ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Purchasing Assistant Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

CRI

Purchasing Specialist

Mclean, VA · On-site

This person will lead tasks related to purchasing, to include pricing quote/proposal support, inventory management, as well as material ordering, tracking, shipping and coordination of equipment ...

Charles Products LLC

Purchasing Associate

Rockville, MD · On-site

$20.75 - $26.75/hr

The Purchaser will buy supplies from various vendors and suppliers. You will work independently in a highly collaborative environment that requires frequent communication with other departments. In ...

ICF

Senior Purchasing Specialist (Hybrid)

Reston, VA · Hybrid

Maintain knowledge of all organizational and government rules affecting purchases and provide information about these rules to organization staff members and vendors. * Assist in preparing formal ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPurchasing JobsPurchasing Assistant JobsPurchasing Assistant Jobs in Reston, VA

Purchasing Assistant information

See Reston, VA salary details

$13

$22

$31

How much do purchasing assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for purchasing assistant in Reston, VA is $22.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $24.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is a purchasing assistant job stressful?

A purchasing assistant job can be stressful due to tight deadlines, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring accurate inventory levels. The role often requires strong organizational skills and attention to detail to handle multiple tasks efficiently. However, stress levels vary depending on the company, workload, and individual coping strategies.

What is the difference between Purchasing Assistant vs Procurement Clerk?

AspectPurchasing AssistantProcurement Clerk
CredentialsHigh school diploma, some roles may require certifications in purchasing or supply chainHigh school diploma, familiarity with procurement processes
Work EnvironmentOffice setting, supporting purchasing teamsOffice environment, handling procurement documentation
Employer & Industry UsageRetail, manufacturing, logistics companiesGovernment agencies, large corporations, public sector
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level purchasing rolesRelated to procurement process support roles

The Purchasing Assistant and Procurement Clerk roles share similarities in supporting purchasing and procurement activities, often requiring similar credentials and working in office environments. However, Purchasing Assistants typically focus on assisting with purchase orders and supplier communication, while Procurement Clerks handle procurement documentation and record-keeping. Both roles are essential in supply chain operations across various industries.

What skills are essential for a purchasing assistant?

A purchasing assistant needs strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and good communication abilities to coordinate with suppliers and internal teams. Proficiency in using procurement software and basic understanding of supply chain processes are also important for effective job performance.

What are some common challenges Purchasing Assistants face when coordinating with suppliers, and how can these be managed effectively?

Purchasing Assistants often encounter challenges such as delayed shipments, miscommunications about order specifications, or fluctuating prices. To manage these issues effectively, it's important to maintain clear and consistent communication with suppliers, document all agreements, and proactively follow up on delivery timelines. Building strong relationships with preferred vendors and staying organized with detailed records can help resolve issues quickly and minimize disruptions to the supply chain.

How much does a purchasing assistant earn?

A purchasing assistant typically earns between $30,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level roles may start lower, while experienced assistants or those in specialized sectors can earn higher salaries. Skills in negotiation, inventory management, and familiarity with procurement software can influence compensation.

What does a purchasing assistant do?

A purchasing assistant supports the procurement process by helping to order supplies, track inventory, and communicate with vendors. They often use procurement software and require strong organizational skills to ensure timely and cost-effective purchasing for their organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Purchasing Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Purchasing Assistant, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a basic understanding of procurement processes, often supported by a relevant associate degree or experience in supply chain management. Familiarity with procurement software, inventory management systems, and Excel is typically required. Effective communication, time management, and problem-solving abilities are essential soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure accurate order processing, timely supplier coordination, and efficient support for the purchasing department’s operations.

What Is a Purchasing Assistant?

As a purchasing assistant, you buy products for your company to sell or use in operations. Your job duties entail communicating with vendors to obtain goods at the best prices, tracking product inventory, monitoring sales trends, and placing orders on products. Purchasing assistants often play a role in choosing which products to stock. The career requires you have some formal qualifications and education, generally a bachelor’s degree in business or a related field, excellent computer skills, and prior sales experience. It is necessary to develop knowledge of your specific industry, including normal sales and revenue trends.

More about Purchasing Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Purchasing jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Purchasing jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Purchasing Assistant jobs in Reston, VA? For Purchasing Assistant jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Purchasing Assistant jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Purchasing Assistant jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Purchasing Assistant jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Purchasing Assistant job openings:
Purchasing Assistant jobs near you

Purchasing Agent

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

Washington, DC • On-site

$51K/yr

Other

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

This position is organizationally located in the Prosthetics and Sensory Aids Service within the Medical Center. The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Chief Prosthetics Agent.Qualifications:To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 07/09/2026.
Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. For a GS-06 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-05. The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade. Note: Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment.
You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below:
  • Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-05 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: quickly deducing from written prescriptions or oral requests what items or services are needed, selecting the most appropriate cost-effective source to deliver the items/service in the most reliable manner; completing transaction on the patient's medical record to ensure documentation of exactly what was purchased and issued; working independently to complete purchase orders and reconcile charges; initiating procurement of all outpatient medical requirements; verifying accountability of all prosthetics expenditures in both the purchase menu and the prosthetics program and associates all obligations to the individual patient: performing technical level purchasing support adhering to the Service Directives and Handbooks, policy and memorandums to acquire patient specific medical equipment, supplies and services.
Preferred Experience: Experience in Federal or VA Purchasing Procedures: Hands-on experience with federal acquisition processes, micro purchases, purchase card workflows, and medical procurement practices, ideally within a VA or healthcare setting. Proficiency with VA Procurement Systems: Prior use of IFCAP, eCMS, or similar government purchasing platforms to create requisitions, manage purchase orders, upload documentation, and track order status. Background in Prosthetics or Medical Equipment Acquisition Experience ordering prosthetic devices, DME (Durable Medical Equipment), orthotics, sensory aids, or other clinically prescribed medical items. Vendor Coordination and Quote Management: Familiarity working with medical suppliers, obtaining competitive quotes, validating vendor eligibility, and resolving delays or discrepancies. Clinical Support Experience: Experience partnering with clinicians, therapists, or care teams to confirm specifications, interpret prescriptions, and ensure the correct item is sourced for the patient. Financial and Purchasing Card Management: Prior responsibility for reconciling purchase card transactions, tracking obligations, completing receiving reports, and maintaining accurate financial records. Document and Records Management: Experience preparing procurement packets, organizing compliance documents, and maintaining accurate electronic and physical purchasing files.
For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.Education:There is no educational substitution at this grade level.
Employment Type: OTHER

Apply