Purchasing Managers
Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of buyers, purchasing officers, and related workers involved in purchasing materials, products, and services. Includes wholesale or retail trade merchandising managers and procurement managers.
How to read this profile
BLS projects U.S. employment for Purchasing Managers to increase by 4.0% between 2024 and 2034, from 88,300 to 91,800 jobs. Its estimate of 6,400 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($148,080), education (Bachelor's degree), and related experience (5 years or more) figures on this profile describe typical U.S. employees. O*NET skills describe the occupation; they do not assess an individual worker's proficiency.
Base employment (2024)
88,300
Projected employment (2034)
91,800
Projected change (2024–2034)
4%
Annual openings (projected average)
6,400
Pay & Preparation
$148,080
Bachelor's degree
5 years or more
None
Essential Skills
Active Listening (4/5) • Speaking (4/5) • Management of Personnel Resources (4/5) • Reading Comprehension (3.88/5) • Time Management (3.88/5) • Monitoring (3.88/5)
O*NET describes occupational requirements; these ratings do not measure current job-posting frequency or an individual worker’s proficiency.
BLS projections are long-term estimates; annual openings include growth and replacement needs and are not current vacancies.
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