Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products
O*NET 13-1023.00 · SOC 13-1023
Purchasing Agent is a solid career choice. Median pay is $78k a year with +6% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 47,200 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Solicit and compare bids from vendors for needed supplies.
- →Prepare and issue purchase orders to approved suppliers.
- →Evaluate supplier performance based on delivery and quality.
- →Review purchase requisitions submitted by internal departments.
- →Negotiate contracts to secure favorable pricing and terms.
Education & How to Get In
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Purchasing Agent roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Structured, offices, data centers, or remote
Independent, focused deep work with periodic team check-ins
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Purchasing Agent involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Purchasing Agent?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Purchasing Agent Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
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Job Outlook
Employment of Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products is projected to grow 6% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·43% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Purchasing Agent make?
The median Purchasing Agent earns $78k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Purchasing Agent jobs?
Our model puts Purchasing Agent at 44 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 43% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target.
Is Purchasing Agent a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 6% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 47,200 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Purchasing Agent?
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Purchasing Agent roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.
How long does it take to become a Purchasing Agent?
Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Purchasing Agent career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
Take the assessment →No account required · Matches are paid · 7 minutes