Since 2013, the Kloepfel Group has conducted an annual survey of German specialists and managers from the fields of purchasing and supply chain management. This year, 1,179 people from Germany took part. The report shows salary differences and their causes, including country- and industry-specific differences. It also examined whether and how the use of AI in companies affects salaries.
Average salary by position
CPOs (Chief Procurement Officers) generally earn the most with an average of 167,670 euros per year.
Purchasing managers earn an average of 115,651 euros per year.
Supply chain managers earn an average of 105,410 euros per year.
Lead buyers or commodity managers earn an average of 95,776 euros per year.
Project buyers earn an average of 94,235 euros per year.
Strategic buyers earn an average of 81,472 euros per year.
Operational buyers earn an average of 57,544 euros per year.
Salary by sector
Across all career levels, purchasers in the pharmaceutical industry earn the highest salaries on average. This is followed by the non-food and food consumer goods industry, the construction industry, retail and the automotive sector.
Almost always more pay for men
Unfortunately, it is also evident in purchasing that men in the same position almost always earn more than women. Across all positions, men are paid on average 20 percent more than their female colleagues. However, there seems to be a very slow positive change.
More years of service do not automatically mean a higher salary
More years of service does not automatically lead to a higher salary, especially for purchasers with over 25 to 30 years of experience. Younger professionals are often preferred as they are more proficient in modern technologies and working methods. Older employees often reach a career plateau with limited opportunities for advancement. Salaries are increasingly based on performance and market conditions rather than age and years of service. Therefore, employees should continuously upgrade their skills to meet changing demands.
Salaries often lower in the East
Buyers in the East are often paid less than in the West, as economic differences still exist decades after reunification. Many strong companies with higher salaries are located in the West, which raises the general salary level there. The more intense competition for skilled workers in economically strong regions such as Bavaria or North Rhine-Westphalia also leads to higher salaries. In eastern Germany, competition is less intense, which depresses salaries. In addition, employers in eastern Germany adjust salaries to the lower cost of living there, while in western Germany the higher costs require higher salaries.
Indirect purchasing often more lucrative
Higher salaries are almost always achievable in indirect purchasing. In many companies, indirect purchasing is often of strategic importance, as procurement in this area is often linked to long-term contracts, large budgets and important corporate functions such as IT or HR. This strategic importance can mean that companies are willing to pay higher salaries.
More salary in companies with AI
Relatively few companies are still working with artificial intelligence (AI). However, it has been shown that buyers earn more on average in companies that already use AI.
Controlling good for the salary
Buyers earn more on average if there is comprehensive controlling in purchasing. Comprehensive controlling increases motivation, but also professionalism and the visibility and position of purchasing in the company. Key figures that are oriented towards the company's overarching goals are important when measuring performance.
Further training brings added value
Alexander Hornikel, Country Manager at Kloepfel Consulting Germany, states: "A top salary can be achieved through qualification measures. Further training for purchasing staff is worthwhile for both the employer and the employee. After completing further training, buyers in almost all positions earn more than their colleagues who do not undergo further training." Click here for the 2024 salary report: https://www.kloepfel-karriere.com/gehalts-coach/