Buyers and Purchasing Agents vs Computer Network Support Specialists: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Buyers and Purchasing Agents professionals earn $2,310 more per year than Computer Network Support Specialists professionals — that's 3.1% higher. At the 90th percentile, Buyers and Purchasing Agents earns $127,520 compared to $124,470 for Computer Network Support Specialists.
Salary Range Comparison
Buyers and Purchasing Agents$46,460 – $127,520
Computer Network Support Specialists$46,010 – $124,470
$46,010$127,520
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Buyers and Purchasing Agents | Computer Network Support Specialists | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $46,460 | $46,010 | +$450 |
| 25th Percentile | $58,670 | $56,720 | +$1,950 |
| Median (50th) | $75,650 | $73,340 | +$2,310 |
| 75th Percentile | $99,190 | $95,710 | +$3,480 |
| 90th Percentile | $127,520 | $124,470 | +$3,050 |
| Mean (Average) | $81,720 | $79,610 | +$2,110 |
Employment Numbers
Buyers and Purchasing Agents
486,900
employed nationwide
Computer Network Support Specialists
146,450
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Buyers and Purchasing Agents
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $103,560 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $102,140 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $93,320 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $85,980 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $84,680 |
Best Cities for Computer Network Support Specialists
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $104,130 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $98,670 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $98,490 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $97,200 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $88,980 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Buyers and Purchasing Agents or Computer Network Support Specialists?
Buyers and Purchasing Agents professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $2,310 (3.1% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Buyers and Purchasing Agents?
Buyers and Purchasing Agents salaries range from $46,460 (10th percentile) to $127,520 (90th percentile), with a median of $75,650.
What is the salary range for Computer Network Support Specialists?
Computer Network Support Specialists salaries range from $46,010 (10th percentile) to $124,470 (90th percentile), with a median of $73,340.
How many Buyers and Purchasing Agents and Computer Network Support Specialists jobs are there?
There are approximately 486,900 Buyers and Purchasing Agents positions and 146,450 Computer Network Support Specialists positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Computer Network Support Specialists to Buyers and Purchasing Agents?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Buyers and Purchasing Agents has a median salary of $75,650 while Computer Network Support Specialists earns $73,340. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
Career Resources
Career Change Resources
Explore tools and guides for transitioning between careers.
Professional Certifications
Find certifications that can boost your earning potential.
Online Degree Programs
Browse accredited online degrees relevant to these careers.
Resume Writing Services
Get professional help crafting a standout resume.
Explore More
Was this data helpful?
Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS