Wholesale & Retail Buyer Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin
Selects and purchases merchandise for resale in wholesale or retail establishments.
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin ranks #99 of 530 U.S. metro areas for wholesale & retail buyer pay. Entry-level salaries here are $6,811 above the national average.
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin vs National Average
| Level | This Metro | National Avg | Difference | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry) | $53,498 | $46,687 | +$6,811 | +14.6% |
| Level II | $66,269 | $59,544 | +$6,725 | +11.3% |
| Level III (Mid) | $79,061 | $72,403 | +$6,658 | +9.2% |
| Level IV (Senior) | $91,832 | $85,260 | +$6,572 | +7.7% |
Other metros in Illinois
| Metro Area | Level I | Level IV | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decatur | $53,290 | $102,107 | $85,987 |
| St. Louis | $49,733 | $92,498 | $78,374 |
| Bloomington | $50,981 | $91,478 | $78,104 |
| Peoria | $51,958 | $89,523 | $77,126 |
| Springfield | $49,795 | $87,069 | $74,776 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average wholesale & retail buyer salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?
The average wholesale & retail buyer salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin is $79,186 per year, based on U.S. Department of Labor employer survey data. This places Chicago-Naperville-Elgin at rank #99 out of 530 U.S. metro areas surveyed.
What do entry-level wholesale & retail buyers earn in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?
Entry-level wholesale & retail buyers (Level I) in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin earn $53,498 per year. Level II (early career) earns $66,269, reflecting growing independence and experience.
How does Chicago-Naperville-Elgin compare to the national average for wholesale & retail buyer salaries?
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin ranks #99 of 530 U.S. metro areas for wholesale & retail buyer pay. Entry-level salaries here are $6,811 above the national average. The national average wholesale & retail buyer salary is $72,531, while Chicago-Naperville-Elgin workers average $79,186 — a difference of +9% overall.
Data source: Salary data sourced from the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, which surveys employers nationwide to collect wage data by occupation and geography. The four experience levels reflect DOL standardized tiers. Data reflects the most recently published survey cycle. SOC code: 13-1022.