Salary distribution
Where Kentucky purchasing managers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $88,100 and $140,980, with a median of $113,910.
Purchasing Managers pay by experience level in Kentucky
Each band reflects DOL Wage Levels I-IV mapped onto a four-step ladder. Click a level to see the disclosed-wage range for that segment.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in Kentucky over the past 2 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2024 dollars.
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.
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
+3.1%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Average growth
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
Sponsored
Build the skills employers list for Purchasing Managers
Online courses from licensed providers. We may earn a commission when you enroll. The commission does not influence our rankings or wage data.
Explore coursesTop metros in Kentucky
Metro-level salary data for purchasing managers in major Kentucky metropolitan areas.
- Louisville$119,790
Compare Purchasing Managers pay across nearby states
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Purchasing Managers in Kentucky?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Purchasing Managers in Kentucky is $113,910.
- How does Kentucky compare to the national median for Purchasing Managers?
- The Kentucky median is -19.7% versus the BLS national figure of $141,910.
- What is the salary range for Purchasing Managers in Kentucky?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $69,990 and the 90th-percentile at $171,190, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Purchasing Managers a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment growing by 3.1% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- 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. Wage data reflects BLS estimates 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.