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METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Purchasing Managers salary in San Diego, California

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the San Diego metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 30, 2026
Median annual$156,050
Mean annual$158,620
Range (10th to 90th)$93,200 to $215,610
San Diego, California employment720
State vs national+10.0% vs national

Salary distribution

Where San Diego purchasing managers fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

10TH$93,20025TH$126,010MEDIAN$156,05075TH$180,92090TH$215,610

The middle 50% of workers earn between $126,010 and $180,920, with a median of $156,050.

Typical entry

  • Education

    Bachelor's degree

  • Experience

    5 years or more

  • On-the-job training

    None

Top skills (O*NET)

  • Administration and Management

    Knowledge

    4.3 / 5
  • Oral Expression

    Ability

    4.0 / 5
  • Speaking

    Basic skill

    4.0 / 5
  • Active Listening

    Basic skill

    4.0 / 5
  • Customer and Personal Service

    Knowledge

    4.0 / 5
  • Oral Comprehension

    Ability

    4.0 / 5
  • Management of Personnel Resources

    Technical

    4.0 / 5
  • English Language

    Knowledge

    3.9 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Develop and implement purchasing and contract management instructions, policies, and procedures.

  2. 02

    Locate vendors of materials, equipment or supplies, and interview them to determine product availability and terms of sales.

  3. 03

    Prepare bid awards requiring board approval.

  4. 04

    Direct and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in buying, selling, and distributing materials, equipment, machinery, and supplies.

  5. 05

    Review purchase order claims and contracts for conformance to company policy.

  6. 06

    Review, evaluate, and approve specifications for issuing and awarding bids.

  7. 07

    Administer online purchasing systems.

  8. 08

    Prepare and process requisitions and purchase orders for supplies and equipment.

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Other metros in California

How the San Diego metro compares to other major California metro areas for purchasing managers.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Purchasing Managers in San Diego, California?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Purchasing Managers in the San Diego metropolitan area is $156,050.
Does San Diego pay more than the California state average for Purchasing Managers?
The San Diego metro median is +2.5% versus the California state median of $152,190.
How does San Diego compare to the national median for Purchasing Managers?
The San Diego metro median is +10.0% versus the BLS national figure of $141,910.
What is the salary range for Purchasing Managers in San Diego?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $93,200 and the 90th-percentile at $215,610 for the San Diego metro area.
What education is required for Purchasing Managers?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the San Diego CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.