Purchaser

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Work Tasks

PURCHASERS buy goods and services for use by their company or organization. They make sure the goods, materials, supplies, and services purchased are of suitable quality and quantity, correctly priced, and available when needed. They determine which commodities or services are best and choose suppliers. Purchasers negotiate the lowest price, and award contracts that ensure the correct amount and that the product or service is received at the appropriate time. Computers handle most of the more routine tasks, enabling purchasers to concentrate mainly on the analytical aspects of the job.

Salary, Size & Growth

• $65,500 average per year ($31.50 per hour)
• A large occupation (282,600 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow moderately (1.3% per year)

Entry Requirements

Large stores and distributors prefer PURCHASERS with a bachelor's degree with a business emphasis. Manufacturing companies prefer applicants with a bachelor's or master's degree in business, economics, or technical training such as engineering or one of the applied sciences. New employees must learn the specifics of their employers' business. Training periods vary in length from one to five years.