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The differences between purchasing agents and purchasers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a purchasing agent and a purchaser. Additionally, a purchasing agent has an average salary of $51,950, which is higher than the $50,031 average annual salary of a purchaser.
The top three skills for a purchasing agent include purchase orders, customer service and logistics. The most important skills for a purchaser are purchase orders, FDA, and POS.
| Purchasing Agent | Purchaser | |
| Yearly salary | $51,950 | $50,031 |
| Hourly rate | $24.98 | $24.05 |
| Growth rate | - | - |
| Number of jobs | 45,856 | 6,852 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 56% | Bachelor's Degree, 54% |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
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.
A Purchaser is responsible for buying goods and services from distribution centers to sell to customers or other companies. They conduct data analysis and research current market trends to identify public demands and generate resources that would increase the company's revenues and profitability. They also ensure the adequacy of supply inventories for deliveries, respond to customers' inquiries and concerns, and recommend products according to their needs and budget requirements. A Purchaser must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in documenting purchase transactions and negotiating contracts with suppliers and vendors.
Purchasing agents and purchasers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Purchasing Agent | Purchaser | |
| Average salary | $51,950 | $50,031 |
| Salary range | Between $37,000 And $72,000 | Between $36,000 And $68,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Jose, CA | Atlantic City, NJ |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | Abiomed | Barnes Group |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a purchasing agent and a purchaser in terms of educational background:
| Purchasing Agent | Purchaser | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 56% | Bachelor's Degree, 54% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between purchasing agents' and purchasers' demographics:
| Purchasing Agent | Purchaser | |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 49.5% Female, 50.5% | Male, 49.2% Female, 50.8% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 8.8% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 12.2% Asian, 7.7% White, 66.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 7% | 7% |