Buyers and Purchasing Agents Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
In San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, buyers and purchasing agents earn $102,140 at the median — $49.11 an hour. The range runs from $63K at the entry level to $171K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 110.42), so that salary is closer to $92,501 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $3,483/month — about 55.4% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $102K get you in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
About buyers and purchasing agents
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Entry-level buyers and purchasing agents (10th percentile) start around $63K. Mid-career wages sit at $102K.Top earners bring in $171K or more - a $107K spread from bottom to top.
Buyers and Purchasing Agents pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $118K | +56% | 1,830 |
| New Jersey | $90K | +19% | 12,380 |
| Maryland | $88K | +17% | 9,270 |
| Virginia | $85K | +12% | 21,370 |
| Delaware | $83K | +9% | 1,310 |
| Minnesota | $82K | +8% | 12,460 |
| Washington | $82K | +8% | 15,950 |
| Massachusetts | $81K | +7% | 13,210 |
| California | $80K | +5% | 46,790 |
| Connecticut | $79K | +5% | 5,670 |
| New York | $79K | +4% | 31,440 |
| Rhode Island | $78K | +3% | 1,350 |
| Alaska | $78K | +3% | 950 |
| South Carolina | $76K | +0% | 5,470 |
| Arizona | $75K | -0% | 11,290 |
Track buyers and purchasing agents salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do buyers and purchasing agents make in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA?
The median is $102,140 a year - that works out to about $49.11 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $63,170, and experienced buyers and purchasing agents can clear $170,600. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $102K enough to live in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $6,217/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $3,483/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 56% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a buyers and purchasing agents salary go in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara has a Regional Price Parity of 110.42 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median buyers and purchasing agents salary is worth about $92,501 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do buyers and purchasing agents get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.