Human Resources Managers vs Purchasing Managers: Salary Comparison

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024).

National Salary Overview

Human Resources Managers

Median Salary
$127,129
Average (Mean)
$139,709
Employed Nationwide
200,580
VS

Purchasing Managers

Median Salary
$128,820
Average (Mean)
$136,460
Employed Nationwide
77,350
Purchasing Managers earns $1,690 more (1.3%)

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $127,129 $128,820
Average (Mean) Salary $139,709 $136,460
Total Employment 200,580 77,350
States with Higher Pay 23 26

Salary by State: Human Resources Managers vs Purchasing Managers

Showing 49 states where both occupations have BLS data. Human Resources Managers pays more in 23 states; Purchasing Managers pays more in 26.

State Human Resources Managers Purchasing Managers Difference
Alabama $106,510
$124,130
$-17,620
Alaska $117,580
$107,380
+$10,200
Arizona $128,140
$134,800
$-6,660
Arkansas $97,380
$108,850
$-11,470
California $166,920
$153,510
+$13,410
Colorado $149,340
$153,980
$-4,640
Connecticut $141,070
$129,760
+$11,310
District of Columbia $171,220
$163,240
+$7,980
Florida $120,270
$131,740
$-11,470
Georgia $131,970
$131,670
+$300
Hawaii $111,250
$109,660
+$1,590
Idaho $109,180
$104,890
+$4,290
Illinois $132,170
$136,930
$-4,760
Indiana $123,930
$113,330
+$10,600
Iowa $117,630
$114,340
+$3,290
Kansas $127,330
$131,380
$-4,050
Kentucky $111,130
$109,990
+$1,140
Louisiana $99,120
$108,570
$-9,450
Maine $123,160
$128,010
$-4,850
Maryland $142,190
$145,600
$-3,410
Massachusetts $170,840
$154,760
+$16,080
Michigan $125,650
$134,970
$-9,320
Minnesota $143,800
$139,790
+$4,010
Mississippi $91,460
$101,240
$-9,780
Missouri $119,430
$135,720
$-16,290
Montana $106,220
$103,000
+$3,220
Nebraska $121,890
$124,190
$-2,300
Nevada $92,040
$104,380
$-12,340
New Hampshire $134,740
$140,290
$-5,550
New Jersey $167,880
$168,210
$-330
New Mexico $114,980
$131,600
$-16,620
New York $175,620
$165,930
+$9,690
North Carolina $129,960
$129,140
+$820
North Dakota $119,010
$134,400
$-15,390
Ohio $125,170
$128,500
$-3,330
Oklahoma $107,510
$106,730
+$780
Oregon $130,820
$126,330
+$4,490
Pennsylvania $127,830
$134,010
$-6,180
Rhode Island $150,820
$139,100
+$11,720
South Carolina $111,200
$113,110
$-1,910
South Dakota $109,960
$126,310
$-16,350
Tennessee $117,820
$122,270
$-4,450
Texas $130,260
$128,960
+$1,300
Utah $115,400
$119,370
$-3,970
Vermont $114,830
$96,110
+$18,720
Virginia $157,430
$153,600
+$3,830
Washington $163,850
$154,190
+$9,660
West Virginia $103,730
$132,350
$-28,620
Wisconsin $128,830
$121,880
+$6,950

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Human Resources Managers or Purchasing Managers?
On average across all states, a Purchasing Managers earns more than a Human Resources Managers. The national median salary difference is $1,690 (1.3%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Human Resources Managers earn more than a Purchasing Managers?
A Human Resources Managers earns a higher median salary than a Purchasing Managers in 23 out of 49 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Purchasing Managers pays more in 26 states.
What is the median salary for a Human Resources Managers vs Purchasing Managers?
The national median salary for a Human Resources Managers is $127,129 per year, compared to $128,820 for a Purchasing Managers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Human Resources Managers or Purchasing Managers?
There are more people employed as Human Resources Managers. BLS reports approximately 200,580 Human Resources Managers positions and 77,350 Purchasing Managers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Human Resources Managers or Purchasing Managers?
Both Human Resources 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.