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Architectural and Engineering Managers vs Purchasing Managers: Salary Comparison

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025).

National Salary Overview

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Median Salary
$166,075
Average (Mean)
$172,301
Employed Nationwide
216,520
VS

Purchasing Managers

Median Salary
$139,842
Average (Mean)
$146,959
Employed Nationwide
84,150
Architectural and Engineering Managers earns $26,233 more (18.8%)
Architectural and Engineering Managers vs Purchasing Managers national median (BLS 2025)Ranked horizontal bars comparing 2 entries.Architectural and Engineering ManagersArchitectural and Engineerin…Architectural and Engineering Managers: $166,076$166,076Purchasing ManagersPurchasing ManagersPurchasing Managers: $139,843$139,843

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $166,075 $139,842
Average (Mean) Salary $172,301 $146,959
Total Employment 216,520 84,150
States with Higher Pay 49 1

Salary by State: Architectural and Engineering Managers vs Purchasing Managers

Showing 50 states where both occupations have BLS data. Architectural and Engineering Managers pays more in 49 states; Purchasing Managers pays more in 1.

State Architectural and Engineering Managers Purchasing Managers Difference
Alabama $162,350
$130,710
+$31,640
Alaska $164,260
$114,650
+$49,610
Arizona $167,480
$138,940
+$28,540
Arkansas $140,600
$156,450
$-15,850
California $210,280
$159,830
+$50,450
Colorado $183,810
$171,250
+$12,560
Connecticut $175,490
$138,680
+$36,810
District of Columbia $185,220
$175,720
+$9,500
Florida $170,740
$133,410
+$37,330
Georgia $161,470
$155,360
+$6,110
Hawaii $151,670
$113,490
+$38,180
Idaho $162,970
$136,970
+$26,000
Illinois $163,610
$153,370
+$10,240
Indiana $155,810
$126,880
+$28,930
Iowa $147,320
$121,580
+$25,740
Kansas $160,150
$159,850
+$300
Kentucky $147,680
$124,350
+$23,330
Louisiana $162,850
$109,630
+$53,220
Maine $145,720
$135,970
+$9,750
Maryland $172,670
$161,470
+$11,200
Massachusetts $201,430
$170,750
+$30,680
Michigan $166,930
$142,120
+$24,810
Minnesota $172,130
$144,810
+$27,320
Mississippi $142,790
$122,940
+$19,850
Missouri $157,800
$132,100
+$25,700
Montana $146,030
$123,480
+$22,550
Nebraska $141,020
$124,010
+$17,010
Nevada $161,560
$120,270
+$41,290
New Hampshire $172,240
$162,900
+$9,340
New Jersey $180,640
$174,520
+$6,120
New Mexico $215,120
$134,790
+$80,330
New York $175,710
$166,300
+$9,410
North Carolina $167,840
$138,710
+$29,130
North Dakota $147,400
$130,110
+$17,290
Ohio $166,870
$134,580
+$32,290
Oklahoma $157,330
$119,310
+$38,020
Oregon $177,190
$137,190
+$40,000
Pennsylvania $164,690
$141,790
+$22,900
Rhode Island $175,910
$134,560
+$41,350
South Carolina $169,040
$131,720
+$37,320
South Dakota $164,330
$128,670
+$35,660
Tennessee $161,430
$137,060
+$24,370
Texas $171,370
$134,670
+$36,700
Utah $161,120
$125,940
+$35,180
Vermont $157,710
$135,720
+$21,990
Virginia $176,160
$166,230
+$9,930
Washington $189,680
$162,730
+$26,950
West Virginia $149,430
$147,220
+$2,210
Wisconsin $142,060
$124,990
+$17,070
Wyoming $163,560
$123,380
+$40,180

Explore This Comparison by State

Dive deeper — see how Architectural and Engineering Managers vs Purchasing Managers salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Architectural and Engineering Managers or Purchasing Managers?
On average across all states, a Architectural and Engineering Managers earns more than a Purchasing Managers. The national median salary difference is $26,233 (18.8%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Architectural and Engineering Managers earn more than a Purchasing Managers?
A Architectural and Engineering Managers earns a higher median salary than a Purchasing Managers in 49 out of 50 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Purchasing Managers pays more in 1 states.
What is the median salary for a Architectural and Engineering Managers vs Purchasing Managers?
The national median salary for a Architectural and Engineering Managers is $166,075 per year, compared to $139,842 for a Purchasing Managers, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Architectural and Engineering Managers or Purchasing Managers?
There are more people employed as Architectural and Engineering Managers. BLS reports approximately 216,520 Architectural and Engineering Managers positions and 84,150 Purchasing Managers positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Architectural and Engineering Managers or Purchasing Managers?
Both Architectural and Engineering Managers and Purchasing Managers are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.

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