Purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents earn median salaries ranging from $44,640 to $81,570 depending on their specific role. Most positions require a bachelor's degree in business or related field, and some employers prefer a master's degree. Entry-level positions involve tasks like stock tracking and invoice checking, while advancement provides more buying responsibilities and opportunities to obtain certifications. The job involves activities such as buying goods, tracking prices, and traveling, though it also takes place mostly in an office. While demanding, it offers advantages like good pay and people skills; however, limited growth is expected in the field.

1. Purchasing Managers, Buyers, and Purchasing Agents Nathan Berthiaume September 20, 2009

2. Salary Information The median earnings for a purchasing manager is $81,570. The median for wholesale and retail buyers is $44,640. The median for purchasing agents is $50,730. Other Facts about earnings from www.bls.gov Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of wholesale and retail buyers were: Management of companies and enterprises $54,390 Grocery and related product wholesalers 46,080 Wholesale electronic markets and agents and brokers 45,020 Building material and supplies dealers 40,380 Grocery stores 34,210

5. Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)

6. Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP)

7. Certified Professional Purchasing Manager (CPPM)

8. Certified Supply Chain Professional

9. Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB)

11. Keeping track of current stock

12. supervising sales workers

14. getting more buying responsibilities

15. getting certified

17. Studying sales records

18. Checking inventory levels

19. Identifying Suppliers

20. Tracking price trends

21. Working in an office

23. Usually more than 40 hours a week

24. Sometimes work evenings and weekends

25. Under large amounts of pressure

27. Advantages and Disadvantages Advantages are that I have good people skills that are required, there is a very high pay, and traveling is involved. Disadvantages are that there are long hours, you are cooped up in an office most of the time, and there are not many job openings

29. Negotiation abilities

30. Mathematical skills

31. Good at planning and decision making

32. Being a leader

33. Making decisions and taking risksThis job is a possibility, because I like the type of work, I have all of the skills required and I have already started taking classes to prepare for this job.

35. Accounting

36. Microsoft Office Certification

37. Finance and Banking

38. Consumer Ed

39. Business Law

40. Pre-Calculus

41. AP Calculus

42. Personal FinanceGet a job selling a product and work for a company and get experience in the field and possibly move up in that company Go to college and major in some type of business, economics, or some type of mathematical major.