Buyers and Purchasing Agents Salary in San Diego, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA

Median annual salary $81,630 +7.9% vs national
Median hourly $39.24
10th percentile $53,130
90th percentile $134,990
Employed locally 4,700
National median $75,650

Compare Buyers and Purchasing Agents salary & buying power

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Buyers and Purchasing Agents
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    In San Diego, CA, Buyers and Purchasing Agents earn a median annual salary of $81,630, which is higher than the national median for this occupation at $75,650. This reflects their competitive position in a robust local economy where the area's median household income stands at $102,285. Although their earnings are lower than the typical San Diego household income, they still represent a substantial portion of it, indicating that these professionals contribute significantly to local economic activity. The local unemployment rate of 4.30% suggests a relatively healthy job market for this occupation within the region.

    Entry-level Buyers and Purchasing Agents in San Diego earn around $53,130 annually at the 10th percentile, while those with more experience can see their salaries rise substantially, reaching up to $134,990 at the 90th percentile. This notable difference is primarily driven by factors such as years of experience, education level, industry demand, and individual skill set. Experienced professionals often possess advanced negotiation skills, a deep understanding of market trends, and established relationships with suppliers, all of which contribute to their higher earning potential. Additionally, those who work in industries with high purchasing volumes or complex supply chains tend to command salaries at the upper end of the spectrum.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $53,130
    25th
    $65,420
    50th (median)
    $81,630
    75th
    $108,030
    90th
    $134,990

    San Diego economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.30% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $102,285 2023 • Census ACS
    Buyers and Purchasing Agents salary vs area income 80% Median Buyers and Purchasing Agents salary is 20% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Buyers and Purchasing Agents make per hour in San Diego?

    The median hourly wage for Buyers and Purchasing Agents in San Diego, CA is $39.24, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $64.50 or more per hour.

    Is San Diego above or below average for Buyers and Purchasing Agents salaries?

    The median Buyers and Purchasing Agents salary in San Diego, CA is 7.9% above the national median of $75,650. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Buyers and Purchasing Agents in San Diego?

    Entry-level Buyers and Purchasing Agents (10th percentile) earn around $53,130 per year in San Diego, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $65,420.