Buyers and Purchasing Agents Salary in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Median annual salary $103,560 +36.9% vs national
Median hourly $49.79
10th percentile $59,000
90th percentile $161,700
Employed locally 13,590
National median $75,650

Compare Buyers and Purchasing Agents salary & buying power

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    In the Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV area, Buyers and Purchasing Agents earn a median annual salary of $103,560, which is significantly higher than the national median of $75,650. This income level places these professionals well above the local median household income of $123,896. The substantial gap between their earnings and the typical household income indicates that Buyers and Purchasing Agents are among the higher-earning occupations in this region. With a relatively low unemployment rate of 3.00%, the demand for skilled workers in purchasing roles remains strong, reflecting both the importance of procurement functions within organizations and the specialized skills required for these positions.

    Entry-level Buyers and Purchasing Agents typically earn around $59,000 annually, while those with greater experience can see salaries rise to over $133,270 at the 75th percentile. The most experienced professionals in this field may command incomes as high as $161,700, reflecting a wide range of compensation based on factors such as years of experience, education level, and industry sector. This difference is driven by increased responsibilities, expertise in negotiation, strategic sourcing capabilities, and the ability to manage complex supply chains effectively. As professionals advance through their careers, they often take on roles that require more oversight and decision-making authority, justifying higher compensation levels.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $59,000
    25th
    $77,810
    50th (median)
    $103,560
    75th
    $133,270
    90th
    $161,700

    Washington economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $123,896 2023 • Census ACS
    Buyers and Purchasing Agents salary vs area income 84% Median Buyers and Purchasing Agents salary is 16% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Buyers and Purchasing Agents in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV is $49.79, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $78.31 or more per hour.

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

    The median Buyers and Purchasing Agents salary in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV is 36.9% 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 Washington?

    Entry-level Buyers and Purchasing Agents (10th percentile) earn around $59,000 per year in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $77,810.