How long does it take to become a Wholesale and Retail Buyer?

The exact timeline depends on your background — PathScorer can estimate your personal timeline.

How much does a Wholesale and Retail Buyer make?

The median annual salary is $0.

Do I need a degree to become a Wholesale and Retail Buyer?

An associate degree or vocational training is typically required. Some employers accept equivalent work experience.

Can I become a Wholesale and Retail Buyer at 40?

Absolutely. Career changers bring transferable skills that can accelerate the transition. Since this career requires an associate degree or vocational training, the barrier to entry is lower than many occupations. See how your specific skills transfer.

What's the hardest part of becoming a Wholesale and Retail Buyer?

The most challenging aspect varies by person. Career changers often find that skills from their previous career transfer more than expected. PathScorer identifies which of your existing skills already apply.

How to Become a Wholesale and Retail Buyer in 2026

O*NET Code: 13-1022.00 · Data from O*NET & BLS · Updated March 2026

Median Salary

N/A

annual wage

Job Growth

N/A

projected 2024–2034

Education

Zone 3

typical entry

AI Exposure

56/100

exposure score

Section 01

What does a Wholesale and Retail Buyer do?

Buy merchandise or commodities, other than farm products, for resale to consumers at the wholesale or retail level, including both durable and nondurable goods. Analyze past buying trends, sales records, price, and quality of merchandise to determine value and yield. Select, order, and authorize payment for merchandise according to contractual agreements. May conduct meetings with sales personnel and introduce new products. May negotiate contracts. Includes assistant wholesale and retail buyers of nonfarm products.

Section 02

Wholesale and Retail Buyer Salary in 2026

How to earn more as a Wholesale and Retail Buyer

Earning an additional certification or completing a bachelor's degree can push your salary from the median toward the 75th percentile.

Section 03

How to get there

Starting from high school

Enroll in an associate degree or vocational program (community college or vocational program)
Complete required coursework and hands-on labs (typically 2 years full-time)
Earn professional certifications (CPA, CFA, PMP, Six Sigma, SHRM-CP)
Begin entry-level work to build practical experience
Build portfolio of work and pursue advancement after 1–2 years

Community colleges and vocational schools offer the most affordable path. Look for programs accredited by relevant industry bodies. Many schools offer evening and weekend schedules for working students. Financial aid, Pell Grants, and workforce development scholarships can significantly reduce costs. Some programs include co-op or internship components that provide paid work experience while you learn.

2–3 years to full qualification $5K–$25K (community college / trade school)

Community college is the most cost-effective. Workforce development grants and employer tuition reimbursement can reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Switching from a related field

Evaluate transfer credits from your existing education — many general courses count
Complete a bridge or accelerated certification program
Earn industry certifications (CPA, CFA, PMP, Six Sigma, SHRM-CP)
Apply for positions emphasizing your combined experience

If you already hold an associate degree or higher in a related field, you can often complete a bridge program in 6–12 months. Many community colleges evaluate prior learning and grant credit for relevant work experience. Professional certifications may have experience-based eligibility that your career history already satisfies.

6 months–2 years $2K–$12K

Bridge programs are shorter and cheaper than full degree programs. Some professional associations offer member discounts on certification exams.

Career change from an unrelated field

Enroll in a vocational program or associate degree
Complete core technical coursework (often accelerated for adults)
Build skills through supervised entry-level work
Leverage your previous career experience for faster advancement

Adult learners often complete programs faster than traditional students because of stronger study skills and motivation. Many community colleges and vocational schools offer accelerated evening/weekend tracks designed for working adults. Your prior professional experience — project management, communication, problem-solving — gives you an advantage even if the technical skills are new.

1–3 years $5K–$25K

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) grants may cover full tuition for qualifying career changers.

Already working in another career?

See how your skills transfer to Wholesale and Retail Buyer — free. PathScorer maps your experience against the requirements and shows you what you already qualify for.

See how your skills transfer — free

Free to try No sign-up Based on O*NET data

Section 06

AI and automation outlook

56/100

The Wholesale and Retail Buyer role faces above-average AI exposure. Some tasks are increasingly automatable, but the role is evolving rather than disappearing.

See full AI risk breakdown

Section 07