8 of the Best Types of Purchasing Jobs in 2026

Discover some great types of Purchasing jobs that are hiring now.

High Paying Purchasing Jobs

• Director Purchasing

  Salary range: $93,500 - $139,500

  A director is a low-level executive in a company or organization that is responsible for a particular project, region, or division. A director of a company is employed to manage the day-to-day business activities of a group or division within an organization. There are different types of directors, but they are all tasked with leading others and meeting the goals of the organization. Directors plan, execute and manage to reach a goal. For example, the sales director would oversee the sales for a particular product or area. An HR director would be tasked with screening applicants and hiring the right candidates, making sure to comply with all employment laws and settling any personnel issues.

• Purchasing Manager

  Salary range: $65,000 - $100,000

  At most large firms, you need a bachelor’s degree in economics, business, or a related field, and experience as a buyer or procurement officer. There are some purchasing manager jobs that only require a high school diploma and relevant work experience. You will also need experience and knowledge in the particular industry in which you work, including best practices in purchasing and inventory management.

• Junior Purchasing

  Salary range: $44,500 - $57,500

  Junior Purchasing is a common job search query. Most salaries for Junior Purchasing jobs pay between $44,500 (25th percentile) and $57,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Junior Purchasing job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Purchasing Coordinator

  Salary range: $42,000 - $56,500

  A purchasing coordinator or agent buys raw materials and other supplies on behalf of a company or manufacturer. Job duties include representing their company and negotiating with suppliers to ensure that the materials are received on time and at an appropriate price. These professionals have experience with the entire supply chain and associated economics. Grocery stores, retail fashion outlets, and hospitals often hire purchasing coordinators.

• Freelance Purchasing

  Salary range: $40,500 - $52,500

  Freelancers are self-employed. As a freelancer, you provide work to clients and invoice them for it. The type of clients you have depends on what kind of services you offer. Your clients can be individuals or companies. A full-time freelancer often has assignments from multiple clients at once. Some common services that people provide as freelancers are: writing, editing, graphic design, web design, marketing, programming, accounting, and bookkeeping. Freelancing is ideal for those who prefer to be their own boss and are willing to market themselves to meet their income goals.

• Entry Level Purchasing

  Salary range: $38,000 - $49,000

  Entry-level jobs are positions that do not require any previous experience in the role. Most entry-level jobs are aimed at high school or college graduates as a starting point for a future career goal. A college student may have majored in their ideal career field, but will still need to start in an entry-level position to train in a real-world environment. Some students move from internships into entry-level jobs, but most entry-level jobs do not expect a candidate to have any prior employment or on-site training.

• Temporary Purchasing

  Salary range: $38,000 - $49,000

  A Temporary job is an employment arrangement in which both parties, the employee and employer, agree in advance that the position will be filled for a set period. Temporary jobs often are based on employers’ seasonal or specific project needs. Occasionally, Temporary employees will be offered ongoing, full-time positions if their performance is excellent and a position is available. However, you should not assume this will be the case.

• Purchasing Internship

  Salary range: $36,000 - $48,500

  An Internship is a position within your desired field that pays little or no money but offers you the opportunity to gain real-world experience. This may set you apart for your future job search. Generally, Internships are almost expected by employers on an entry-level candidate’s resume. You are much more of an asset to an employer if you have some work experience.