Q: Is being a purchasing agent a good career?

Yes, being a purchasing agent is a good career. Purchasing agent careers are high-paid with a good job outlook, but advancement can be difficult, and the job can be stressful. Purchasing agents are well-paid. On average, they make $72,270 a year, with an average starting salary of $53,000 for entry-level positions. Top earners make $108,000 a year, on average.

Q: Is procurement well-paid?

Yes, procurement is well-paid. Professionals working in procurement -- including purchasing agents, buyers, and managers -- make $72.270 annually. The highest paid jobs in procurement earn in the low six-figures.

Question 1

How do I start a career in purchasing?

Accepted Answer

To start a career in purchasing, obtain a bachelor's degree. While a degree is technically not required for a career in purchasing, you will have difficulty getting hired without one.

Purchasing careers typically include purchasing agents and buyers, with the opportunity for advancement to purchasing manager. Nearly 70% of purchasing agents, 64% of buyers, and 66% of purchasing managers have bachelor's degrees.

Question 2

Is being a purchasing agent a good career?

Accepted Answer

Yes, being a purchasing agent is a good career. Purchasing agent careers are high-paid with a good job outlook, but advancement can be difficult, and the job can be stressful.

Purchasing agents are well-paid. On average, they make $72,270 a year, with an average starting salary of $53,000 for entry-level positions. Top earners make $108,000 a year, on average.

Question 3

What degree do you need to be a purchasing agent?

Accepted Answer

There is not a degree you need to be a purchasing agent, though most purchasing agents have bachelor's degrees.

Nearly 70% of purchasing agents have their bachelor's degrees. The most common areas of study are:

Question 4

How much do procurement consultants make?

Accepted Answer

Procurement consultants, also known as purchasing or procurement agents, make $76,182 a year, on average. That equates to $36.63 an hour.

On average, entry-level procurement consultants make $53,000 a year, with the top 90th percentile earning $108,000.

Question 5

How much does a procurement job pay?

Accepted Answer

A procurement job pays $72,270 per year, on average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2020). That equates to $34.74 an hour.

Procurement jobs include the following titles and average annual salaries:

Question 6

Is procurement well-paid?

Accepted Answer

Yes, procurement is well-paid. Professionals working in procurement -- including purchasing agents, buyers, and managers -- make $72.270 annually. The highest paid jobs in procurement earn in the low six-figures.

Question 7

What skills do you need to be a purchasing agent?

Accepted Answer

The skills you need to be a purchasing agent are analytical and interpersonal, in addition to basic math and digital knowledge.

Purchasing, or procurement, agents buy parts and materials their organization needs to function. They must keep up with market and sales trends and identify which purchases are most profitable and sustainable for their organization.

Frequently asked questions about procurement agents

Questions about becoming a procurement agent