Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products in California
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 In California the median pay is $82,720 a year, 6% above the national median of $77,710.
$82,720median pay in California, per year
$66,150–$107,490middle half earn
48,010employed in California
$77,710U.S. median, for comparison
Are you suited for this?
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.
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.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
NegotiationReading ComprehensionActive ListeningWritingSpeakingComplex Problem SolvingCritical ThinkingActive Learning
Knowledge areas
English LanguageLaw and GovernmentCustomer and Personal ServiceAdministration and ManagementAdministrativeMathematics (knowledge)
Full profile, interests that fit, certifications and training: Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products.
Licenses and training in California
Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products pay in other states
District of Columbia · $124,090New Jersey · $93,250Maryland · $90,900Virginia · $89,210Rhode Island · $86,240Massachusetts · $85,970Washington · $85,130Colorado · $83,590Alaska · $83,460Connecticut · $83,030
Related occupations
Buyers and Purchasing Agents, Farm ProductsWholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm ProductsAgents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and AthletesClaims Adjusters, Examiners, and InvestigatorsInsurance Appraisers, Auto DamageCompliance OfficersEnvironmental Compliance InspectorsEqual Opportunity Representatives and Officers
Are you suited for this?
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.
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. Pay: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, California, annual.