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.
Purchasing Managers
SOC: 11-3061 O*NET: 11-3061.00
Median Salary
$139,510
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 3.1%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
6.4
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Job Zone 4
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.
What does a Purchasing Managers do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$85,500
10th percentile
Early Career
$107,430
25th percentile
Median
$139,510
50th percentile
Experienced
$175,460
75th percentile
Top Earners
$219,140
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$85,500
25th
$107,430
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$139,510
Mean: $150,630
75th
$175,460
90th
$219,140
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $133,640 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $107,430 and $175,460
- •Salary spread is 48.8% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 81,240 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:83,500
Top Industries
Manufacturing24.4%
Management of Companies and Enterprises19.6%
Management of Companies and Enterprises19.6%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+3.1%
Annual Openings:6,400
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)83,500
Current
2034 (Projected)86,100
+3.1%
+2,600
Employment Change
+3.1%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Purchasing Managers professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
Texas
8,100 jobs$132,2701.11x
California
7,260 jobs$152,1900.76x
New York
5,980 jobs$164,9501.19x
Illinois
4,130 jobs$139,3301.29x
Florida
4,040 jobs$125,6900.78x
Virginia
3,630 jobs$161,3001.69x
New Jersey
2,830 jobs$173,1301.26x
Michigan
2,830 jobs$137,6301.22x
Georgia
2,770 jobs$133,8501.08x
North Carolina
2,680 jobs$130,1701.04x
Pennsylvania
2,630 jobs$130,1400.83x
Maryland
2,520 jobs$153,3201.74x
Massachusetts
2,370 jobs$168,8901.23x
Washington
2,150 jobs$165,1701.15x
Arizona
1,840 jobs$139,3701.09x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Management of Personnel Resources
100%
#2
Active Listening
94%
#3
Speaking
86%
#4
Monitoring
80%
#5
Reading Comprehension
74%
#6
Social Perceptiveness
66%
#7
Writing
60%
#8
Time Management
54%
#9
Negotiation
46%
#10
Coordination
40%
Skills Overview
Management of Personnel Resources
advanced5.0
100%
Active Listening
advanced4.7
94%
Speaking
intermediate4.3
86%
Monitoring
intermediate4.0
80%
Reading Comprehension
basic3.7
74%
Social Perceptiveness
intermediate3.3
66%
Writing
intermediate3.0
60%
Time Management
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:
Management of Personnel Resources
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Active Listening
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Monitoring
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Social Perceptiveness
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Writing
intermediateImportance60%
skills
3.0/5.0
Time Management
basicImportance54%
skills
2.7/5.0
Negotiation
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Coordination
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Administrative Services Managers82%
5 shared skills
First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers82%
5 shared skills
Lodging Managers82%
5 shared skills
Postmasters and Mail Superintendents82%
5 shared skills
Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes67%
5 shared skills
Wind Energy Operations Managers67%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Management of Personnel Resources
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Monitoring
Learn on the Job:
- →Social Perceptiveness
- →Writing
- →Time Management
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Management of Personnel Resources
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Monitoring
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Speaking
- ★Reading Comprehension
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 Managers
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
Microsoft Access
🔥 Hot TechOracle Database
🔥 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 TechMicrosoft Project
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft Access
Oracle Database
Microsoft SharePoint
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Dynamics
Oracle PeopleSoft
SAP software
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Visio
Microsoft Project
Microsoft Excel
📚 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
MOSTLY 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 mostly team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
18
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Documentation & Record-Keeping (4)General Responsibilities (7)Training & Development (1)Analysis & Evaluation (2)Planning & Development (3)Communication & Coordination (1)
1
Maintain records of goods ordered and received.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping100% perform100%
2
Locate vendors of materials, equipment or supplies, and interview them to determine product availability and terms of sales.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Prepare and process requisitions and purchase orders for supplies and equipment.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping94% perform96%
4
Control purchasing department budgets.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Interview and hire staff, and oversee staff training.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Training & Development88% perform92%
6
Review purchase order claims and contracts for conformance to company policy.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Analyze market and delivery systems to assess present and future material availability.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation82% perform88%
8
Develop and implement purchasing and contract management instructions, policies, and procedures.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development79% perform86%
9
Participate in the development of specifications for equipment, products, or substitute materials.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Planning & Development76% perform84%
10
Resolve vendor or contractor grievances and claims against suppliers.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on documentation & record-keeping activities
- •39% 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 Managers
💡 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 Managers professionals typically have a ECS Holland code and highly value working conditions
EEnterprising
CConventional
SSocial
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Purchasing Managers
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.84
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.74
Stress Tolerance
CriticalStress Tolerance
Importance Level4.53
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.53
Cooperation
CriticalCooperation
Importance Level4.53
Adaptability/Flexibility
Very ImportantAdaptability/Flexibility
Importance Level4.47
Complete Work Styles Profile
Integrity
4.8
Attention to Detail
4.7
Stress Tolerance
4.5
Dependability
4.5
Cooperation
4.5
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.5
Analytical Thinking
4.3
Self-Control
4.3
Leadership
4.3
Initiative
4.3
💡 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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