Salary AI Book a Demo

Associate Buyer/Planner Salary in California

How much does an Associate Buyer/Planner make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Associate Buyer/Planner in California is $80,371 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.

However, an Associate Buyer/Planner's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $98,545
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $71,776 to $89,884
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $63,950
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Associate Buyer/Planner Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Associate Buyer/Planner Salaries

An Associate Buyer/Planner's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Associate Buyer/Planner Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Associate Buyer/Planner's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $78,389
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $91,166
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $110,303
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $145,459
  • Expert (over 8 years): $177,606
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Associate Buyer/Planner less than 1 year $78,389
Research and Development Associate II 1-2 years $91,166
Research and Development Associate III 2-4 years $110,303
Research and Development Associate IV 5-8 years $145,459
Research and Development Associate V over 8 years $177,606

How Do Associate Buyer/Planner Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Associate Buyer/Planners. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $80,677.
  • California: $80,371.
  • Massachusetts: $79,300.

Top Paying Cities for Associate Buyer/Planner

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Los Angeles: $80,509
  • West Hollywood: $80,451
  • Dodgertown: $80,509

Associate Buyer/Planner Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Associate Buyer/Planner roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 65% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 35% above the average. In contrast, Associate Buyer/Planner positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Associate Buyer/Planner as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Associate Buyer/Planner

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking $108,501 $52.0 35%
Pharmaceuticals $104,482 $50.0 30%
Biotechnology $100,464 $48.0 25%
Financial Services $100,464 $48.0 25%
Internet $96,445 $46.0 20%

Associate Buyer/Planner Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Associate Buyer/Planner's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$71,776
Average $80,371/year
$89,884
$5,981
Average $6,698/month
$7,490
$1,380
Average $1,546/week
$1,729
$35
Average $39/hour
$43
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $89,884 $7,490 $1,729 $43
Average $80,371 $6,698 $1,546 $39
25th Percentile $71,776 $5,981 $1,380 $35

Find Your Next Associate Buyer/Planner Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Associate Buyer/Planner job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • Core-Mark | DARLINGTON, RI

    Warehouse Associate

    Core-Mark | DARLINGTON, RI

    Core-Mark is seeking a Night Shift Warehouse Associate to support our wholesale trade distribution operations. In this role, you will accurately pick, pack... more

    9 Days Ago

  • Core-Mark | CENTERDALE, RI

    Warehouse Associate

    Core-Mark | CENTERDALE, RI

    Core-Mark is seeking a Night Shift Warehouse Associate to support our wholesale trade distribution operations. In this role, you will accurately pick, pack... more

    9 Days Ago

  • Waste Management | BUTTE, MT

    Plant Associate

    Waste Management | BUTTE, MT

    Plant Associates at WM support safe, efficient operation of our waste and recycling facilities. In this hands-on role, you will sort and process materials,... more

    9 Days Ago

  • Marvin | BELCOURT, ND

    Production Associate

    Marvin | BELCOURT, ND

    Join Marvin as a Weekend Shift Production Associate in our Manufacturing & Production team. You’ll help build premium windows, doors, and skylights by oper... more

    9 Days Ago

  • Marvin | VELVA, ND

    Production Associate

    Marvin | VELVA, ND

    Join Marvin as a Weekend Shift Production Associate in our Manufacturing & Production team. You’ll help build premium windows, doors, and skylights by oper... more

    9 Days Ago

  • Marvin | DENBIGH, ND

    Production Associate

    Marvin | DENBIGH, ND

    Join Marvin as a Weekend Shift Production Associate in our Manufacturing & Production team. You’ll help build premium windows, doors, and skylights by oper... more

    9 Days Ago

For Employees

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Get a Salary Increase

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

Search Job Openings

For Employers

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Adjust Employee Salary

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

Price My Industry Jobs

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

  • Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
  • Job and employee pricing reports
  • Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.
Learn about CompAnalyst