Purchasing Manager Salary in California
Based on 7K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$159,830
$76.84/hr
vs National Average
$139,843
+14.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$100K – $241K
7K employed in California
The median Purchasing Manager salary in California is $159,830 per year, which is 14% above the national average. With approximately 7,470 workers employed in this role throughout the state, California offers competitive compensation for procurement professionals. Salaries in this field typically range from $99,560 to $241,340 annually, reflecting significant variation based on individual circumstances and market conditions.
Several factors influence Purchasing Manager salary in California, including years of experience, industry sector, company size, and geographic location within the state. Professionals in major metropolitan areas like San Francisco and Los Angeles tend to earn higher salaries due to cost of living adjustments and greater demand for procurement expertise. Additionally, experience managing larger budgets, specialized procurement knowledge, and educational credentials can substantially impact earning potential in this competitive market.
Salary Distribution — Purchasing Manager in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $99,560 |
| 25th percentile | $125,000 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $159,830 |
| 75th percentile | $196,620 |
| 90th percentile | $241,340 |
Top-Paying Industries for Purchasing Manager (U.S.)
Which industries pay Purchasing Managers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Purchasing Managers in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $171,870 | 2K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $168,060 | 7K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $167,870 | 17K |
| Information | $166,880 | 1K |
| Utilities | $155,360 | 600 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Purchasing Manager in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $147,490 |
| 2023 | $153,510 |
| 2024 | $152,190 |
| 2025 | $159,830 |
| 2026 (projected) | $167,854 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $147,490 | $122,993 |
| 2023 | $153,510 | $128,820 |
| 2024 | $152,190 | $133,299 |
| 2025 | $159,830 | $139,843 |
| 2026 (projected) | $167,854 | $146,863 |
Purchasing Manager Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $125,000 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $159,830 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $196,620 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $241,340 |
Purchasing Manager Salary in Other States
Related Purchasing Manager Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Purchasing Manager ($159,830 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Purchasing Manager | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Executive Officer in CA | $218,600 | +36.8% | $105.10/hr |
| Marketing Manager in CA | $193,620 | +21.1% | $93.09/hr |
| Human Resources Manager in CA | $170,080 | +6.4% | $81.77/hr |
| Public Relations Manager in CA | $167,980 | +5.1% | $80.76/hr |
| Training and Development Manager in CA | $156,260 | -2.2% | $75.13/hr |
| Sales Manager in CA | $134,910 | -15.6% | $64.86/hr |
| Construction Manager in CA | $133,160 | -16.7% | $64.02/hr |
| Industrial Production Manager in CA | $132,620 | -17.0% | $63.76/hr |
| General and Operations Manager in CA | $124,390 | -22.2% | $59.80/hr |
| Project Management Specialist in CA | $120,910 | -24.4% | $58.13/hr |
| Administrative Services Manager in CA | $108,890 | -31.9% | $52.35/hr |
| Management Analyst in CA | $101,460 | -36.5% | $48.78/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do purchasing managers make in California?
- The median salary for purchasing managers in California is $159,830 per year, or $77 per hour. This is 14.3% higher than the national average, making California one of the higher-paying states for this role.
What is the salary range for a purchasing manager in California?
- Purchasing manager salaries in California range from $99,560 at the lower end to $241,340 at the upper end, depending on experience, employer, and specific job responsibilities.
How many purchasing managers work in California?
- There are approximately 7,470 purchasing managers currently employed in California, representing a significant portion of the job market in this field.
Is purchasing manager salary higher in California than the national average?
- Yes, purchasing managers in California earn 14.3% more than the national average, with a median salary of $159,830 compared to lower figures in most other states.