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What is a purchasing assistant and how to become one
Companies or vendors usually hire a purchasing assistant to ensure that a fully stocked inventory is maintained. You would do this by regularly monitoring stock levels, identifying new vendors, tracking orders, and ensuring timely delivery. All this should be done with the goal of cost-effectiveness in mind. This would require you researching the most affordable vendors and delivery options. You are also required to update internal records of dates, vendors, quantities, and discounts. Purchasing assistants are expected to be up to date with market prices and trends. You must ensure that your orders are delivered in perfect condition as well.
Most employers prefer candidates with a minimum qualification of a BSc in logistics, business administration, or related fields. Previous work experience in similar roles is also appreciated. Some of the highly-rated skills are understanding supply chain procedures, knowledge of MS Excel, and organizational and time management skills. Purchasing assistants are paid about $38,268 annually.
Avg. Salary $38,331
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate -8%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.78%
Asian 7.83%
Black or African American 9.07%
Hispanic or Latino 12.44%
Unknown 4.41%
White 65.48%
Genderfemale 77.24%
male 22.76%
Age - 49American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 49Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is advanced
7 - challenging
Work life balance is poor
6.4 - fair
Purchasing assistant career paths
Key steps to become a purchasing assistant
Explore purchasing assistant education requirements
Start to develop specific purchasing assistant skills
Skills Percentages Purchase Orders 29.54% Purchase Requisitions 17.63% Customer Service 11.35% Data Entry 8.47% Logistics 2.65% Complete relevant purchasing assistant training and internships
Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New purchasing assistants learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a purchasing assistant based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real purchasing assistant resumes.Research purchasing assistant duties and responsibilities
- Manage RFP process and play a key role in minimizing the cost of printing.
- Schedule and manage new product trials, liaise with vendors, surgeons and specialty coordinators.
- Manage activities of purchasing, production planning and scheduling, inventory management, warehousing and logistics.
- Master point of service (POS) computer system for automate order taking.
Prepare your purchasing assistant resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your purchasing assistant resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a purchasing assistant resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable purchasing assistant resume templates
Build a professional purchasing assistant resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your purchasing assistant resume.
Apply for purchasing assistant jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a purchasing assistant job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first purchasing assistant job
Are you a purchasing assistant?
Share your story for a free salary report.
Average purchasing assistant salary
The average purchasing assistant salary in the United States is $38,331 per year or $18 per hour. Purchasing assistant salaries range between $31,000 and $47,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do purchasing assistants rate their job?
Purchasing assistant reviews
To be involved in negotiations
I learned all that I knew by doing. I had no college just hands on by day to day interaction with vendors and co workers.
In most cases I'm finding you need a college degree to do what I did without it. I know there is a company out there that would train me. I could be an asset if given a chance.
Updated January 8, 2025
