Purchasing Managers
Purchasing managers plan and direct buying activities for organizations across industries. They oversee buyers and procurement staff who source materials, products, and services needed for operations or resale. These managers work in manufacturing plants, corporate offices, wholesale distribution centers, and retail headquarters, making decisions that affect supply chains and company costs.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against purchasing managers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A purchasing manager reviews supplier proposals, negotiates contracts with vendors, and monitors delivery schedules. They analyze price quotes, quality standards, and inventory levels to meet production or sales demands. Meetings with internal departments clarify purchasing needs. Managers also handle supplier relationships, resolve delivery issues, and track spending against budgets. Administrative tasks include approving purchase orders and generating cost reports.
Who this work suits
Holland code ECS. Enterprising work is leading, persuading and making decisions. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You thrive in organized, rule-based environments and enjoy managing business processes and data. You're drawn to roles where strategic planning and measurable results matter. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work within established procedures suit this career. You're comfortable with numbers and systems-driven decision-making.
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
Who is hiring
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $161,470 | $175,720 | $189,950 | 1,110 |
| New Jersey | $140,610 | $174,520 | $218,770 | 3,430 |
| Colorado | $141,190 | $171,250 | $209,740 | 1,320 |
| Massachusetts | $135,340 | $170,750 | $215,850 | 2,160 |
| New York | $128,350 | $166,300 | $208,320 | 6,930 |
| Virginia | $138,250 | $166,230 | $195,190 | 3,540 |
| New Hampshire | $126,540 | $162,900 | $183,000 | 540 |
| Washington | $134,000 | $162,730 | $192,430 | 1,770 |
| Maryland | $130,510 | $161,470 | $180,480 | 2,380 |
| Kansas | $125,900 | $159,850 | $200,650 | 920 |
| California | $125,000 | $159,830 | $196,620 | 7,470 |
| Arkansas | $96,560 | $156,450 | $214,710 | 930 |
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 6 more
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against purchasing managers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 11-3061.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.