National Salary Overview
VS
Chief Executives earns $44,414 more (34.5%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$173,235
$128,820
Average (Mean) Salary
$223,504
$136,460
Total Employment
128,370
77,350
States with Higher Pay
30
2
Salary by State: Chief Executives vs Purchasing Managers
Showing 32 states where both occupations have BLS data. Chief Executives pays more in 30 states; Purchasing Managers pays more in 2.
| State | Chief Executives | Purchasing Managers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $165,320 | $124,130 | +$41,190 | ||
| Alaska | $156,610 | $107,380 | +$49,230 | ||
| Arkansas | $126,010 | $108,850 | +$17,160 | ||
| California | $231,080 | $153,510 | +$77,570 | ||
| Colorado | $179,900 | $153,980 | +$25,920 | ||
| District of Columbia | $206,690 | $163,240 | +$43,450 | ||
| Florida | $197,060 | $131,740 | +$65,320 | ||
| Georgia | $212,560 | $131,670 | +$80,890 | ||
| Hawaii | $223,900 | $109,660 | +$114,240 | ||
| Idaho | $218,220 | $104,890 | +$113,330 | ||
| Indiana | $207,610 | $113,330 | +$94,280 | ||
| Iowa | $136,650 | $114,340 | +$22,310 | ||
| Kansas | $148,910 | $131,380 | +$17,530 | ||
| Kentucky | $171,990 | $109,990 | +$62,000 | ||
| Louisiana | $158,180 | $108,570 | +$49,610 | ||
| Maine | $119,410 | $128,010 | $-8,600 | ||
| Minnesota | $192,230 | $139,790 | +$52,440 | ||
| Mississippi | $122,740 | $101,240 | +$21,500 | ||
| Missouri | $141,550 | $135,720 | +$5,830 | ||
| Montana | $172,240 | $103,000 | +$69,240 | ||
| Nebraska | $194,080 | $124,190 | +$69,890 | ||
| New Hampshire | $129,010 | $140,290 | $-11,280 | ||
| New York | $212,960 | $165,930 | +$47,030 | ||
| Ohio | $175,930 | $128,500 | +$47,430 | ||
| Oklahoma | $128,230 | $106,730 | +$21,500 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $200,560 | $134,010 | +$66,550 | ||
| South Carolina | $186,800 | $113,110 | +$73,690 | ||
| Tennessee | $171,940 | $122,270 | +$49,670 | ||
| Utah | $161,140 | $119,370 | +$41,770 | ||
| Vermont | $157,370 | $96,110 | +$61,260 | ||
| West Virginia | $172,090 | $132,350 | +$39,740 | ||
| Wisconsin | $206,810 | $121,880 | +$84,930 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Chief Executives or Purchasing Managers?
On average across all states, a Chief Executives earns more than a Purchasing Managers. The national median salary difference is $44,414 (34.5%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Chief Executives earn more than a Purchasing Managers?
A Chief Executives earns a higher median salary than a Purchasing Managers in 30 out of 32 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Purchasing Managers pays more in 2 states.
What is the median salary for a Chief Executives vs Purchasing Managers?
The national median salary for a Chief Executives is $173,235 per year, compared to $128,820 for a Purchasing Managers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Chief Executives or Purchasing Managers?
There are more people employed as Chief Executives. BLS reports approximately 128,370 Chief Executives positions and 77,350 Purchasing Managers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Chief Executives or Purchasing Managers?
Both Chief Executives 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.
Explore Career Options
Build a Professional Resume Get Certified & Earn More Learn a New Language Build In-Demand Tech Skills Explore Top Courses Advance Your CareerCompare After-Tax Take-Home Pay
See what each role actually pays after federal, state, and FICA taxes.