Buyer
Select and negotiate products that fill shelves, drive margins, and delight customers
About the profession
Buyers select merchandise for retail stores or e-commerce platforms, negotiating prices with suppliers, analyzing market trends, and managing inventory budgets. They are the bridge between consumer demand and the supply chain. In 2026, buyers leverage AI-powered demand forecasting, sustainability metrics, and global sourcing platforms to make smarter purchasing decisions.
Why choose it
How to Get Started
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Career Match Test →Explore the Career Path section to see progression from junior to senior
Jump to Career Path →Start learning — check the Learning Path for free courses
Jump to Learning Path →Career Path
Your career progression roadmap with salary growth at each level
Career Ladder
Assistant Buyer → Buyer → Senior Buyer → Head of Buying / Merchandising Director
Where are you on this career path?
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Salary Growth
4
Levels
150K
Top Salary
8++
Years
Learning Path
Skills you need to develop and courses to get there
🚀
Set your current level first
Go to the Career Path tab and select your current level to see your personalized learning plan.
Go to Career PathCareer levels
Timeline: 0-2 | Entry Level Base: $38,000 - $50,000/year Support senior buyers with purchase order processing Track inventory levels and generate reorder reports Research new…
Skills used in this career
Click any skill to see how to learn it and what salary boost it gives
Income Dynamics
Conservative and aggressive scenarios for 10–15 years
Year 1-2: Assistant Buyer $38,000 - $50,000 Year 2-5: Buyer $50,000 - $72,000 Year 5-8: Senior Buyer $72,000 - $95,000 Year 8+: Director $95,000 - $150,000+
💰 Salary Range
US dataSign up to see salary data
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