What are the main factors that influence a Category Leader's salary?

The primary factors are: 1) Experience Level, 2) Geographic Location, 3) Education/Skills, 4) Company Size & Industry

What industry pays the highest salary for Category Leader?

The Internet industry offers the highest average compensation for Category Leader roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

How does experience change A Category Leader's salary?

A Category Leader's salary grows with experience: starting around $117,947 for beginners, reaching about $166,892 at mid-level, and approach $258,442 for experts.

What are the highest paying states for a Category Leader?

Category Leader salary varies significantly by state. The top 3 highest paying states for Category Leader roles are District of Columbia $312,256, California $311,071, Massachusetts $306,926. These tech hubs typically pay 10-15% above the national average.

How much do different types of Category Leader roles make?

Salaries for Category Leader level roles vary by specialization: Category Director: $286,918; Category Lead: $285,163; SVP of Category: $280,990; Expert Category Leader: $280,407; VP of Category: $218,000.

Category Leader Salary in South Carolina

How much does a Category Leader make in South Carolina? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Category Leader in South Carolina is $264,256 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $127.

However, a Category Leader's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

Top Earners (90th percentile): $317,568
Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $247,643 to $292,161
Entry-Level (10th percentile): $232,517

10% $232,517

50% (Median) $264,256

90% $317,568

Category Leader Salaries by Percentile

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$292,161	$24,347	$5,618	$140
Average	$264,256	$22,021	$5,082	$127
25th Percentile	$247,643	$20,637	$4,762	$119

Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

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Key Factors That Influence Category Leader Salaries

A Category Leader'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 Category Leader Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Category Leader'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): $117,947
Early Career (1-2 years): $135,882
Mid-Level (2-4 years): $166,892
Senior-Level (5-8 years): $200,489
Expert (over 8 years): $258,442

Job Role	Years of Experience	Average Salary
Category Management Manager	less than 1 year	$117,947
Category Management Senior Manager	1-2 years	$135,882
Category Management Director	2-4 years	$166,892
VP of Category Management	5-8 years	$200,489
Category Leader	over 8 years	$258,442

How Do Category Leader 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 Category Leaders. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

District of Columbia: $312,256.
California: $311,071.
Massachusetts: $306,926.

District of Columbia $312,256 California $311,071 Massachusetts $306,926 Washington $305,798 New Jersey $305,685 Alaska $305,290 Connecticut $301,398 New York $299,819

Hawaii $294,770 Rhode Island $292,401 Maryland $290,794 Minnesota $288,594 Colorado $287,748 Illinois $287,466 Oregon $286,394 Delaware $285,605

New Hampshire $285,108 Virginia $283,997 Pennsylvania $280,754 Nevada $279,118 North Dakota $278,582 Michigan $277,736 Wisconsin $277,426 Vermont $276,806

Texas $275,085 Maine $274,972 Arizona $274,803 Ohio $274,606 Georgia $272,011 Indiana $270,714 Wyoming $270,460 Utah $270,065

Iowa $269,896 Kansas $268,542 Louisiana $268,147 North Carolina $268,006 Missouri $267,950 Florida $266,850 Montana $266,258 Nebraska $265,694

Kentucky $265,384 South Carolina $264,256 Tennessee $263,550 Idaho $263,268 New Mexico $261,210 Oklahoma $260,758 Alabama $259,095 South Dakota $256,303

Arkansas $254,780 West Virginia $253,962 Mississippi $251,508

Top Paying Cities for Category Leader

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:

