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Finance & LegalStableBright Outlook

Purchasing Agent

Mid-level

Also known as: Buyer, Contract Administrator (Contract Admin), Contract Analyst, Contract Specialist

Finance & LegalBachelor's Degree

Job Description

Purchase machinery, equipment, tools, parts, supplies, or services necessary for the operation of an establishment. Purchase raw or semifinished materials for manufacturing. May negotiate contracts.
PurchasingProcurementSupply Chain ManagementVendor ManagementContract NegotiationBusinessFinanceLogisticsAnalysisBusiness Administration

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Hot technologies
Adobe AcrobatGoogle DocsIntuit QuickBooksMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft ProjectMicrosoft SharePointMicrosoft VisioMicrosoft WordOracle DatabaseOracle PeopleSoftOracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio ManagementSAP software
In-demand software
Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft SharePointMicrosoft WordSAP software

Job Outlook 2025–2035

Bright Outlook

O*NET flags this career as a Bright Outlook occupation: grows rapidly over the next decade.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook.

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication
High
Working in a team
High
Contact with others
High
Freedom to make decisions
High
Time pressure
High
Time spent sitting
High
Working outdoors
Low
Indoor, climate-controlled
High
Dealing with customers
High
Level of competition
Moderate

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Stable Job Market

This field maintains steady employment levels with consistent demand. Job opportunities remain available with moderate competition.

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will automate routine purchasing tasks like order processing and supplier identification, allowing agents to focus on strategic negotiation and complex supplier relationship management. Advanced analytics will provide insights into market trends and pricing, enhancing decision-making and optimizing procurement processes. This shifts the role towards higher-level strategic planning and oversight.

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Salary

$52,955 - $105,910 per year

Estimated for US-wide average

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position

Relevant Studies

Based on job level & field

Finance & Control

Bachelor • Business & Economics • 4 years

Logistics Management

Bachelor • Business & Economics • 4 years

Accountancy

Bachelor • Business & Economics • 4 years

Data Science

Bachelor • Tech & Engineering • 4 years

Marketing

Bachelor • Business & Economics • 4 years

Communication

Bachelor • Communication & Media • 4 years

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