Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products
Purchasing agents buy machinery, equipment, tools, parts, supplies, and services that organizations need to operate. They may also purchase raw or semifinished materials for manufacturing facilities. These professionals work in various industries and typically handle contract negotiations with vendors to secure the best terms and pricing.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against purchasing agents, except wholesale, retail, and farm products and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A purchasing agent reviews purchase requests from different departments, researches suppliers, and compares prices and specifications. Much of the week involves communicating with vendors via email and phone, reviewing contracts, and processing orders. Agents track deliveries, handle issues with shipments, and maintain records of purchases. They may attend meetings to discuss inventory needs or cost-reduction strategies.
Who this work suits
Holland code CER. Conventional work is organized, detail-oriented work with clear procedures. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely succeed in this role if you enjoy organizing information and following established procedures while also seeking ways to improve efficiency and outcomes. You're comfortable negotiating with vendors and enjoy the challenge of finding solutions that benefit your organization's bottom line.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Openings right now
- Purchasing Agent · Veterans Health Administration · Aurora, Colorado · $50630–$65819
- Lead Purchasing Agent · Veterans Health Administration · Memphis, Tennessee · $50460–$65599
- Purchasing Agent · Military Treatment Facilities under DHA · McGuire AFB, New Jersey · $53512–$69565
- Purchasing Agent · Veterans Health Administration · Nashville, Tennessee · $45409–$59031
- Purchasing Agent · Veterans Health Administration · Altoona, Pennsylvania · $45409–$59031
- Purchasing Agent · U.S. Coast Guard · Ketchikan, Alaska · $57055–$74173
- Purchasing Agent · Veterans Health Administration · Huntington, West Virginia · $45409–$59031
- PURCHASING AGENT (TEMP) (TITLE 5) · Army National Guard Units · Draper, Utah · $50460–$65599
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $93,040 | $124,090 | $144,680 | 1,880 |
| New Jersey | $75,030 | $93,250 | $116,430 | 12,180 |
| Maryland | $68,370 | $90,900 | $123,300 | 8,900 |
| Virginia | $65,100 | $89,210 | $120,390 | 22,120 |
| Rhode Island | $66,570 | $86,240 | $91,260 | — |
| Massachusetts | $66,400 | $85,970 | $115,230 | 12,820 |
| Washington | $68,820 | $85,130 | $108,240 | 15,400 |
| Colorado | $66,500 | $83,590 | $105,390 | 10,080 |
| Alaska | $66,750 | $83,460 | $106,870 | 890 |
| Connecticut | $65,350 | $83,030 | $102,890 | 5,530 |
| Delaware | $67,150 | $82,920 | $100,660 | 1,400 |
| California | $66,150 | $82,720 | $107,490 | 48,010 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Purchasing Card Professional (CPCP) — National Association of Purchasing Card Professionals
- Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP) — American Purchasing Society
- Certified Professional Purchasing Manager (CPPM) — American Purchasing Society
- Certified Professional Purchasing Consultant (CPPC) — American Purchasing Society
- Certified Green Purchasing Professional (CGPP) — American Purchasing Society
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
and 13 more
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against purchasing agents, except wholesale, retail, and farm products and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 13-1023.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.