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The differences between commodity analysts and senior buyers 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 senior buyer. Additionally, a commodity analyst has an average salary of $87,261, which is higher than the $79,848 average annual salary of a senior buyer.
The top three skills for a commodity analyst include risk management, commodities and macro. The most important skills for a senior buyer are supply chain, purchase orders, and MRP.
| Commodity Analyst | Senior Buyer | |
| Yearly salary | $87,261 | $79,848 |
| Hourly rate | $41.95 | $38.39 |
| Growth rate | 11% | - |
| Number of jobs | 11,130 | 27,412 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 79% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
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.
The job of senior buyers, or also known as purchasing agents, is to meet the material needs of an organization. They are responsible for finding suppliers, arranging the distribution to several retail outlets, and supervising other purchasing agents. They also look for new product streams and establish procurement strategies. Senior buyers typically begin their careers as assistant buyers or junior purchasing agents. Most employers usually prefer those with college degrees in marketing, business, and economics.
Commodity analysts and senior buyers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Commodity Analyst | Senior Buyer | |
| Average salary | $87,261 | $79,848 |
| Salary range | Between $63,000 And $119,000 | Between $56,000 And $112,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | New York |
| Best paying company | Apple | Capgemini |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Hospitality |
There are a few differences between a commodity analyst and a senior buyer in terms of educational background:
| Commodity Analyst | Senior Buyer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 79% | Bachelor's Degree, 70% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between commodity analysts' and senior buyers' demographics:
| Commodity Analyst | Senior Buyer | |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 63.6% Female, 36.4% | Male, 57.7% Female, 42.3% |
| 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, 8.8% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 12.1% Asian, 7.6% White, 66.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 7% | 7% |