How much does a Category Manager make?
A Category Manager plays a vital role in a company’s supply chain. They work on ensuring that the company has the right products in the right places. This job can be rewarding both professionally and financially. The average yearly salary for a Category Manager is around $115,704. This means many people find the job to be quite lucrative.
Category Managers earn salaries that can vary based on experience and location. The lowest 10% earn about $50,079 a year, while the top 10% earn more than $191,500. Here is a breakdown of salary ranges:
- First 10%: $50,079
- Second 10%: $62,935
- Third 10%: $75,792
- Fourth 10%: $88,648
- Fifth 10%: $101,505
- Sixth 10%: $114,361
- Seventh 10%: $127,218
- Eighth 10%: $140,074
- Ninth 10%: $152,931
- Top 10%: $165,787 and above
What are the highest paying cities for a Category Manager?

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Austin, TX
Average Salary: $148,533
In Austin, a Category Manager can find opportunities with tech giants like Dell and IBM. The city’s vibrant culture and tech-driven economy make it a prime location for career growth. Austin offers a blend of modern opportunities and a relaxed lifestyle.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $146,997
San Jose, the heart of Silicon Valley, offers Category Managers roles with tech leaders such as Apple and Intel. The city’s dynamic tech scene provides ample opportunities for career advancement. San Jose’s innovative environment is perfect for those looking to make a mark in tech.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $143,898
In Boston, a Category Manager can work with healthcare giants like Boston Scientific and financial institutions like Fidelity. The city’s rich history and prestigious institutions offer a unique professional setting. Boston’s blend of tradition and innovation makes it a great place to grow in this field.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $139,591
San Francisco boasts prominent companies like Salesforce and Google, providing top-tier opportunities for Category Managers. The city’s innovative culture and tech-forward mindset offer a dynamic work environment. San Francisco’s vibrant tech scene is ideal for those aiming for rapid career growth.
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Columbus, OH
Average Salary: $137,261
Columbus offers a mix of retail and corporate opportunities for Category Managers, with companies like Nationwide and Huntington Bank. The city’s growing economy and diverse industries provide a stable career path. Columbus’s midwestern charm and growing tech scene offer a balanced work environment.
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Madison, WI
Average Salary: $134,837
In Madison, Category Managers can work with companies like Epic Systems and American Family Insurance. The city’s strong healthcare sector and growing tech industry offer diverse opportunities. Madison’s friendly atmosphere and robust job market make it a great place for career development.
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Fargo, ND
Average Salary: $132,004
Fargo offers opportunities with companies such as Wells Fargo and Dakota Gasification. The city’s stable economy and lower cost of living provide a good work-life balance. Fargo’s community-oriented environment is ideal for professionals seeking a supportive work atmosphere.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $129,575
Seattle is home to tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft, offering exciting opportunities for Category Managers. The city’s innovative culture and outdoor lifestyle make it an attractive place to work. Seattle’s thriving tech scene and beautiful surroundings provide a dynamic work environment.
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Providence, RI
Average Salary: $128,802
In Providence, Category Managers can find roles with companies like CVS Health and Textron. The city’s healthcare sector and growing tech industry offer a range of opportunities. Providence’s historic charm and modern amenities create a unique professional setting.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $127,779
Washington, DC offers opportunities with federal agencies and tech firms like Amazon and Lockheed Martin. The city’s political and corporate environment provides a unique career landscape. DC’s blend of politics and tech offers diverse opportunities for growth.
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What are the best companies a Category Manager can work for?

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Google
Average Salary: $188,148
Google offers exciting Category Manager positions. They operate worldwide, with key locations in the US, Europe, and Asia. The role focuses on managing product categories to enhance user experience.
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Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Average Salary: $176,605
At AWS, Category Managers lead impactful projects. The company has offices in North America, Europe, and Asia. They work on optimizing product lines to meet customer needs.
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Anduril Industries
Average Salary: $157,917
Anduril Industries values innovation in its Category Manager roles. They are based in the US, with offices in California and Washington. The role involves overseeing product categories to support their cutting-edge technology.
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Microsoft
Average Salary: $156,472
Microsoft offers a dynamic environment for Category Managers. They operate in the US, Europe, and Asia. The role focuses on ensuring product lines meet market demands.
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Kenvue
Average Salary: $153,477
Kenvue provides opportunities for Category Managers to influence consumer products. They have offices in the US and Europe. The role involves managing product categories to enhance consumer health.
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Abbott
Average Salary: $153,417
Abbott offers diverse roles for Category Managers. They operate in North America, Europe, and Asia. The role focuses on managing health and nutrition product categories.
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Chewy
Average Salary: $153,269
Chewy provides exciting opportunities for Category Managers. They operate in the US. The role involves managing pet product categories to meet customer needs.
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Amazon
Average Salary: $149,380
Amazon offers a wide range of roles for Category Managers. They have offices worldwide. The role focuses on managing diverse product categories to enhance customer experience.
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Crusoe
Average Salary: $148,476
Crusoe provides innovative roles for Category Managers. They are based in the US. The role involves overseeing product categories to support their mission-driven approach.
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Kimberly-Clark
Average Salary: $147,877
Kimberly-Clark offers stable roles for Category Managers. They operate in North America and Europe. The role focuses on managing personal care product categories to meet consumer needs.
How to earn more as a Category Manager?
Category Managers play a key role in enhancing sales and profitability in retail and other industries. This role involves overseeing specific product categories, ensuring product availability, and working with suppliers and retailers. Increasing earnings as a Category Manager can happen through various strategies. One can earn more by gaining relevant experience, building strong relationships, and taking on additional responsibilities.
To increase earnings, Category Managers should focus on a few key areas. First, gaining experience in a variety of industries helps to broaden skills and marketability. Second, building solid relationships with suppliers and stakeholders can lead to better negotiation opportunities and higher sales. Third, taking on leadership roles or managing larger categories can lead to higher compensation. Fourth, obtaining certifications or advanced degrees can enhance qualifications and open up higher-paying positions. Finally, consistently meeting and exceeding sales targets can lead to bonuses and raises. By focusing on these areas, Category Managers can increase their earning potential.
Here are some factors that can help a Category Manager earn more:
- Gain experience in various industries.
- Build strong relationships with suppliers and stakeholders.
- Take on leadership roles and manage larger categories.
- Obtain certifications or advanced degrees.
- Consistently meet and exceed sales targets.