Spartanburg: $263,297
Boiling Springs: $263,308
Arcadia: $263,297

Spartanburg, SC $263,297

Boiling Springs, SC $263,308

Arcadia, SC $263,297

Buffalo, SC $262,064

Campobello, SC $261,509

Chesnee, SC $262,583

Clifton, SC $263,263

Clinton, SC $259,114

Converse, SC $263,328

Cowpens, SC $262,950

Cross Anchor, SC $261,469

Cross Hill, SC $256,847

Drayton, SC $263,302

Duncan, SC $262,654

Enoree, SC $261,562

Fairforest, SC $263,297

Fingerville, SC $262,321

Gaffney, SC $263,649

Glendale, SC $263,364

Alcolu, SC $249,511

Ballentine, SC $260,245

Bamberg, SC $254,531

Batesburg, SC $257,828

Bethune, SC $255,174

Bishopville, SC $252,408

Blackstock, SC $262,013

Blair, SC $260,203

Blythewood, SC $259,845

Bowman, SC $254,512

Camden, SC $256,711

Cameron, SC $254,007

Carlisle, SC $261,063

Cassatt, SC $255,064

Cayce, SC $260,476

Chapin, SC $259,331

Chappells, SC $255,865

Cope, SC $255,324

Cordova, SC $255,998

Dalzell, SC $251,731

Davis Station, SC $251,669

Denmark, SC $255,132

Eastover, SC $257,208

Elgin, SC $259,185

Elliott, SC $251,505

Elloree, SC $254,137

Eutawville, SC $255,586

Gable, SC $249,520

Gadsden, SC $257,225

Gaston, SC $259,879

Gilbert, SC $258,996

Great Falls, SC $263,770

Greeleyville, SC $252,351

Heath Springs, SC $261,968

Holly Hill, SC $255,197

Hopkins, SC $259,695

Horatio, SC $255,039

Irmo, SC $259,898

Jenkinsville, SC $259,766

Kershaw, SC $257,216

Lamar, SC $252,594

Leesville, SC $258,528

Lexington, SC $260,130

Liberty Hill, SC $260,169

Little Mountain, SC $259,162

Lugoff, SC $258,000

Lydia, SC $252,896

Lynchburg, SC $250,792

Ehrhardt, SC $252,941

Lodge, SC $252,997

Mc Bee, SC $255,434

Manning, SC $250,826

Mayesville, SC $249,658

Monetta, SC $257,555

Neeses, SC $257,168

Newberry, SC $257,462

New Zion, SC $250,403

North, SC $257,730

Norway, SC $255,738

Olanta, SC $252,033

Orangeburg, SC $255,335

Peak, SC $259,594

Pelion, SC $258,838

Pinewood, SC $251,567

New Ellenton, SC $259,740

Allendale, SC $254,926

Barnwell, SC $256,221

Hilda, SC $255,406

Bath, SC $260,984

Blackville, SC $255,454

Bradley, SC $256,353

Clarks Hill, SC $260,068

Clearwater, SC $260,984

Edgefield, SC $258,869

Elko, SC $256,748

Fairfax, SC $254,091

Gloverville, SC $260,795

Graniteville, SC $260,665

Jackson, SC $260,601

Johnston, SC $258,336

Langley, SC $260,916

Mc Cormick, SC $256,962

Martin, SC $255,423

Modoc, SC $259,103

Montmorenci, SC $259,233

Mount Carmel, SC $255,186

North Augusta, SC $260,984

Beech Island, SC $260,984

Olar, SC $254,357

Parksville, SC $258,640

Plum Branch, SC $258,367

Sycamore, SC $254,269

Trenton, SC $259,588

Troy, SC $257,651

Ulmer, SC $254,218

Vaucluse, SC $260,479

Warrenville, SC $260,744

Williston, SC $257,439

Windsor, SC $258,229

Beaufort, SC $258,587

Ladys Island, SC $257,690

Okatie, SC $259,938

Bluffton, SC $261,052

Brunson, SC $253,353

Coosawhatchie, SC $257,955

Crocketville, SC $254,060

Dale, SC $257,061

Daufuskie Island, SC $261,275

Early Branch, SC $255,600

Estill, SC $255,448

Saint Helena Island, SC $258,217

Furman, SC $256,136

Garnett, SC $257,338

Gifford, SC $254,540

Hampton, SC $254,436

Hilton Head Island, SC $260,065

Hardeeville, SC $261,644

Islandton, SC $253,457

Lobeco, SC $257,225

Luray, SC $253,581

Miley, SC $253,166

Pineland, SC $257,515

Port Royal, SC $258,872

Ridgeland, SC $259,016

Scotia, SC $256,176

Seabrook, SC $256,965

Sheldon, SC $258,220

Tillman, SC $258,742

Varnville, SC $255,033

Yemassee, SC $255,877

Clemson, SC $259,018

Cleveland, SC $259,461

Conestee, SC $260,993

Donalds, SC $258,810

Inman, SC $262,676

Joanna, SC $258,257

Jonesville, SC $262,781

Kinards, SC $256,463

Landrum, SC $259,907

Laurens, SC $259,097

Lockhart, SC $262,857

Lyman, SC $261,810

Mayo, SC $262,891

Moore, SC $263,268

Mountville, SC $257,222

Pacolet, SC $262,939

Pacolet Mills, SC $262,998

Pauline, SC $262,764

Reidville, SC $262,507

Roebuck, SC $263,173

Startex, SC $263,144

Una, SC $263,297

Union, SC $261,827

Waterloo, SC $257,792

Wellford, SC $263,074

White Stone, SC $263,342

Woodruff, SC $262,214

Charleston, SC $267,809

Charleston Afb, SC $267,809

North Charleston, SC $267,809

Hanahan, SC $267,809

Adams Run, SC $263,700

Awendaw, SC $265,423

Bethera, SC $262,558

Bonneau, SC $259,856

