What does a buyer and purchasing agent do? Duties, pay, education and outlook
Buyers and purchasing agents buy products and services for organizations to use or resell, evaluating suppliers and negotiating contracts. A bachelor's degree is usual. BLS reports a median pay of $81,670 per year (May 2025) for the purchasing group.
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| SOC code | 13-1020 |
| O*NET code | 13-1022.00, 13-1023.00, 11-3061.00 |
| Typical entry education | Bachelor's degree |
| Median annual wage | $81,670 per year (May 2025) |
| Projected growth | 6 percent (faster than average), 2025 to 2035 |
| Number of jobs | 604,400 (2025) |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, accessed 31 October 2026.
What does a buyer and purchasing agent do?
BLS says buyers and purchasing agents evaluate suppliers on price, quality and speed of delivery, visit plants and distribution centers and attend trade shows to learn about products and vendors, negotiate contracts on behalf of their organization, review defective goods with staff and vendors, and monitor contract compliance and keep records of purchases, deliveries and inventory.
Work environment
Most work in an office setting, usually full time, and travel may be needed to visit suppliers. For buyers and purchasing agents, manufacturing employs 22 percent, wholesale trade 14 percent and government 13 percent.
Education, training and licensing
BLS says a bachelor's degree is usual, with business, finance or supply management helpful, and some positions accept a high school diploma. Purchasing managers typically need several years in a related occupation. Certification in procurement or supply chain management is optional.
Skills that matter
BLS lists analytical, communication, decision-making, interpersonal and math skills as important qualities for this work.
How much does a buyer and purchasing agent make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $81,670 for buyers and purchasing agents (May 2025). The median is the wage at which half of workers earned more and half earned less. See the OOH pay tab and the OEWS data for your area. Our guide to researching pay explains how to read the figures.
Job outlook
BLS projects employment of buyers and purchasing agents to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, which BLS labels faster than average. For comparison, BLS projects 3 percent growth for all occupations over the same period. About 53,600 openings are projected each year on average.
How to get hired
- Show supplier negotiation results and cost savings on your resume, without confidential figures.
- Show results on your resume: the tools you used, the volume you handled and the outcomes, without private customer or employer details.
- If you lack experience, see the no-experience resume guide.
- Practice with the interview prep hub.
When you are ready, search jobs on LiveRec.
Related occupations
Logisticians, Financial managers, Sales managers, Bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks.
Frequently asked questions
What degree do purchasing agents need? BLS says a bachelor's degree is usual, with business, finance or supply management helpful, though some positions accept a high school diploma.
Is certification required for buyers? No. BLS says certification in procurement or supply chain management is optional.
How much do buyers and purchasing agents make? BLS reports a median annual wage of $81,670 for buyers and purchasing agents (May 2025). Half of workers earned more and half earned less. Pay varies by employer, region and experience.
Is buyer and purchasing agent a good career? BLS projects 6 percent growth from 2025 to 2035 (faster than average). About 53,600 openings are projected each year. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, so read the duties and work environment above.
Related guides
- What Does a Logistician Do? Duties, Pay and Outlook
- What Does a Financial Manager Do? Duties, Pay, Outlook
- What Does a Sales Manager Do? Duties, Pay, Outlook
- What Does a Bookkeeper Do? Duties, Pay and Outlook
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Buyers and purchasing agents: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/purchasing-managers-buyers-and-purchasing-agents.htm (accessed 31 October 2026)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, 13-1022.00: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/13-1022.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, 13-1023.00: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/13-1023.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, 11-3061.00: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/11-3061.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
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