Average Buyers and Purchasing Agents Salary in Columbia, SC
In Columbia, SC, Buyers and Purchasing Agents earn an average annual salary of $76,400. This figure is slightly below the national average of $80,070, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand within the local market. While the nominal salary is lower, the cost of living in Columbia aligns perfectly with the national average, offering a balanced financial perspective.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $76,400 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $111,780.
- Outlook: The market for Buyers and Purchasing Agents in Columbia, SC, is moderately sized, with a total local workforce of 820 individuals in this role. The Location Quotient of 0.68 suggests a concentration slightly below the national average, indicating that while the profession is present, it is not a dominant sector. The rate of 2.132 jobs per 1,000 workers further contextualizes the demand within the broader employment landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Buyers and Purchasing Agents in Columbia, SC earns-4.6%below the national average.
$36.7
$1,469
$6,367
Buyers and Purchasing Agents Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Columbia, SC, is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Buyers and Purchasing Agents have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic recovery, inflation, and increasing demand for skilled procurement professionals typically drive upward salary adjustments across most metropolitan areas.
Buyers and Purchasing Agents Salary Distribution in Columbia, SC
Career progression for Buyers and Purchasing Agents in Columbia, SC, is typically marked by increasing earning potential. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles of the salary range, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries significantly higher, reaching into the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps are indicative of the value placed on expertise and a proven track record in negotiation and supply chain management.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff. | 10% (Entry) | $44,560 | $21.4 |
| Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction. | 25% (Junior) | $57,300 | $27.5 |
| ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery. | 50% (Median) | $70,540 | $33.9 |
| Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management. | 75% (Senior) | $95,500 | $45.9 |
| Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations. | 90% (Expert) | $111,780 | $53.7 |
Detailed Buyers and Purchasing Agents Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$76,400
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$76,400
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $76,400 in Columbia, SC, presents a stable financial outlook when considered against the local Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the average salary in Columbia is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services, housing, and transportation are neither significantly more nor less expensive than the typical U.S. city.
Job Market Context
820
Total Jobs
2.132
Per 1K Jobs
0.68
Location Quotient
Columbia, SC has 0.68x the national average concentration of Buyers and Purchasing Agents jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.68, Columbia, SC, has a slightly lower concentration of Buyers and Purchasing Agents compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market may be less saturated than in major hubs, potentially offering opportunities for skilled professionals. However, it also implies that the demand might be more specialized or tied to specific local industries, requiring candidates to align their expertise with the needs of the regional economy.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Buyers and Purchasing Agents
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Buyers and Purchasing Agents Salary | $79,560↑ 4% | 13 mi |
| Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Buyers and Purchasing Agents Salary | $72,300↓ 5% | 13 mi |
| Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Buyers and Purchasing Agents Salary | $76,290↓ 0% | 13 mi |
| Sumter, SC Buyers and Purchasing Agents Salary | $78,660↑ 3% | 30 mi |
| Florence, SC Buyers and Purchasing Agents Salary | $71,460↓ 6% | 64 mi |
Comparing salaries near Columbia, SC
Hiring Buyers and Purchasing Agentss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Buyers and Purchasing Agents make in Columbia, SC?
The median annual salary for a Buyers and Purchasing Agents in Columbia, SC is $76,400. This typically ranges from $44,560 for entry-level positions to $111,780 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Columbia, SC is 4.6% lower than the national median of $80,070.
Is Columbia, SC a lucrative place for Buyers and Purchasing Agentss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $76,400 is below the national average of $80,070, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Columbia, SC a good place to live for Buyers and Purchasing Agents?
The Cost of Living Index in Columbia, SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Columbia, SC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area ($79,560) and Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Buyers and Purchasing Agents in Columbia, SC, is $76,400, which is approximately 4.5% lower than the national average of $80,070.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, SC for this role?
The cost of living in Columbia, SC, is exactly at the national average (index of 100), meaning your salary has average purchasing power.
How concentrated is the job market for Buyers and Purchasing Agents in Columbia, SC?
The job market concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.68, indicating a slightly lower presence of these roles compared to the national average.
What is the total number of Buyers and Purchasing Agents in Columbia, SC?
There are approximately 820 Buyers and Purchasing Agents employed in the Columbia, SC, area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 820 employees in the Columbia, SC area with a job density of 2.132 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Buyers and Purchasing Agents • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Columbia, SC