Branchville, SC $254,145

Canadys, SC $256,906

Cordesville, SC $264,021

Cottageville, SC $261,861

Cross, SC $256,838

Dorchester, SC $259,252

Edisto Island, SC $262,922

Due West, SC $257,749

Easley, SC $260,601

Fair Play, SC $257,089

Fountain Inn, SC $260,344

Gray Court, SC $259,904

Greenwood, SC $256,898

Greer, SC $260,880

Hodges, SC $257,659

Honea Path, SC $259,340

Iva, SC $256,895

La France, SC $259,247

Liberty, SC $259,915

Long Creek, SC $255,541

Lowndesville, SC $256,991

Marietta, SC $259,898

Mauldin, SC $260,888

Mountain Rest, SC $256,161

Newry, SC $258,564

Ninety Six, SC $256,565

Norris, SC $259,520

Pelzer, SC $260,279

Pendleton, SC $259,374

Pickens, SC $259,647

Seneca, SC $258,505

Piedmont, SC $260,691

Richland, SC $257,727

Salem, SC $257,983

Sandy Springs, SC $259,030

Simpsonville, SC $260,482

Six Mile, SC $258,993

Slater, SC $260,259

Starr, SC $258,026

Sunset, SC $258,781

Tamassee, SC $256,827

Taylors, SC $260,668

Tigerville, SC $260,203

Townville, SC $258,172

Travelers Rest, SC $260,211

Walhalla, SC $257,380

Ware Shoals, SC $259,202

Westminster, SC $256,641

West Union, SC $258,060

Williamston, SC $259,963

Blacksburg, SC $266,080

Bowling Green, SC $269,826

Catawba, SC $270,074

Chester, SC $266,275

Fort Mill, SC $269,952

Chesterfield, SC $255,674

Clover, SC $269,969

Edgemoor, SC $270,000

Fort Lawn, SC $267,564

Hickory Grove, SC $264,306

Jefferson, SC $256,607

Lancaster, SC $266,314

Lando, SC $269,577

Mc Connells, SC $268,689

Mount Croghan, SC $256,971

Pageland, SC $261,489

Richburg, SC $267,366

Rock Hill, SC $271,786

Ruby, SC $256,401

Sharon, SC $265,285

Smyrna, SC $265,637

Van Wyck, SC $269,744

York, SC $269,326

Aiken, SC $259,520

Folly Beach, SC $267,809

Walterboro, SC $257,177

Williams, SC $254,320

Florence, SC $253,651

Andrews, SC $254,122

Aynor, SC $253,423

Bennettsville, SC $252,800

Blenheim, SC $253,118

Cades, SC $251,435

Centenary, SC $252,583

Cheraw, SC $255,473

Clio, SC $252,732

Conway, SC $253,412

Coward, SC $253,127

Darlington, SC $253,595

Dillon, SC $252,763

Effingham, SC $253,530

Fork, SC $252,693

Galivants Ferry, SC $253,372

Green Sea, SC $253,034

Gresham, SC $252,831

Hamer, SC $253,149

Hartsville, SC $253,719

Hemingway, SC $253,203

Johnsonville, SC $252,255

Kingstree, SC $253,386

Lake City, SC $252,033

Lake View, SC $253,175

Lane, SC $253,900

Latta, SC $253,104

Little River, SC $254,774

Little Rock, SC $252,975

Longs, SC $254,021

Loris, SC $253,307

Mc Coll, SC $253,835

Marion, SC $252,918

Myrtle Beach, SC $254,075

Minturn, SC $252,780

Mullins, SC $252,772

Murrells Inlet, SC $253,463

Nesmith, SC $253,073

Nichols, SC $252,958

North Myrtle Beach, SC $254,715

Pamplico, SC $252,870

Patrick, SC $255,324

Pawleys Island, SC $253,034

Rains, SC $252,842

Salters, SC $253,928

Scranton, SC $252,687

Sellers, SC $253,034

Society Hill, SC $252,932

Tatum, SC $253,756

Wallace, SC $254,593

Greenville, SC $260,984

Abbeville, SC $256,717

Anderson, SC $259,173

Belton, SC $259,540

Calhoun Falls, SC $255,724

Central, SC $259,258

Georgetown, SC $253,888

Goose Creek, SC $267,132

Green Pond, SC $259,915

Grover, SC $256,737

Harleyville, SC $256,147

Hollywood, SC $265,045

Huger, SC $264,605

Isle Of Palms, SC $267,758

Jacksonboro, SC $261,689

Jamestown, SC $260,812

Johns Island, SC $267,809

Ladson, SC $266,478

Mc Clellanville, SC $261,007

Moncks Corner, SC $262,696

Mount Pleasant, SC $267,809

Pineville, SC $254,692

Pinopolis, SC $259,743

Ravenel, SC $266,709

Reevesville, SC $254,856

Ridgeville, SC $262,953

Round O, SC $260,781

Ruffin, SC $254,734

Russellville, SC $255,628

Saint George, SC $256,356

Saint Stephen, SC $255,674

Smoaks, SC $254,142

Sullivans Island, SC $267,809

Summerville, SC $264,436

Wadmalaw Island, SC $266,275

Pomaria, SC $259,495

Gramling, SC $261,636

Prosperity, SC $258,669

Rembert, SC $253,922

Ridge Spring, SC $258,133

Ridgeway, SC $259,515

Rion, SC $259,910

Rowesville, SC $254,822

Saint Matthews, SC $256,387

Salley, SC $257,422

Saluda, SC $256,573

Santee, SC $255,126

Sardinia, SC $250,513

Silverstreet, SC $256,173

Springfield, SC $256,754

State Park, SC $260,471

Summerton, SC $252,896

Sumter, SC $249,365

Shaw A F B, SC $251,147

Swansea, SC $259,061

