Purchaser

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Work Tasks

• Buy goods and services for their company
• Read catalogs, directories, and trade journals to find information about suppliers and their reputations
• Advertise that the company needs certain items so different suppliers will make offers to the company
• Use computers to search the Internet for the latest prices; bargain for the best prices
• Work in offices for construction companies, the government, business firms, advertisers, manufacturers, schools, hospitals, and service companies
• Work with technical specifications, catalogs, journals, product samples, price lists, order forms, bills, supplies received, computers, and the Internet

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)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: A 4-year degree in business or a field related to the products purchased
• Employers Prefer: A master's degree in logistics
• Skills/Courses: Training periods vary in length from one to five years. New employees work with experienced purchasers to learn about commodities, prices, suppliers, and markets.
• Certification/Licensing: Certification is available after completing courses and passing a test.