Commodity analyst vs purchasing agent

The differences between commodity analysts and purchasing agents can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a commodity analyst and a purchasing agent. Additionally, a commodity analyst has an average salary of $87,261, which is higher than the $51,950 average annual salary of a purchasing agent.

The top three skills for a commodity analyst include risk management, commodities and macro. The most important skills for a purchasing agent are purchase orders, customer service, and logistics.

Commodity analyst vs purchasing agent overview

	Commodity Analyst	Purchasing Agent
Yearly salary	$87,261	$51,950
Hourly rate	$41.95	$24.98
Growth rate	11%	-
Number of jobs	11,130	45,856
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 79%	Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Average age	48	48
Years of experience	6	6

What does a commodity analyst do?

A commodity analyst focuses on the raw material part of the stock market. This job can range from analyzing oil and electricity to soybeans and fruits. Typical tasks of a commodity analyst include monitoring the commodities and market industries, analyzing financial information, and drafting accurate reports for investors. This analyst requires at least a bachelor's degree in finance, economics, or a related field. Other qualifications include using computer software, a thorough knowledge of economics, and analytical skills.

What does a purchasing agent do?

A purchasing agent's general task is keeping purchase records and making sure that there won't be any discrepancies with the handling of orders. The purchasing agent should be responsible for the order processing and payment collection. Purchasing agents should also be proficient in interpreting and evaluating data, researching on best marketing sources and alternatives, issuing required documentation for suppliers, as well as managing customer queries as needed. Being a purchasing agent requires critical-thinking skills in assessing concerns and providing solutions should there be any possible negotiation conflicts.

Commodity analyst vs purchasing agent salary

Commodity analysts and purchasing agents have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Commodity Analyst	Purchasing Agent
Average salary	$87,261	$51,950
Salary range	Between $63,000 And $119,000	Between $37,000 And $72,000
Highest paying City	Boston, MA	San Jose, CA
Highest paying state	Massachusetts	Maryland
Best paying company	Apple	Abiomed
Best paying industry	Finance	Technology

Differences between commodity analyst and purchasing agent education

There are a few differences between a commodity analyst and a purchasing agent in terms of educational background:

	Commodity Analyst	Purchasing Agent
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 79%	Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	University of Pennsylvania

Commodity analyst vs purchasing agent demographics

Here are the differences between commodity analysts' and purchasing agents' demographics:

	Commodity Analyst	Purchasing Agent
Average age	48	48
Gender ratio	Male, 63.6% Female, 36.4%	Male, 49.5% Female, 50.5%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.1% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 12.4% Asian, 7.8% White, 65.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%	Black or African American, 9.3% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 12.7% Asian, 7.0% White, 65.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	7%	7%

Differences between commodity analyst and purchasing agent duties and responsibilities

Commodity analyst example responsibilities.

Accomplish the RFQ process, providing cost and availability information on a timely basis.
Manage operational risk and cultivate client relationships through OTC commodities trade confirmation across all commodities.
Develop detailed databases on supply and demand fundamentals for commodities under review.
Assist management with evaluation of restructuring alternatives, procurement of financing, negotiations with multiple constituencies and issuance of new securities.
Query expenditures in PeopleSoft to identify categories to leverage through renegotiating company's contracts.
Monitor and facilitate flow of automotive material through terminal, coordinating JIT procedures.

Purchasing agent example responsibilities.

Reorganize MRO to manage inventory more efficiently.
Utilize MaCola ERP system to process and manage purchase requisitions and purchase orders in coordination with manufacturing forecast.
Process purchase orders from electronically generate RFQ'S.
Develop programs with suppliers to ensure that commodities meet engineering and quality specifications while maintaining on-time delivery.
Prepare purchase orders, RFP's and RFB's, advertise solicitations, review responses and approve contract acceptance.
Send out RFQ's and award orders to the best fit and price vendor to ensure manufacturing meets critical due dates.

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Commodity analyst vs purchasing agent skills

Common commodity analyst skills

Risk Management, 13%
Commodities, 12%
Macro, 7%
Supplier Performance, 6%
VBA, 6%
Derivative, 5%

Common purchasing agent skills

Purchase Orders, 30%
Customer Service, 12%
Logistics, 5%
Inventory Control, 4%
MRP, 3%
Cost Savings, 3%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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