Timmonsville, SC $253,296

Turbeville, SC $250,617

Vance, SC $255,284

Wagener, SC $257,481

Ward, SC $257,538

Wedgefield, SC $252,329

West Columbia, SC $260,476

Westville, SC $257,194

White Rock, SC $259,622

Whitmire, SC $257,620

Winnsboro, SC $260,553

Columbia, SC $260,476

Category Leader Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Category Leader roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 67% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Internet and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Category Leader positions in Transportation or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Category Leader as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Category Leader

Industry Sector	Average Annual Salary	Average Hourly Rate	Pay vs.Avg
Internet	$343,532	$165.0	30%
Biotechnology	$330,319	$159.0	25%
Software & Networking	$317,107	$152.0	20%
Insurance	$303,894	$146.0	15%
Chemicals	$277,468	$133.0	5%

Category Leader Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Category Leader'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.

$247,643

Average $264,256/year

$292,161

$20,637

Average $22,021/month

$24,347

$4,762

Average $5,082/week

$5,618

$119

Average $127/hour

$140

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$292,161	$24,347	$5,618	$140
Average	$264,256	$22,021	$5,082	$127
25th Percentile	$247,643	$20,637	$4,762	$119

Find Your Next Category Leader Job

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

Kohler | ELEVEN MILE, AZ

Category Leader

Kohler | ELEVEN MILE, AZ

Kohler is seeking a Category Leader, MRO to own strategy and sourcing for maintenance, repair, and operating supplies across our manufacturing network. In ... more

1 Day Ago
Kohler | STANFIELD, AZ

Category Leader

Kohler | STANFIELD, AZ

Kohler is seeking a Category Leader, MRO to own strategy and sourcing for maintenance, repair, and operating supplies across our manufacturing network. In ... more

1 Day Ago
Kohler | HUNTSVILLE, AL

Category Leader

Kohler | HUNTSVILLE, AL

Kohler is seeking a Category Leader, MRO to own strategy and sourcing for maintenance, repair, and operating supplies across our manufacturing network. In ... more

1 Day Ago
Kohler | KOHLER, WI

Category Leader

Kohler | KOHLER, WI

Kohler is seeking a Category Leader, MRO to own strategy and sourcing for maintenance, repair, and operating supplies across our manufacturing network. In ... more

1 Day Ago
Kohler | ARIZONA CITY, AZ

Category Leader MRO

Kohler | ARIZONA CITY, AZ

Kohler is seeking a Category Leader, MRO to own strategy and sourcing for maintenance, repair, and operations across our manufacturing network. You will an... more

1 Day Ago
Kohler | SACATON, AZ

Category Leader MRO

Kohler | SACATON, AZ

Kohler seeks a Category Leader, MRO to own sourcing strategy for maintenance, repair, and operations across our manufacturing network. You will analyze spe... more

1 Day Ago

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Category Leader Salary in South Carolina

Check out Category Leader Job Openings in South Carolina

Key Factors That Influence Category Leader Salaries

How Experience Level Affects Category Leader Salaries?

How Do Category Leader Salaries Vary from State to State?

Top Paying Cities for Category Leader

Category Leader Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

The top paying industries for a Category Leader

Category Leader Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Find Your Next Category Leader Job

For Employees

For Employers

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Category Leader Salary in South Carolina

Check out Category Leader Job Openings in South Carolina

Key Factors That Influence Category Leader Salaries

How Experience Level Affects Category Leader Salaries?

How Do Category Leader Salaries Vary from State to State?

Top Paying Cities for Category Leader

Category Leader Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

The top paying industries for a Category Leader

Category Leader Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Salaries of jobs related to Category Leader

Find Your Next Category Leader Job

For Employees

For Employers

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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