Purchasing Managers
O*NET 11-3061.00 · SOC 11-3061
Purchasing Manager is a solid career choice. Median pay is $148k a year with +4% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 6,400 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Negotiate contracts and pricing with vendors and suppliers
- →Review purchase orders for accuracy before approving payment
- →Evaluate supplier performance based on delivery and quality records
- →Develop purchasing policies to control organizational spending
- →Identify alternative suppliers to reduce costs or supply risk
Education & How to Get In
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Purchasing Manager roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Leadership, offices, client meetings, or hybrid
Collaborative, frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Purchasing Manager involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Purchasing Manager?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Purchasing Manager Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
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Job Outlook
Employment of Purchasing Managers is projected to grow 4% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·43% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·35% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Purchasing Manager make?
The median Purchasing Manager earns $148k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Purchasing Manager jobs?
Our model puts Purchasing Manager at 42 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 43% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 35% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace.
Is Purchasing Manager a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 4% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 6,400 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Purchasing Manager?
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Purchasing Manager roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.
How long does it take to become a Purchasing Manager?
Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Purchasing Manager career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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