Salary distribution
Where San Jose purchasing managers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $165,210 and $257,030, with a median of $198,980.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
5 years or more
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.3 / 5
Administration and Management
Knowledge
- 4.0 / 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
- 3.9 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Develop and implement purchasing and contract management instructions, policies, and procedures.
- 02
Locate vendors of materials, equipment or supplies, and interview them to determine product availability and terms of sales.
- 03
Prepare bid awards requiring board approval.
- 04
Direct and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in buying, selling, and distributing materials, equipment, machinery, and supplies.
- 05
Review purchase order claims and contracts for conformance to company policy.
- 06
Review, evaluate, and approve specifications for issuing and awarding bids.
- 07
Administer online purchasing systems.
- 08
Prepare and process requisitions and purchase orders for supplies and equipment.
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Explore coursesOther metros in California
How the San Jose metro compares to other major California metro areas for purchasing managers.
- San Francisco$170,440
- San Diego$158,620
- Los Angeles$156,400
- Sacramento$146,750
- Riverside$131,070
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Purchasing Managers in San Jose, California?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Purchasing Managers in the San Jose metropolitan area is $198,980.
- Does San Jose pay more than the California state average for Purchasing Managers?
- The San Jose metro median is +24.5% versus the California state median of $159,830.
- How does San Jose compare to the national median for Purchasing Managers?
- The San Jose metro median is +34.6% versus the BLS national figure of $147,784.
- What is the salary range for Purchasing Managers in San Jose?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $129,490 and the 90th-percentile at $294,680 for the San Jose 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.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the San Jose 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.