What's the median pay for Purchasing Managers?
The median pay for Purchasing Managers is $148,080 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Purchasing Managers?
Employment for Purchasing Managers is projected to change +3.1% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.
What education is typically required for Purchasing Managers?
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
How many job openings are there each year for Purchasing Managers?
About 6,400 openings per year, on average, over the decade.