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The differences between purchasing agents and supply chain analysts 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 supply chain analyst. Additionally, a supply chain analyst has an average salary of $67,450, which is higher than the $51,950 average annual salary of a purchasing agent.
The top three skills for a purchasing agent include purchase orders, customer service and logistics. The most important skills for a supply chain analyst are supply chain, logistics, and customer service.
| Purchasing Agent | Supply Chain Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $51,950 | $67,450 |
| Hourly rate | $24.98 | $32.43 |
| Growth rate | - | 28% |
| Number of jobs | 45,856 | 37,979 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 56% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Average age | 48 | 41 |
| 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 supply chain analyst is responsible for handling the supply chain operations of an organization, aligning processes, and identifying areas of improvement to initiate procedures and create smooth supply delivery transactions. Supply chain analysts monitor the adequacy of stock inventory, including the trends in the market industry, to meet the public demands and ensuring that the business provides those interests. They also evaluate the supply cycle, from the planning stages to the final distribution, and analyzing aspects to minimize complexities and cost-reduction without compromising the quality of services.
Purchasing agents and supply chain analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Purchasing Agent | Supply Chain Analyst | |
| Average salary | $51,950 | $67,450 |
| Salary range | Between $37,000 And $72,000 | Between $50,000 And $90,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Jose, CA | Arlington, VA |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | Virginia |
| Best paying company | Abiomed | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a purchasing agent and a supply chain analyst in terms of educational background:
| Purchasing Agent | Supply Chain Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 56% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between purchasing agents' and supply chain analysts' demographics:
| Purchasing Agent | Supply Chain Analyst | |
| Average age | 48 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 49.5% Female, 50.5% | Male, 59.3% Female, 40.7% |
| 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, 10.3% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 19.8% Asian, 11.4% White, 52.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 7% | 9% |