National Salary Overview
VS
Purchasing Managers earns $1,291 more (0.9%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$138,550
$139,842
Average (Mean) Salary
$151,022
$146,959
Total Employment
220,670
84,150
States with Higher Pay
23
27
Salary by State: Human Resources Managers vs Purchasing Managers
Showing 50 states where both occupations have BLS data. Human Resources Managers pays more in 23 states; Purchasing Managers pays more in 27.
| State | Human Resources Managers | Purchasing Managers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $113,210 | $130,710 | $-17,500 | ||
| Alaska | $129,570 | $114,650 | +$14,920 | ||
| Arizona | $139,820 | $138,940 | +$880 | ||
| Arkansas | $108,580 | $156,450 | $-47,870 | ||
| California | $170,080 | $159,830 | +$10,250 | ||
| Colorado | $166,400 | $171,250 | $-4,850 | ||
| Connecticut | $165,930 | $138,680 | +$27,250 | ||
| District of Columbia | $184,350 | $175,720 | +$8,630 | ||
| Florida | $137,790 | $133,410 | +$4,380 | ||
| Georgia | $150,700 | $155,360 | $-4,660 | ||
| Hawaii | $128,910 | $113,490 | +$15,420 | ||
| Idaho | $119,990 | $136,970 | $-16,980 | ||
| Illinois | $151,370 | $153,370 | $-2,000 | ||
| Indiana | $130,340 | $126,880 | +$3,460 | ||
| Iowa | $126,370 | $121,580 | +$4,790 | ||
| Kansas | $134,470 | $159,850 | $-25,380 | ||
| Kentucky | $121,460 | $124,350 | $-2,890 | ||
| Louisiana | $107,880 | $109,630 | $-1,750 | ||
| Maine | $129,720 | $135,970 | $-6,250 | ||
| Maryland | $152,770 | $161,470 | $-8,700 | ||
| Massachusetts | $181,780 | $170,750 | +$11,030 | ||
| Michigan | $138,930 | $142,120 | $-3,190 | ||
| Minnesota | $153,770 | $144,810 | +$8,960 | ||
| Mississippi | $106,100 | $122,940 | $-16,840 | ||
| Missouri | $130,680 | $132,100 | $-1,420 | ||
| Montana | $115,280 | $123,480 | $-8,200 | ||
| Nebraska | $129,460 | $124,010 | +$5,450 | ||
| Nevada | $128,550 | $120,270 | +$8,280 | ||
| New Hampshire | $135,000 | $162,900 | $-27,900 | ||
| New Jersey | $172,440 | $174,520 | $-2,080 | ||
| New Mexico | $118,070 | $134,790 | $-16,720 | ||
| New York | $176,650 | $166,300 | +$10,350 | ||
| North Carolina | $142,990 | $138,710 | +$4,280 | ||
| North Dakota | $139,050 | $130,110 | +$8,940 | ||
| Ohio | $130,480 | $134,580 | $-4,100 | ||
| Oklahoma | $116,080 | $119,310 | $-3,230 | ||
| Oregon | $140,570 | $137,190 | +$3,380 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $133,060 | $141,790 | $-8,730 | ||
| Rhode Island | $167,110 | $134,560 | +$32,550 | ||
| South Carolina | $124,290 | $131,720 | $-7,430 | ||
| South Dakota | $117,930 | $128,670 | $-10,740 | ||
| Tennessee | $131,760 | $137,060 | $-5,300 | ||
| Texas | $136,500 | $134,670 | +$1,830 | ||
| Utah | $131,380 | $125,940 | +$5,440 | ||
| Vermont | $132,050 | $135,720 | $-3,670 | ||
| Virginia | $165,980 | $166,230 | $-250 | ||
| Washington | $165,530 | $162,730 | +$2,800 | ||
| West Virginia | $120,020 | $147,220 | $-27,200 | ||
| Wisconsin | $133,490 | $124,990 | +$8,500 | ||
| Wyoming | $127,520 | $123,380 | +$4,140 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Human Resources Managers vs Purchasing Managers salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
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 $1,291 (0.9%) based on 2025 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 50 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Purchasing Managers pays more in 27 states.
What is the median salary for a Human Resources Managers vs Purchasing Managers?
The national median salary for a Human Resources Managers is $138,550 per year, compared to $139,842 for a Purchasing Managers, according to 2025 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 220,670 Human Resources Managers positions and 84,150 Purchasing Managers positions nationwide (2025).
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.
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