Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products
O*NET 13-1022.00 · SOC 13-1022
Wholesale and Retail Buyer 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
- →Select and purchase merchandise to stock store shelves.
- →Analyze sales data to decide which products to reorder.
- →Meet with vendors to review new product offerings.
- →Negotiate pricing and delivery terms with product suppliers.
- →Monitor inventory levels and adjust orders to meet demand.
Education & How to Get In
Most Wholesale and Retail Buyer positions require an associate degree or vocational training. Many community colleges and technical schools offer relevant programs that can be completed in 1–2 years, often with hands-on clinical or lab experience built in.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Leadership, offices, client meetings, or hybrid
Collaborative, frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Wholesale and Retail Buyer involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Wholesale and Retail Buyer?
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 Wholesale and Retail Buyer Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except 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
- ·31% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
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 Wholesale and Retail Buyer make?
The median Wholesale and Retail Buyer 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 Wholesale and Retail Buyer jobs?
Our model puts Wholesale and Retail Buyer at 43 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 43% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 31% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace.
Is Wholesale and Retail Buyer 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 Wholesale and Retail Buyer?
Most Wholesale and Retail Buyer roles expect an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational certificate rather than a four-year degree.
How long does it take to become a Wholesale and Retail Buyer?
Typically one to two years, typically an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational program. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 3 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Wholesale and Retail Buyer 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.
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