National Salary Overview
VS
Sales Managers earns $3,448 more (2.7%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$128,820
$132,268
Average (Mean) Salary
$136,460
$149,870
Total Employment
77,350
572,710
States with Higher Pay
22
27
Salary by State: Purchasing Managers vs Sales Managers
Showing 49 states where both occupations have BLS data. Purchasing Managers pays more in 22 states; Sales Managers pays more in 27.
| State | Purchasing Managers | Sales Managers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $124,130 | $117,750 | +$6,380 | ||
| Alaska | $107,380 | $93,050 | +$14,330 | ||
| Arizona | $134,800 | $122,880 | +$11,920 | ||
| Arkansas | $108,850 | $121,820 | $-12,970 | ||
| California | $153,510 | $131,740 | +$21,770 | ||
| Colorado | $153,980 | $176,700 | $-22,720 | ||
| Connecticut | $129,760 | $135,920 | $-6,160 | ||
| District of Columbia | $163,240 | $138,680 | +$24,560 | ||
| Florida | $131,740 | $128,810 | +$2,930 | ||
| Georgia | $131,670 | $141,720 | $-10,050 | ||
| Hawaii | $109,660 | $117,680 | $-8,020 | ||
| Idaho | $104,890 | $109,530 | $-4,640 | ||
| Illinois | $136,930 | $135,680 | +$1,250 | ||
| Indiana | $113,330 | $117,500 | $-4,170 | ||
| Iowa | $114,340 | $129,080 | $-14,740 | ||
| Kansas | $131,380 | $147,800 | $-16,420 | ||
| Kentucky | $109,990 | $109,300 | +$690 | ||
| Louisiana | $108,570 | $107,340 | +$1,230 | ||
| Maine | $128,010 | $100,400 | +$27,610 | ||
| Maryland | $145,600 | $125,600 | +$20,000 | ||
| Massachusetts | $154,760 | $156,360 | $-1,600 | ||
| Michigan | $134,970 | $141,620 | $-6,650 | ||
| Minnesota | $139,790 | $134,290 | +$5,500 | ||
| Mississippi | $101,240 | $107,750 | $-6,510 | ||
| Missouri | $135,720 | $111,400 | +$24,320 | ||
| Montana | $103,000 | $120,820 | $-17,820 | ||
| Nebraska | $124,190 | $116,470 | +$7,720 | ||
| Nevada | $104,380 | $103,000 | +$1,380 | ||
| New Hampshire | $140,290 | $145,000 | $-4,710 | ||
| New Jersey | $168,210 | $170,690 | $-2,480 | ||
| New Mexico | $131,600 | $105,010 | +$26,590 | ||
| New York | $165,930 | $214,010 | $-48,080 | ||
| North Carolina | $129,140 | $125,270 | +$3,870 | ||
| North Dakota | $134,400 | $119,960 | +$14,440 | ||
| Ohio | $128,500 | $134,440 | $-5,940 | ||
| Oklahoma | $106,730 | $122,000 | $-15,270 | ||
| Oregon | $126,330 | $125,890 | +$440 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $134,010 | $130,600 | +$3,410 | ||
| Rhode Island | $139,100 | $158,600 | $-19,500 | ||
| South Carolina | $113,110 | $122,820 | $-9,710 | ||
| South Dakota | $126,310 | $161,470 | $-35,160 | ||
| Tennessee | $122,270 | $132,830 | $-10,560 | ||
| Texas | $128,960 | $127,560 | +$1,400 | ||
| Utah | $119,370 | $130,220 | $-10,850 | ||
| Vermont | $96,110 | $129,280 | $-33,170 | ||
| Virginia | $153,600 | $158,000 | $-4,400 | ||
| Washington | $154,190 | $169,680 | $-15,490 | ||
| West Virginia | $132,350 | $103,870 | +$28,480 | ||
| Wisconsin | $121,880 | $134,120 | $-12,240 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Purchasing Managers or Sales Managers?
On average across all states, a Sales Managers earns more than a Purchasing Managers. The national median salary difference is $3,448 (2.7%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Purchasing Managers earn more than a Sales Managers?
A Purchasing Managers earns a higher median salary than a Sales Managers in 22 out of 49 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Sales Managers pays more in 27 states.
What is the median salary for a Purchasing Managers vs Sales Managers?
The national median salary for a Purchasing Managers is $128,820 per year, compared to $132,268 for a Sales Managers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Purchasing Managers or Sales Managers?
There are more people employed as Sales Managers. BLS reports approximately 77,350 Purchasing Managers positions and 572,710 Sales Managers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Purchasing Managers or Sales Managers?
Both Purchasing Managers and Sales 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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