Purchasing managers
SOC Code: 11-3061Also known as:
Category Purchasing Manager, Commissary Superintendent, Commodity Manager, Contract Manager, Contracting Manager
Median Annual Salary
$139,510
+3.1% growth (2024-2034)
6K
Openings/Year
84K
Current Jobs
What Purchasing managers Do
Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of buyers, purchasing officers, and related workers involved in purchasing materials, products, and services. Includes wholesale or retail trade merchandising managers and procurement managers.
💰 Salary
$139,510
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+3.1%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
Bachelor's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
6K
Projected average per year
👔 Work Experience
5 years or more
Required before entry
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
83,500
Projected Employment (2034)
86,100
Related Careers
Logisticians
$80,880 •
+16.7% growth
Procurement clerks
$48,510 •
-8.7% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Speaking
Management of Personnel Resources
Reading Comprehension
Writing
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Develop and implement purchasing and contract management instructions, policies, and procedures.
- Locate vendors of materials, equipment or supplies, and interview them to determine product availability and terms of sales.
- Prepare bid awards requiring board approval.
- Direct and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in buying, selling, and distributing materials, equipment, machinery, and supplies.
- Review purchase order claims and contracts for conformance to company policy.
- Review, evaluate, and approve specifications for issuing and awarding bids.
- Administer online purchasing systems.
- Prepare and process requisitions and purchase orders for supplies and equipment.
- Interview and hire staff, and oversee staff training.
- Develop cost reduction strategies and savings plans.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Purchasing managers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a purchasing managers:
Purchasing, Procurement/Acquisitions and Contracts Management
1,230 degrees awarded •
43 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Purchasing managers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become purchasing managers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do purchasing managers make?
The median annual salary for purchasing managers is $139,510.
What education do purchasing managers need?
Most purchasing managers positions require a bachelor's degree.
Common degree programs include Purchasing, Procurement/Acquisitions and Contracts Management.
Is becoming purchasing managers a good career choice?
Purchasing managers is projected to see +3.1% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 6,400 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for purchasing managers?
Top colleges for aspiring purchasing managers include
University of Virginia-Main Campus, University of Maryland-College Park, Arizona State University Campus Immersion, University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus, George Mason University.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to purchasing managers?
Purchasing managers may also be known as: Category Purchasing Manager, Commissary Superintendent, Commodity Manager, Contract Manager, Contracting Manager, Division Merchandise Manager (DMM), General Merchandise Manager, Materials Director, Materials Manager, Merchandise Director, Merchandise Manager, Merchandising Manager, Procurement Director, Procurement Manager, Procurement Services Manager, Procurement Sourcing Manager, Purchasing Coordinator, Purchasing Director, Purchasing Manager, Purchasing Supervisor.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.