Purchasing Agent Salary in the United States
Based on 490K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$76,869
$36.96/hr
Salary Range
$49K – $124K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
490K
workers nationwide
The median Purchasing Agent salary in the United States is $76,869 annually, which translates to approximately $37 per hour. This role is crucial for organizations, focusing on sourcing goods and services effectively. With a substantial number of professionals in this field, understanding compensation trends for Purchasing Agents is vital.
Several factors influence the Purchasing Agent salary in the United States. These include years of experience, the industry an organization operates within, geographic location, and the specific responsibilities of the role. For instance, roles in high cost-of-living areas or those requiring specialized procurement skills often command higher pay.
Salary Distribution — Purchasing Agent
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $49,365 |
| 25th percentile | $60,585 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $76,869 |
| 75th percentile | $98,013 |
| 90th percentile | $124,359 |
Purchasing Agent Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Purchasing Agent
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | $124,090 | +61.4% | 2K |
| 2 | New Jersey | $93,250 | +21.3% | 12K |
| 3 | Maryland | $90,900 | +18.3% | 9K |
| 4 | Virginia | $89,210 | +16.1% | 22K |
| 5 | Rhode Island | $86,240 | +12.2% | — |
| 6 | Massachusetts | $85,970 | +11.8% | 13K |
| 7 | Washington | $85,130 | +10.7% | 15K |
| 8 | Colorado | $83,590 | +8.7% | 10K |
| 9 | Alaska | $83,460 | +8.6% | 890 |
| 10 | Connecticut | $83,030 | +8.0% | 6K |
Purchasing Agent Salary by Industry
How much Purchasing Agents earn across industries nationwide — Utilities pays the most ($99,240 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Utilities | $99,240 | +29.1% | 4K |
| 2 | Finance and Insurance | $98,000 | +27.5% | 9K |
| 3 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $95,870 | +24.7% | 64K |
| 4 | Information | $93,980 | +22.3% | 7K |
| 5 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $88,830 | +15.6% | 40K |
| 6 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $86,420 | +12.4% | 2K |
| 7 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $83,990 | +9.3% | 46K |
| 8 | Administrative and Support Services | $78,340 | +1.9% | 18K |
| 9 | Manufacturing | $77,890 | +1.3% | 112K |
| 10 | Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting | $77,190 | +0.4% | 520 |
| 11 | Transportation and Warehousing | $74,990 | -2.4% | 11K |
| 12 | Construction | $72,630 | -5.5% | 23K |
| 13 | Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $72,280 | -6.0% | — |
| 14 | Educational Services | $71,900 | -6.5% | 11K |
| 15 | Wholesale Trade | $71,640 | -6.8% | 70K |
| 16 | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $66,150 | -13.9% | 3K |
| 17 | Accommodation and Food Services | $64,130 | -16.6% | 4K |
| 18 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $63,770 | -17.0% | 19K |
| 19 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $62,850 | -18.2% | 6K |
| 20 | Retail Trade | $57,840 | -24.8% | 38K |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Historical Salary Trend — Purchasing Agent
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $76,869 |
| 2026 (projected) | $79,175 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Purchasing Agent Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $60,585 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $76,869 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $98,013 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $124,359 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Purchasing Agent in the US?
- The salary range for Purchasing Agents in the United States typically falls between $49,365 and $124,359 per year. This wide range reflects the various factors influencing compensation, from entry-level positions to highly experienced professionals.
How much does a Purchasing Agent make in the District of Columbia?
- Purchasing Agents in the District of Columbia tend to earn the most, with an average salary around $124,090 annually. This reflects the high cost of living and demand for procurement professionals in the capital.
What is the median annual salary for a Purchasing Agent?
- The median annual salary for a Purchasing Agent in the United States is $76,869. This figure represents the midpoint of all salaries, meaning half of Purchasing Agents earn more and half earn less.
How many Purchasing Agents are employed in the United States?
- There are approximately 489,650 Purchasing Agents employed across the United States. This indicates a significant and established job market for this profession.