Buyers and Purchasing Agents vs General and Operations Managers: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
General and Operations Managers professionals earn $27,300 more per year than Buyers and Purchasing Agents professionals — that's 36.1% higher.
Salary Range Comparison
Buyers and Purchasing Agents$46,460 – $127,520
General and Operations Managers$47,420 – N/A
$46,460$127,520
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Buyers and Purchasing Agents | General and Operations Managers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $46,460 | $47,420 | $-960 |
| 25th Percentile | $58,670 | $67,160 | $-8,490 |
| Median (50th) | $75,650 | $102,950 | $-27,300 |
| 75th Percentile | $99,190 | $164,130 | $-64,940 |
| 90th Percentile | $127,520 | N/A | N/A |
| Mean (Average) | $81,720 | $133,120 | $-51,400 |
Employment Numbers
Buyers and Purchasing Agents
486,900
employed nationwide
General and Operations Managers
3,584,420
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Buyers and Purchasing Agents
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $103,560 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $102,140 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $93,320 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $85,980 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $84,680 |
Best Cities for General and Operations Managers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $162,480 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $152,090 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $151,420 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $149,260 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $141,280 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Buyers and Purchasing Agents or General and Operations Managers?
General and Operations Managers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $27,300 (36.1% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Buyers and Purchasing Agents?
Buyers and Purchasing Agents salaries range from $46,460 (10th percentile) to $127,520 (90th percentile), with a median of $75,650.
What is the salary range for General and Operations Managers?
General and Operations Managers salaries range from $47,420 (10th percentile) to N/A (90th percentile), with a median of $102,950.
How many Buyers and Purchasing Agents and General and Operations Managers jobs are there?
There are approximately 486,900 Buyers and Purchasing Agents positions and 3,584,420 General and Operations Managers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from General and Operations Managers to Buyers and Purchasing Agents?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Buyers and Purchasing Agents has a median salary of $75,650 while General and Operations Managers earns $102,950. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
Career Resources
Career Change Resources
Explore tools and guides for transitioning between careers.
Professional Certifications
Find certifications that can boost your earning potential.
Online Degree Programs
Browse accredited online degrees relevant to these careers.
Resume Writing Services
Get professional help crafting a standout resume.
Explore More
Was this data helpful?
Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS