Purchasing Managers

Median salary, education path, job outlook, and related careers — based on U.S. labor data.

What a Purchasing Managers does

Buy goods and services that organizations need to operate, negotiating prices and terms with suppliers. You manage vendor relationships, control costs, and ensure quality products arrive on time.

Education & path

The typical entry point is a bachelor's degree. About 4 years.

Estimated cost of that path: ~$40,000. Estimated payback: ~1 year. Estimates only — actual cost varies widely by school and financial aid; payback assumes ~20% of income applied.

Related careers

• General and Operations Managers — $105,770/yr
• Treasurers and Controllers — $166,570/yr
• Investment Fund Managers — $166,570/yr
• Financial Managers — $166,570/yr
• Computer and Information Systems Managers — $175,140/yr