Purchase machinery, equipment, tools, parts, supplies, or services necessary for the operation of an establishment. Purchase raw or semifinished materials for manufacturing. May negotiate contracts.
Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products
SOC: 13-1023 O*NET: 13-1023.00
Median Salary
N/A
per year
Job Growth
➡️ N/A
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
N/A
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Job Zone 4
Purchase machinery, equipment, tools, parts, supplies, or services necessary for the operation of an establishment. Purchase raw or semifinished materials for manufacturing. May negotiate contracts.
What does a Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products do?
How much can you earn?
Limited Data Available: Detailed wage distribution data is not currently available for this occupation.
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Negotiation
100%
#2
Reading Comprehension
94%
#3
Writing
86%
#4
Active Listening
80%
#5
Complex Problem Solving
74%
#6
Speaking
66%
#7
Judgment and Decision Making
60%
#8
Active Learning
54%
#9
Critical Thinking
46%
#10
Persuasion
40%
Skills Overview
Negotiation
advanced5.0
100%
Reading Comprehension
advanced4.7
94%
Writing
intermediate4.3
86%
Active Listening
intermediate4.0
80%
Complex Problem Solving
advanced3.7
74%
Speaking
intermediate3.3
66%
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediate3.0
60%
Active Learning
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Negotiation
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Reading Comprehension
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Writing
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediateImportance60%
abilities
3.0/5.0
Active Learning
basicImportance54%
abilities
2.7/5.0
Critical Thinking
basicImportance46%
abilities
2.3/5.0
Persuasion
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators82%
5 shared skills
Buyers and Purchasing Agents, Farm Products82%
5 shared skills
Credit Counselors82%
5 shared skills
Labor Relations Specialists82%
5 shared skills
Lawyers82%
5 shared skills
Real Estate Brokers82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Negotiation
- ✓Writing
- ✓Active Listening
Learn on the Job:
- →Speaking
- →Judgment and Decision Making
- →Active Learning
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Negotiation
- ✓Writing
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Reading Comprehension
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Writing
- ★Active Listening
- ★Reading Comprehension
- ★Complex Problem Solving
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Intuit QuickBooks
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Access
🔥 Hot TechOracle Database
🔥 Hot TechAdobe Acrobat
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft SharePoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Dynamics
🔥 Hot TechOracle PeopleSoft
🔥 Hot TechSAP software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Visio
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Intuit QuickBooks
Microsoft Access
Oracle Database
Adobe Acrobat
Microsoft SharePoint
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Dynamics
Oracle PeopleSoft
SAP software
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Visio
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
19
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (9)Documentation & Record-Keeping (3)Analysis & Evaluation (3)Management & Supervision (2)Planning & Development (2)
1
Purchase the highest quality merchandise at the lowest possible price and in correct amounts.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Prepare purchase orders, solicit bid proposals, and review requisitions for goods and services.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping97% perform98%
3
Research and evaluate suppliers, based on price, quality, selection, service, support, availability, reliability, production and distribution capabilities, and the supplier's reputation and history.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation94% perform96%
4
Analyze price proposals, financial reports, and other data and information to determine reasonable prices.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation91% perform94%
5
Monitor and follow applicable laws and regulations.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Negotiate, renegotiate, and administer contracts with suppliers, vendors, and other representatives.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Monitor shipments to ensure that goods come in on time, and resolve problems related to undelivered goods.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Confer with staff, users, and vendors to discuss defective or unacceptable goods or services and determine corrective action.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Evaluate and monitor contract performance to ensure compliance with contractual obligations and to determine need for changes.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation76% perform84%
10
Maintain and review computerized or manual records of purchased items, costs, deliveries, product performance, and inventories.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •37% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products professionals typically have a CER Holland code and highly value working conditions
CConventional
EEnterprising
RRealistic
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.85
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.80
Analytical Thinking
Very ImportantAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level4.45
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.45
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.40
Initiative
Very ImportantInitiative
Importance Level4.25
Complete Work Styles Profile
Integrity
4.8
Attention to Detail
4.8
Analytical Thinking
4.5
Cooperation
4.5
Dependability
4.4
Initiative
4.3
Stress Tolerance
4.2
Self-Control
4.2
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.1
Leadership
4.1
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 4
Considerable Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree or higher
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training:
Significant preparation with related work experience
💼 Experience Requirement
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Bachelor's degree in related field
- • Several years of work experience
- • Professional certifications often required
4
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Bachelor's degree in related fieldSeveral years of work experienceProfessional certifications often required
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