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Junior Buyer, Merchandiser, Purchasing Analyst, Senior Buyer
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
Retail and wholesale buyers are responsible for ensuring that the retail or wholesale store they work for is receiving a sufficient flow of goods, materials, equipment or other merchandise for resale. Depending on the organization they work for, buyers may:
Retail and wholesale buyers usually spend a large portion of their time working in office environments, but may also spend time on the sales floor observing and interacting with customers. Travel is sometimes required. Before making purchases, buyers occasionally visit factories where goods are produced in order to select products or negotiate with sellers.
Buyers must occasionally work long hours, weekends, and overtime, especially during high-demand seasons.
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 co-ordinating information to study market reports, trade periodicals and sales promotion materials; and in visiting trade shows, showrooms, factories and product design events
Interest in negotiating prices, discounts, credit terms and transportation arrangements when interviewing suppliers
Interest in overseeing distribution of merchandise to outlets, in maintaining adequate levels of stock and in supervising the work of other retail buyers
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.
Retail and wholesale buyers need:
They should enjoy negotiating, taking a methodical approach to compiling information and being responsible for projects and the work of others.
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 193 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between May 06, 2023 and Apr 16, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Establish and maintain contact with suppliers | 147 |
|---|---|
| Attention to detail | 130 |
| Construction Specialization: Organized | 121 |
| Tasks: Arrange product according to planogram | 120 |
| Construction Specialization: Flexibility | 115 |
| Construction Specialization: Accurate | 113 |
| Tasks: Maintain adequate stock levels | 108 |
| Tasks: Oversee distribution of merchandise to outlets | 107 |
| Tasks: Review requirements of establishment and determine quantity and type of merchandise to purchase | 105 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 102 |
There are a variety of ways to become a retail or wholesale buyer. In the past, high school graduates started in entry-level positions such as purchasing clerk, expediter or junior buyer, or in departments where stock is processed (for example, in stores or shipping and receiving). However, most employers now prefer to hire applicants who have post-secondary education in business administration, commerce, supply chain management or economics, especially for positions that involve cost analysis, legal issues or contract administration.
A number of employers provide on-the-job training for newly hired retail and wholesale buyers.
Computer skills and familiarity with commonly used word processing, spreadsheet and database programs and with other technology used in e-commerce and ordering is a definite asset.
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.
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
Retail and wholesale buyers are employed by any store or chain that resells goods, materials, equipment or other merchandise.
A typical advancement path might be from a clerical position to junior buyer to senior buyer. With experience, buyers may advance to management positions.
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.
Retail and wholesale buyers
2016 NOC: 6222
76.2% 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: 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.
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 | $15.00 | $30.29 | $22.10 | $22.36 |
| Overall | $16.00 | $37.12 | $25.97 | $26.28 |
| Top | $19.00 | $50.21 | $33.33 | $31.67 |
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 | $51,492 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing | $66,910 |
| Wholesale Trade | $52,331 |
| Retail Trade | $44,682 |
Supply Chain Management Association (SCMA) website: www.supplychaincanada.com
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2017. 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.
