Procurement Clerks
Compile information and records to draw up purchase orders for procurement of materials and services.
Also called: Buyer, Departmental Buyer, Expeditor, Film Replacement Orderer, Procurement Agent, Procurement Analyst
Median pay
$50,580
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$38,040 – $68,620
People employed
55,810
Holland code
CER
Conventional · Enterprising · Realistic
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK repeating the same tasks most of the day?
- 2.Do you want a job with little physical risk?
- 3.Are you comfortable sitting at a desk most of the day?
- 4.Do you want the same hours every week?
- 5.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 6.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
Procurement Clerks pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What procurement clerks do
- 01Track the status of requisitions, contracts, and orders.
- 02Perform buying duties when necessary.
- 03Prepare purchase orders and send copies to suppliers and to departments originating requests.
- 04Calculate costs of orders, and charge or forward invoices to appropriate accounts.
- 05Compare prices, specifications, and delivery dates to determine the best bid among potential suppliers.
- 06Approve and pay bills.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Writing
Knowledge
- English Language
- Administrative
- Customer and Personal Service
- Economics and Accounting
- Administration and Management
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from procurement clerks
- Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks88% · +18%
- Office Clerks, General87% · −11%
- Order Clerks86% · −9%
- Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks84% · −11%
- Customer Service Representatives84% · −11%
Change into procurement clerks
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Order Clerks86% · $46,170
- Customs Brokers85% · $80,730
- Correspondence Clerks83% · $46,800
- Freight Forwarders82% · $52,260
- Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks82% · $59,650
Majors that lead here
- General Office Occupations and Clerical Services
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.