Purchasing Agent Salary in California
Based on 48K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$82,720
$39.77/hr
vs National Average
$76,869
+7.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$53K – $134K
48K employed in California
The median Purchasing Agent salary in California is $82,720 per year, which translates to approximately $40 per hour. This figure is 7.6% higher than the national average for this profession, reflecting the state's dynamic economic landscape and high cost of living.
Several factors influence the Purchasing Agent salary in California, including years of experience, specific industry, company size, and geographic location within the state. A Purchasing Agent's education, certifications, and negotiation skills can also impact their earning potential, with the salary range generally falling between $52,690 and $134,310 annually.
Salary Distribution — Purchasing Agent in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $52,690 |
| 25th percentile | $66,150 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $82,720 |
| 75th percentile | $107,490 |
| 90th percentile | $134,310 |
Top-Paying Industries for Purchasing Agent (U.S.)
Which industries pay Purchasing Agents the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Purchasing Agents in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $99,240 | 4K |
| Finance and Insurance | $98,000 | 9K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $95,870 | 64K |
| Information | $93,980 | 7K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $88,830 | 40K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Purchasing Agent in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $82,720 |
| 2026 (projected) | $85,202 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $82,720 | $76,869 |
| 2026 (projected) | $85,202 | $79,175 |
Purchasing Agent Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $66,150 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $82,720 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $107,490 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $134,310 |
Purchasing Agent Salary in Other States
Related Purchasing Agent Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Purchasing Agent ($82,720 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Purchasing Agent | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Editor in CA | $98,030 | +18.5% | $47.13/hr |
| Market Research Analyst in CA | $94,700 | +14.5% | $45.53/hr |
| Logistician in CA | $92,890 | +12.3% | $44.66/hr |
| Writer and Author in CA | $86,480 | +4.5% | $41.58/hr |
| Public Relations Specialist in CA | $85,030 | +2.8% | $40.88/hr |
| Real Estate Broker in CA | $80,450 | -2.7% | $38.68/hr |
| Training and Development Specialist in CA | $75,790 | -8.4% | $36.44/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in CA | $57,560 | -30.4% | $27.67/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in CA | $82,550 | -0.2% | $39.69/hr |
| Human Resources Specialist in CA | $83,500 | +0.9% | $40.14/hr |
| Loan Officer in CA | $81,770 | -1.1% | $39.31/hr |
| Tax Examiner in CA | $80,810 | -2.3% | $38.85/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Purchasing Agent make in California?
- In California, the median Purchasing Agent salary is $82,720 per year. The typical salary range for these professionals is between $52,690 and $134,310 annually, with an hourly rate around $40.
What is the salary range for a Purchasing Agent in California?
- The salary range for a Purchasing Agent in California can vary significantly, with most earning between $52,690 and $134,310 per year. This wide range reflects differences in experience, industry, and location within the state.
Is the Purchasing Agent salary in California higher than the national average?
- Yes, the Purchasing Agent salary in California is approximately 7.6% higher than the national average. This means Californians in this role earn more than their counterparts in other parts of the country.
How many Purchasing Agents are employed in California?
- There are a significant number of Purchasing Agents working in California, with a total employment of 48,010 individuals. This substantial workforce indicates strong demand for these procurement professionals across various industries in the state.