Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products
Wholesale and retail buyers purchase merchandise for resale, analyzing sales trends, prices, and product quality to make purchasing decisions. They work for retail stores, wholesale distributors, and e-commerce companies, ordering inventory across categories like clothing, electronics, and household goods.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against wholesale and retail buyers, except farm products and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
Buyers review sales data and inventory levels, comparing supplier prices and product quality to make purchasing decisions. They negotiate orders with vendors, track shipments, and analyze whether past purchases met sales targets. Work involves meetings with suppliers and internal teams, spreadsheet analysis, and authorizing payments for merchandise orders.
Who this work suits
Holland code ECR. Enterprising work is leading, persuading and making decisions. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You enjoy analyzing data and making decisions based on facts—fitting the conventional interest—while also pursuing business goals and managing vendor relationships, reflecting the enterprising preference. Success in this role requires attention to detail and comfort with numbers and systems.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience).
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
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
- Retail Industry Fundamentals — National Retail Federation Foundation
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 1 more
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against wholesale and retail buyers, except farm products and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 13-1022.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.