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The differences between purchasing agents and supply chain specialists 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 specialist. Additionally, a supply chain specialist has an average salary of $71,414, 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 specialist are supply chain, logistics, and chain management.
| Purchasing Agent | Supply Chain Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $51,950 | $71,414 |
| Hourly rate | $24.98 | $34.33 |
| Growth rate | - | 28% |
| Number of jobs | 45,856 | 25,129 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 56% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Average age | 48 | 47 |
| 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.
It is the responsibility of the supply chain specialist to procure materials to manufacture and ship products. The supply chain specialist determines and orders the proper quantities and negotiates pricing and their shipment terms. They oversee the delivery of necessary materials for the fulfillment of orders made by customers. The specialists need to develop strong skills in project management, business ethics, problem-solving, understanding of financial statements, communication skills, and cost accounting skills.
Purchasing agents and supply chain specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Purchasing Agent | Supply Chain Specialist | |
| Average salary | $51,950 | $71,414 |
| Salary range | Between $37,000 And $72,000 | Between $49,000 And $102,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Jose, CA | San Bruno, CA |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | California |
| Best paying company | Abiomed | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Energy |
There are a few differences between a purchasing agent and a supply chain specialist in terms of educational background:
| Purchasing Agent | Supply Chain Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 56% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between purchasing agents' and supply chain specialists' demographics:
| Purchasing Agent | Supply Chain Specialist | |
| Average age | 48 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 49.5% Female, 50.5% | Male, 58.6% Female, 41.4% |
| 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, 7.5% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 12.5% Asian, 8.8% White, 65.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 7% | 10% |