Purchasing managers earn 57 percent more in corporations than in smaller companies
1,494 purchasing professionals surveyed in Germany: CPOs earn an average of 158,000 euros – significant pay differences between women and men – AI deployment is associated with higher salaries
Düsseldorf, November 16, 2026 – How much do purchasing professionals earn in Germany? And which factors most influence their salary? The 14th KLOEPFEL Purchasing Salary Report 2026 shows that primarily the position, the company size, and the purchasing volume in charge decide the remuneration. The differences are particularly pronounced among executives. Purchasing managers earn an average of 90,000 euros gross in companies with annual sales of 10 to 50 million euros. In companies with more than one billion euros in sales, it is 141,000 euros – an increase of 57 percent. 1,494 purchasing and supply chain professionals in Germany were surveyed for the study. KLOEPFEL by EPSA provides interested parties with the buyer salary report 2026 free of charge as a download.
CPOs earn almost three times as much as operational buyers
On average, the respondents earn 93,000 euros. Operational buyers earn 56,000 euros, strategic buyers 78,000 euros, and lead buyers or commodity managers 100,000 euros. Purchasing managers earn 115,000 euros. At the top are Chief Procurement Officers (CPOs) with an average of 158,000 euros.
The amount of purchasing responsibility also plays an important role. Those managing less than one million euros earn an average of 59,000 euros. With a volume of more than one billion euros, it is 154,000 euros.
Industry pays particularly well
The highest average salaries are achieved by purchasing in industry, at around 97,000 euros. Technical buyers benefit particularly from this. There, they earn an average of 72,000 euros, while in retail they earn 58,000 euros. CPOs are also particularly well paid in industry, with 166,000 euros.
However, in shopping districts, industry, trade, and services are closely located. There, they earn between 110,000 and 117,000 euros, while in the public sector and in state-affiliated companies, the average is 104,000 euros.
Women also earn less in similar positions
Women in the retail sector earn an average of 72,000 euros gross per year, while men earn 99,000 euros. The difference is therefore 27,000 euros.
Even within the same position, there are differences. Strategic buyers receive an average of 70,000 euros, while their male colleagues receive 81,000 euros. In the case of purchasing managers, the salary is 101,000 euros, while for purchasing directors it is 116,000 euros. Although women are less often represented in well-paid management positions, this only partially explains the gap. Time spent at work, work experience, and the extent of responsibility also likely play a role.
Higher salaries in companies using AI
19 percent of respondents have already implemented AI in their company, while another 42 percent plan to do so. Purchasing professionals in companies with AI deployment earn an average of 109,000 euros, while without AI deployment they earn 87,000 euros. The difference is also evident within the same positions. Purchasing managers in companies with AI deployment receive an average of 127,000 euros, while without AI deployment they earn 103,000 euros.
However, an immediate connection between AI and higher salaries cannot be inferred from this. Companies that already use AI may often be larger and more digitally advanced employers that generally pay higher salaries.
More salary with further training
Professional development is associated with higher salaries. Respondents with completed training in purchasing earn an average of 101,000 euros, without such training it is 80,000 euros. The level of education also makes a difference. Professionals with vocational training earn an average of 72,000 euros, with a master's degree 114,000 euros.
27 percent find their salary unfair
More than one in four considers their own salary to be rather unfair or not fair at all. Those who rate their own pay as very fair earn an average of 121,000 euros, while those who find it completely unfair earn 60,000 euros. The differences are also evident within the same position. Purchasing managers who feel very fairly paid earn an average of 139,000 euros, while those with a more unfair assessment earn 90,000 euros.
Recognizing the importance of shopping
„Procurement determines margins and delivery capabilities. Those who take responsibility, continue to develop their skills and make their performance measurable can increase their influence and income. Companies that adequately pay their professional and management staff in procurement also strengthen their competitiveness and the stability of their supply chains,“ says Alexander Hornikel, Country Manager KLOEPFEL by EPSA.
All salary figures refer to the average annual gross salary.
The full salary report is available here:
https://kloepfel-consulting.com/the-makers-place/gehalts-coach/