Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products

SOC code 13-1022 · O*NET-SOC 13-1022.00 · Medium preparation needed · Business and finance

Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation

Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$77,710

a year

Hourly

$37.36

per hour

10th$48,380Median$77,71090th$128,870

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$83,770

$40.27 per hour

Middle 50%

$60,800 – $100,820

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$48,380 – $128,870

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

491,430

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

These pay and employment figures are for the broader BLS group “Buyers and Purchasing Agents”, not this job alone.

10th percentile: $48,380; $23.26/hr
25th percentile: $60,800; $29.23/hr
Median percentile: $77,710; $37.36/hr
75th percentile: $100,820; $48.47/hr
90th percentile: $128,870; $61.96/hr

What do wholesale and retail buyers, except farm products do?

Buy merchandise or commodities, other than farm products, for resale to consumers at the wholesale or retail level, including both durable and nondurable goods. Analyze past buying trends, sales records, price, and quality of merchandise to determine value and yield. Select, order, and authorize payment for merchandise according to contractual agreements. May conduct meetings with sales personnel and introduce new products. May negotiate contracts. Includes assistant wholesale and retail buyers of nonfarm products.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Negotiate prices, discount terms, or transportation arrangements with suppliers.
Inspect merchandise or products to determine quality, value, or yield.
Recommend mark-up rates, mark-down rates, or merchandise selling prices.
Obtain information about customer needs or preferences by conferring with sales or purchasing personnel.
Buy merchandise or commodities for resale to wholesale or retail consumers.
Collaborate with vendors to obtain or develop desired products.
Authorize payment of invoices or return of merchandise.
Consult with store or merchandise managers about budgets or goods to be purchased.

How to qualify for this work

Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

See all zone 3 occupations →

The federal survey did not capture education levels for this specific occupation, so the preparation-level card above is the best guide to the entry route.

Common questions

How much does a wholesale and retail buyers, except farm products earn?

The national median is $77,710 a year. The full range runs from $48,380 at the 10th percentile to $128,870 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a wholesale and retail buyers, except farm products without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Critical Thinking4.0/5
Active Listening3.9/5
Speaking3.9/5
Reading Comprehension3.6/5
Active Learning3.4/5
Monitoring3.4/5

Knowledge areas

Administration and Management4.2/5
English Language3.8/5
Customer and Personal Service3.8/5
Production and Processing3.7/5
Mathematics3.5/5
Administrative3.4/5
Education and Training3.2/5
Sales and Marketing3.1/5

Transferable strengths: Negotiation, Persuasion, Judgment and Decision Making, Coordination.