Careers and salaries

The profession has undergone major transformation over the last few years and now provides an exciting opportunity for graduates who want to have a real impact on business.

Salaries obviously reflect experience and qualifications, and graduates entering the purchasing profession need to prove themselves by showing willingness to learn, independent thinking and determination. 

Salaries have risen rapidly over the last decade, outstripping other professions such as IT, finance, HR or sales and marketing. Purchasers who are members of the institute can expect to earn around £2,000 more than non-members.  In addition, 59 per cent of staff report good or excellent job satisfaction.

*Source the annual CIPS/Croner Reward purchasing and supply salary survey 2008.  A summary of this survey can be downloaded here but you will need to log in first.