Purchasing Manager Salary in District of Columbia
Based on 1K+ workers in District of Columbia
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$175,720
$84.48/hr
vs National Average
$139,843
+25.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$147K – $195K
1K employed in District of Columbia
The median Purchasing Manager salary in District of Columbia is $175,720 per year, positioning the role among the region's better-compensated positions. This figure represents a 26% premium above the national average, reflecting the higher cost of living and concentration of large organizations in the nation's capital. Approximately 1,110 purchasing managers work in the district.
Purchasing Manager salaries in this region vary based on several factors, including company size, industry sector, years of experience, and specific job responsibilities. Government agencies, federal contractors, and major corporations headquartered in District of Columbia tend to offer higher compensation packages. Educational background, professional certifications, and track record of cost savings or supply chain improvements also influence earning potential for purchasing professionals in this competitive market.
Salary Distribution — Purchasing Manager in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $147,220 |
| 25th percentile | $161,470 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $175,720 |
| 75th percentile | $189,950 |
| 90th percentile | $195,190 |
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 District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (District of Columbia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $155,670 |
| 2023 | $163,240 |
| 2024 | $171,910 |
| 2025 | $175,720 |
| 2026 (projected) | $179,614 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | District of Columbia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $155,670 | $122,993 |
| 2023 | $163,240 | $128,820 |
| 2024 | $171,910 | $133,299 |
| 2025 | $175,720 | $139,843 |
| 2026 (projected) | $179,614 | $142,942 |
Purchasing Manager Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $161,470 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $175,720 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $189,950 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $195,190 |
Purchasing Manager Salary in Other States
Related Purchasing Manager Salaries in District of Columbia
How other high-demand occupations in District of Columbia compare to Purchasing Manager ($175,720 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Purchasing Manager | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Manager in DC | $197,600 | +12.5% | $95.00/hr |
| Human Resources Manager in DC | $184,350 | +4.9% | $88.63/hr |
| Marketing Manager in DC | $177,170 | +0.8% | $85.18/hr |
| General and Operations Manager in DC | $168,000 | -4.4% | $80.77/hr |
| Sales Manager in DC | $141,800 | -19.3% | $68.17/hr |
| Training and Development Manager in DC | $141,710 | -19.4% | $68.13/hr |
| Administrative Services Manager in DC | $128,610 | -26.8% | $61.83/hr |
| Construction Manager in DC | $126,430 | -28.1% | $60.78/hr |
| Management Analyst in DC | $126,140 | -28.2% | $60.64/hr |
| Industrial Production Manager in DC | $124,420 | -29.2% | $59.82/hr |
| Human Resources Specialist in DC | $110,970 | -36.8% | $53.35/hr |
| Project Management Specialist in DC | $104,900 | -40.3% | $50.43/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do purchasing managers make in Washington DC?
- The median salary for purchasing managers in Washington DC is $175,720 per year, or $84 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 25.7% premium for the region.
What is the salary range for purchasing managers in District of Columbia?
- Purchasing managers in DC earn between $147,220 and $195,190 annually, depending on experience and other factors. The median falls at $175,720, placing most professionals in the middle to upper end of this range.
Is purchasing manager salary in DC higher than the national average?
- Yes, purchasing managers in Washington DC earn 25.7% more than the national average. The DC median salary of $175,720 per year reflects the region's higher cost of living and competitive job market.
How many purchasing managers work in Washington DC?
- There are approximately 1,110 purchasing managers employed in the District of Columbia, indicating a stable market for this professional role in the region.