How much does a Category Manager make?
Category Managers play an important role in businesses by overseeing specific product categories. They ensure that the right products are available at the right price. Many job seekers wonder about how much this role pays. The average yearly salary for a Category Manager is around $100,770. This number can change based on experience and company.
The salary range for Category Managers can vary. The lowest-paid 10% earn about $31,450 a year. The highest-paid 10% earn over $177,500 annually. Most Category Managers fall in the middle, earning between $71,282 and $137,668 per year. This wide range reflects the many skills and responsibilities needed for the job.
What are the highest paying cities for a Category Manager?

-
Boston, MA
Average Salary: $143,897
Boston offers dynamic opportunities in retail and food service sectors. Companies like TJX and Whole Foods value skilled leaders to manage product categories. The city’s robust tech scene adds variety in category management roles.
Find Category Manager jobs in Boston, MA
-
San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $139,575
Silicon Valley is known for tech giants. Working here means engaging with top companies in electronics and software. Category Managers collaborate with innovative teams to bring new products to market.
Find Category Manager jobs in San Jose, CA
-
Austin, TX
Average Salary: $138,929
Austin’s growing tech and healthcare sectors create exciting paths. Firms like Dell and Whole Foods seek experts to guide product strategies. The city’s vibrant culture supports a rewarding career.
Find Category Manager jobs in Austin, TX
-
San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $133,586
San Francisco’s diverse market demands adept Category Managers. Working with companies like Amazon and Salesforce means focusing on tech products. The competitive environment fosters growth and learning.
Find Category Manager jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $126,008
Seattle’s market thrives on tech and aerospace. Companies like Boeing and Microsoft hire for category roles. The city’s unique environment encourages innovation and strategic thinking.
Find Category Manager jobs in Seattle, WA
-
Providence, RI
Average Salary: $124,631
Providence offers a mix of healthcare and retail opportunities. Working with local companies and national chains, professionals manage diverse product lines. The smaller city feel allows for close collaboration.
Find Category Manager jobs in Providence, RI
-
Washington, DC
Average Salary: $124,006
Washington, DC, is rich in government and tech sectors. Category Managers here work with firms like Amazon and government contractors. The city’s political environment adds a unique dynamic to product strategy.
Find Category Manager jobs in Washington, DC
-
Chicago, IL
Average Salary: $123,534
Chicago’s market includes diverse industries. Working with companies like Target and Kraft Heinz, managers guide product development. The city’s rich history and diverse population create a vibrant market.
Find Category Manager jobs in Chicago, IL
-
Madison, WI
Average Salary: $120,898
Madison offers opportunities in education and healthcare. Working with companies like Kohl’s and UW Health, managers shape product offerings. The university presence adds to the innovative market environment.
Find Category Manager jobs in Madison, WI
-
Greeley, CO
Average Salary: $120,663
Greeley’s market focuses on agriculture and manufacturing. Companies like JBS and Smithfield seek Category Managers to guide food products. The community-focused environment supports personal and professional growth.
Find Category Manager jobs in Greeley, CO
What are the best companies a Category Manager can work for?

-
Amazon Web Services
Average Salary: $176,700
At Amazon Web Services, Category Managers oversee a wide range of services. They work across various locations, including Seattle, where AWS was founded, as well as in many other cities around the globe. They focus on optimizing service portfolios to meet customer needs.
-
Google
Average Salary: $169,688
Google provides a dynamic environment for Category Managers. They operate out of offices in cities like Mountain View, New York, and London. Google's Category Managers play a key role in managing product lines and enhancing user experience.
-
Microsoft
Average Salary: $158,366
Microsoft offers numerous opportunities for Category Managers. They work in places like Redmond, as well as in other major cities worldwide. Microsoft’s Category Managers focus on product strategy and market analysis to drive growth.
-
Abbott
Average Salary: $152,571
Abbott is known for its healthcare products and operates in cities such as Abbott Park. Category Managers at Abbott ensure the availability and profitability of medical products. They work closely with cross-functional teams to meet market demands.
-
Chewy
Average Salary: $152,398
Chewy provides a vibrant workplace for Category Managers. They work in places like Chewy’s headquarters in Dania Beach. Here, Category Managers manage a diverse range of pet products, ensuring high customer satisfaction.
-
CRUSOE
Average Salary: $148,863
CRUSOE, a leader in the automotive industry, employs Category Managers in areas such as automotive components and electronics. They work in locations including Frankfurt. Their role includes managing supplier relationships and product offerings.
-
Kimberly-Clark
Average Salary: $147,166
Kimberly-Clark offers a rewarding environment for Category Managers. They work in cities like Irving and others globally. Here, Category Managers focus on consumer health and hygiene products, ensuring their availability and quality.
-
Amazon.com
Average Salary: $146,897
Amazon.com is a global leader with numerous opportunities for Category Managers. They work in locations such as Seattle and other cities worldwide. Amazon’s Category Managers are vital in managing and improving the product catalog.
-
Eaton
Average Salary: $146,556
Eaton offers diverse roles for Category Managers in electrical and power management sectors. They work in cities like Cleveland and other locations worldwide. Eaton’s Category Managers ensure product lines meet industry standards and customer needs.
-
Cushman & Wakefield
Average Salary: $144,394
Cushman & Wakefield, a global real estate firm, employs Category Managers in cities like New York and London. They focus on real estate categories, providing strategic insights to clients.
How to earn more as a Category Manager?
Category managers oversee the buying and merchandising of products in retail. This role involves strategy, planning, and strong relationships. Increasing earnings as a category manager often involves certain steps. Following these steps can lead to higher pay.
One key step is gaining more experience. Managers with a few years under their belt often earn more. Another step is earning higher certifications. These can help prove skills to employers. Networking within the industry also helps. Building good relationships can lead to new job opportunities. Continuing education is another factor. Staying updated with industry trends can make a manager more valuable. Finally, taking on leadership roles can lead to higher earnings. Managers who lead teams or projects often earn more.
Focusing on these factors can help a category manager earn more. Each step can build on the others to create a successful career.
- Gain more experience.
- Earn higher certifications.
- Build industry relationships.
- Continue education.
- Take on leadership roles.



