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METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Purchasing Managers salary in Washington, D.C., District of Columbia

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Washington, D.C. 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$167,270
Mean annual$170,170
Range (10th to 90th)$124,850 to $207,960
Washington, D.C., District of Columbia employment4,320
State vs national+17.9% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Washington, D.C. purchasing managers fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

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

10TH$124,85025TH$151,220MEDIAN$167,27075TH$191,28090TH$207,960

The middle 50% of workers earn between $151,220 and $191,280, with a median of $167,270.

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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Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Purchasing Managers in Washington, D.C., District of Columbia?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Purchasing Managers in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area is $167,270.
Does Washington, D.C. pay more than the District of Columbia state average for Purchasing Managers?
The Washington, D.C. metro median is -2.7% versus the District of Columbia state median of $171,910.
How does Washington, D.C. compare to the national median for Purchasing Managers?
The Washington, D.C. metro median is +17.9% versus the BLS national figure of $141,910.
What is the salary range for Purchasing Managers in Washington, D.C.?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $124,850 and the 90th-percentile at $207,960 for the Washington, D.C. 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 Washington, D.C. 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.