ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Purchasing Agent Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Sunrise Senior Living

Purchasing Agent

Mclean, VA · On-site

The Purchasing Agent supports Sunrise communities by managing tactical purchasing functions, supplier coordination and order guide administration. This role helps ensure cost-effective, compliant and ...

Futron Incorporated

Purchasing Agent

Woodbridge, VA · On-site

$65K/yr

Purchasing Agent Location: On-site - Woodbridge, Virginia Job Type: Full-Time, Salary starting at $65,000 based on experience Education & Experience * High school diploma required; Bachelor's degree ...

Futron Incorporated

Purchasing Agent

Woodbridge, VA

$65K/yr

Purchasing Agent Location: On-site - Woodbridge, Virginia Job Type: Full-Time, Salary starting at $65,000 based on experience Education & Experience * High school diploma required; Bachelor's degree ...

Architect of the Capitol

Purchasing Agent

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$63K - $83K/yr

Join our team as a Purchasing Agent located in the esteemed Architect of the Capitol, Office of the Chief Engineer. As a Purchasing Agent you will perform a variety of tasks related to the ...

Sunriseseniorliving

Purchasing Agent

Mclean, VA · On-site

The Purchasing Agent supports Sunrise communities by managing tactical purchasing functions, supplier coordination and order guide administration. This role helps ensure cost-effective, compliant and ...

DR Horton

Purchasing Agent

Edgewater, MD · On-site

D.R. Horton, Inc. is currently looking for a Purchasing Agent for their Purchasing Department. The right candidate will bid on new projects, maintain scopes of work, track blueprints and design ...

DR Horton, Inc.

Purchasing Agent

Edgewater, MD · On-site

D.R. Horton, Inc. is currently looking for a Purchasing Agent for their Purchasing Department. The right candidate will bid on new projects, maintain scopes of work, track blueprints and design ...

Lore Group

Purchasing Agent

Washington, DC

$20 - $23/hr

We are looking for...an experienced and organized Purchasing/Receiving Agent.Our ideal candidate thrives in a non-stop environment, has a can-do attitude, a great sense of humor, loves finding ...

Lore Group

Purchasing Agent

Washington, DC · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

We are looking for... an experienced and organized Purchasing/Receiving Agent. Our ideal candidate thrives in a non-stop environment, has a can-do attitude, a great sense of humor, loves finding ...

Character Companies Inc.

Purchasing Agent

Alexandria, VA · Remote

$80K - $105K/yr

Hybrid/Remote Purchasing Agent Character Companies, Inc. | Alexandria, VA | $80,000 to $105,000 base plus profit share Who We Are Character Companies builds custom and spec homes from $1M to $3M on ...

US Legislative Branch

Purchasing Agent

Washington, DC · On-site

$51K/yr

The candidate provides operational support for jurisdiction purchasing, customer service and office management. This is a developmental position leading to the full performance level of the position ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPurchasing Agent JobsPurchasing Agent Jobs in Washington, DC

Purchasing Agent information

See Washington, DC salary details

$34.5K

$61.2K

$94.6K

How much do purchasing agent jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for purchasing agent in Washington, DC is $61,198.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,700.00 and $68,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a purchasing agent?

Purchasing agents buy goods and services for a company to use or resell. As a purchasing agent, you research products, pricing, and suppliers for items your company needs or wants to sell. Your job duties as a purchasing agent include attending trade shows and sales pitches, evaluating suppliers, negotiating contracts, arranging deliveries, and maintaining records of product pricing, performance, and inventory.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a purchasing agent?

To thrive as a Purchasing Agent, you need strong negotiation, analytical, and organizational skills, typically supported by a degree in business or supply chain management. Proficiency with procurement software, ERP systems like SAP, and familiarity with inventory management tools is often required. Attention to detail, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities are standout soft skills in this role. These skills are crucial for ensuring cost-effective purchasing decisions, maintaining supplier relationships, and supporting smooth business operations.

What are some common challenges purchasing agents face when negotiating with suppliers?

Purchasing Agents often encounter challenges such as fluctuating market prices, limited supplier options, and tight deadlines when negotiating contracts. Balancing cost savings with quality requirements and maintaining positive supplier relationships can be difficult, especially in fast-paced industries. To overcome these challenges, successful Purchasing Agents stay informed about market trends, develop strong communication skills, and frequently collaborate with internal teams like inventory management and finance to ensure alignment with organizational goals.

What is the difference between Purchasing Agent vs Buyer?

AspectPurchasing AgentBuyer
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certifications like CPSMHigh school diploma; certifications like C.P.M. can be beneficial
Work EnvironmentOffice setting, often within procurement or supply chain departmentsOffice environment, working closely with suppliers and internal teams
Industry UsageCommonly used in manufacturing, retail, and logistics sectorsWidely used across retail, manufacturing, and wholesale industries
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding procurement roles, responsibilities, and qualificationsComparing purchasing and buying roles, career paths, and job duties

The main difference between a Purchasing Agent and a Buyer lies in their scope and responsibilities. Purchasing Agents often handle broader procurement strategies and supplier negotiations, while Buyers focus on selecting and purchasing specific goods or services. Both roles require similar credentials and work environments, and they are frequently used interchangeably depending on the industry.

Is a purchasing agent a hard job?

A purchasing agent's job involves negotiating with suppliers, managing inventory, and ensuring timely procurement of goods, which can be demanding due to deadlines and the need for attention to detail. The role requires strong communication skills, organization, and knowledge of supply chain processes, but the difficulty varies depending on the industry and complexity of the purchasing tasks.

Is purchasing a stressful job?

Purchasing agents often face stress due to tight deadlines, budget constraints, and the need to negotiate favorable terms. The role requires strong organizational skills and attention to detail to manage supplier relationships and ensure timely procurement, which can contribute to work-related pressure.
More about Purchasing Agent jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Purchasing Agent jobs in Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Purchasing Agent jobs in Washington, DC are:

What are popular job titles related to Purchasing Agent jobs in Washington, DC?

For Purchasing Agent jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Purchasing Agent jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Purchasing Agent jobs in Washington, DC are:

Purchasing Agent jobs near you
Infographic showing various Purchasing Agent job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,198 per year, or $29.4 per hour.

Purchasing Agent

Sign In / Register - Job Candidate Account

Rockville, MD

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

The Purchasing Agent is responsible for assisting the Purchasing Department in procuring subcontractors and professional services related to necessary construction trades able to perform construction duties on all company projects.

The Purchasing Agent will report to the Purchasing Manager.

Apply