Buyer or Purchasing Agent
Buyers and purchasing agents obtain the products and services a business needs to sustain operations. These professionals provide crucial functions in organizations to help them achieve their objectives.
A buyer and purchasing agent is a professional who buys the raw materials, equipment, and services a business needs to carry out its operations. They collect and screen information about suppliers, products, and prices in order to select and purchase goods and services.
There are several types of buyers and purchasing agents, such as:
Buyers and purchasing agents of farm products: These buyers and purchasing agents buy agricultural products to resell or use them as raw materials. Such products include corn, grain, cotton, and rubber.
Wholesale and retail buyers and purchasing agents of consumer goods: Wholesale/retail buyers purchase products solely for resale. Another name for a buyer or purchasing agent who obtains consumer (finished) goods as merchandise manager.
Service companies also rely on these buyers and purchasing agents to guarantee seamless operations. An insurance company doesn't need chemical products or raw materials, but it needs office supplies and services such as cleaning and communications.
This professional manages the inventory of a business, selects suppliers, verifies and records details of business purchases, negotiates contracts with vendors on behalf of the company, and ensures compliance with regulations guiding procurement of goods and services.
Many buying and purchasing agents have a bachelor’s degree in management, operations, merchandising, or a related field; the majority have at least a high school degree or GED with up to a year of on-the-job training.
$43,450
entry level salary estimate
$87,655
experienced level salary estimate
3,889
projected annual job openings
Programs for Buyers and Purchasing Agents
Dallas College (AAS degree, certificates)
Grayson College (AS degree, AAS degree, certificates)
Midwestern State University (BBA degree)
North Central Texas College (AAS degree)
Southeastern Oklahoma State University (BBA degree)
Texas A&M University - Commerce (BBA degree)
Texas Woman’s University (BBA degrees)
University of North Texas (BS degree)
University of North Texas at Dallas (BBA degree)
University of Texas at Arlington (BBA degree)
If you're ready for business, Texas is the state for you.
Have a head for business? If you’re good with numbers and business-minded, you could find yourself working for all types and sizes of companies, in all kinds of industries. From administrative support roles to managers and executives, career opportunities in the world of business are wide ranging. In business, an associate or bachelor’s degree can get you on a fast track to success.
Additional In Demand Careers in Business
Accountant or Auditor
Bookkeeper, Accountant, or Auditing Clerk
Claims Adjuster, Examiner and Investigator
Financial and Investment Analyst
Fundraiser
General and Operations Manager
Human Resources Specialist
Marketing Manager
Sales Manager
Sales Representative of Services
Sales Representative, Wholesale and Manufacturing
Sources:
Texas Labor Market Information, Texas Workforce Commission. Statewide wages by occupation, 2021. Statewide projections by occupation, 2020-2030.
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