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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 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
To find out how well this occupation fits your work personality types, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
Click or tap a personality type for its description.
Find other alis occupations that match this occupation’s work personalities.
To identify or change your work personalities, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Procurement and purchasing agents and officers
2023 OaSIS: 12102.00
The graph below shows how well your scores match the overall abilities for this occupation.
The closer your ability scores are to the center, the more they match this occupation’s. The further away they are, the less they match this occupation’s.
The lower your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the more challenging the occupation will likely be for you. The higher your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the less challenging the occupation will likely be for you.
To find out how well this occupation fits your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
The 49 abilities are grouped into 5 abilities sets: Critical Thinking, Numbers and Patterns, Physical Activity, Mind-Body Coordination, and Senses.
Some abilities are more relevant to an occupation than other abilities. Individual abilities that are not relevant to an occupation are greyed out.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
Critical Thinking includes 9 abilities related to identifying and solving problems, thinking of ideas, and communication, such as speaking and writing.
This is how well your scores match the set of Critical Thinking abilities for this occupation:
Numbers and Patterns includes 10 abilities related to math, memorizing, and multitasking. It also includes how we perceive patterns, shapes, and distances.
This is how well your scores match the set of Numbers and Patterns abilities for this occupation:
Physical Activity includes 9 abilities related to strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and endurance.
This is how well your scores match the set of Physical Activity abilities for this occupation:
Mind-Body Coordination includes 9 abilities related to movement control and how we react to signals. It also includes fine motor skills, such finger and hand dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
This is how well your scores match the set of Mind-Body Coordination abilities for this occupation:
Senses includes 12 abilities related to seeing, hearing, and speaking.
This is how well your scores match the set of Senses abilities for this occupation:
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 104 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Jul 22, 2024 and Dec 14, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Purchase general and specialized equipment, materials or business services | 90 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Consult with suppliers | 88 |
| Tasks: Review quotations | 87 |
| Tasks: Determine contract terms and conditions | 77 |
| Tasks: Contact clients and suppliers to resolve problems | 76 |
| Tasks: Establish delivery schedules | 75 |
| Tasks: Monitor progress of delivery schedules | 74 |
| Tasks: Assess requirements of establishment | 69 |
| Construction Specialization: Organized | 67 |
| Attention to detail | 61 |
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 Alberta job market condition, or short-term demand forecast, for this occupation 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: 2024-2026 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 2021 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 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 | $20.19 | $64.33 | $34.35 | $31.25 |
| Overall | $24.12 | $78.38 | $41.64 | $36.68 |
| Top | $25.86 | $101.08 | $48.65 | $44.23 |
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 | $83,768 |
|---|---|
| Oil & Gas Extraction | $119,612 |
| Construction | $76,867 |
| Manufacturing | $70,480 |
| Wholesale Trade | $69,927 |
| Retail Trade | $57,224 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $92,124 |
| Educational Services | $75,842 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $70,964 |
| Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $64,160 |
| Public Administration | $88,184 |
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.
