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Buyer, Industrial Buyer, Procurement Specialist, Purchaser, Supply Chain Management Professional, Supply Technician
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Duties vary but, in general, purchasing agents:
In smaller companies, they may be directly involved in buying goods and speeding up delivery. Depending on the urgency and value of the required products, orders may be placed by computer, phone, or fax.
In larger organizations, experienced purchasing agents may:
To keep up to date so they can make informed decisions, they:
Purchasing agents work in offices. They may work long or varied hours because of travel, deadlines, or taking inventory. Much of their work can be done as hybrid or remote work.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in compiling information to establish delivery schedules and to monitor progress
Interest in negotiating or determining contract terms and conditions and in awarding supplier contracts or recommending contract awards; may hire, train and supervise purchasing clerks
Interest in contacting clients and suppliers to resolve problems
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Purchasing agents need:
They should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 156 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Feb 27, 2023 and Dec 21, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Purchase general and specialized equipment, materials or business services | 131 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Consult with suppliers | 120 |
| Tasks: Review quotations | 117 |
| Tasks: Determine contract terms and conditions | 115 |
| Tasks: Establish delivery schedules | 111 |
| Tasks: Contact clients and suppliers to resolve problems | 108 |
| Tasks: Monitor progress of delivery schedules | 105 |
| Tasks: Assess requirements of establishment | 101 |
| Tasks: Develop specifications for equipment, materials and supplies to be purchased | 95 |
| Attention to detail | 83 |
There are several ways to become a purchasing agent. Most employers prefer applicants who have a degree or diploma in business administration or commerce, supply chain management, engineering, or economics. This is most true when agents need to analyze costs, understand legal issues, and administer contracts.
Some industries prefer candidates who have related background knowledge. For example, a chemical company might hire an agent with a diploma or degree in chemistry.
Some employers provide training on the job for newly hired purchasing agents.
Computer skills are an asset. For example, agents need to know how to use common word processing, spreadsheet, and database software (and other technology used in e-commerce and for ordering).
Many universities, colleges, and technical institutes offer courses in purchasing, buying, and finance through their continuing education departments. These can help with advancement. Agents with a degree, diploma, or courses in business administration or commerce may start at a higher level and move up quickly.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Purchasing agents who want to work for a government may want to join the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP, the Institute for Public Procurement).
Certification in public procurement is offered by the Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPCC). UPPCC does not require registration, membership or any fees to maintain certification. Certification is voluntary and indicates an established level of knowledge. Certification lasts 5 years and can be maintained through continuing education.
As part of UPPCC, individuals must agree to the UPPCC code of ethics and professional conduct. UPPCC may revoke certification for ethical violations.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
Supply chain management professionals buy goods, materials, supplies, and services as required by their organization.
Under Alberta’s Professional and Occupational Associations Registration Act [pdf] and Supply Chain Management Association Alberta Regulation [pdf], you must register with the Supply Chain Canada, Alberta Institute to use the protected title Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP).
You do not have to register if you do not call yourself a Supply Chain Management Professional.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Supply Chain Management Professional.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Purchasing agents work in any company where large sums of money are spent for equipment, supplies, and services. Examples include:
Often purchasing agents start as clerks or buyers. With experience, they may advance to management or move into related areas, such as materials management, inventory management, traffic or transportation, quality control, or finance.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Purchasing agents and officers
2016 NOC: 1225
77.6% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Salaries for purchasing agents vary greatly. Key factors include the size and nature of the company, the responsibilities of the position, and the agent’s qualifications.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $20.00 | $59.51 | $34.84 | $31.74 |
| Overall | $25.00 | $79.18 | $44.05 | $38.75 |
| Top | $26.87 | $111.90 | $53.24 | $47.60 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $87,546 |
|---|---|
| Oil & Gas Extraction | $118,926 |
| Construction | $72,777 |
| Manufacturing | $63,737 |
| Wholesale Trade | $70,402 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $94,462 |
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $69,473 |
| Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing | $71,594 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $82,892 |
| Educational Services | $69,383 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $70,617 |
| Public Administration | $84,234 |
National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP) website: www.nigp.org
Supply Chain Management Association website: www.supplychaincanada.com/ab
Universal Public Procurement Certification Council website: uppcc.org
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2024. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
