Since 2013, the Kloepfel Group has conducted an annual survey of German specialists and managers in the fields of purchasing and supply chain management. This year, around 1,300 people took part. The report highlights salary differences and their causes, including country- and industry-specific differences. It also examines whether and how the use of AI affects salaries.
Average salary by position
CPOs (Chief Procurement Officer) generally earn the most with an average of 167,670 euros per year.
Purchasing Manager: The heads of a purchasing department earn an average of 115,651 euros per year.
Lead Buyer or Commodity Manager: Receive an average of 95,776 euros.
Supply Chain Manager: They earn 105,410 euros per year.
Project Buyers: They receive an average of 94,235 euros.
Strategic buyers: Earn 81,472 euros per year.
Operational buyers: earn the least with an average of 57,544 euros.
Salary by sector
Across all career levels, buyers 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 higher salaries for men
Unfortunately, purchasing also shows that men in the same position almost always earn more than women. Across all positions, men are paid an average of 20 percent more than their female colleagues. However, there seems to be a very slow positive change.
More years of service does not automatically mean a higher salary
More years of service does not automatically lead to a higher salary, especially for buyers with over 25 to 30 years of experience. Younger professionals are often preferred because 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 are often lower in the East
In the East, buyers 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 is 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 purchasers earn more on average in companies where AI is already being used.
Controlling good for 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
Thanh Duy Tran, Country Manager 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 and use their acquired know-how in their day-to-day work.”
Conclusion
Alexander Hornikel, Country Manager Germany at Kloepfel Consulting, comments on the results of the 2024 Purchaser Salary Report: “The 2024 Salary Report once again underlines the fact that salary development in purchasing depends heavily on the industry, new technologies and strategic orientation. Companies that focus on further training and modern technologies create the best conditions for keeping their buyers successful and motivated in the long term.”
Press contact
Christian Fischer
Head of Press and Public Relations
Mobil: 0152-227-227-50
c.fischer@kloepfel-services.com