Position
Salary

How much does a Contract Administrator make?

The average salary for a Contract Administrator is $77,745 per year in the US.

A Contract Administrator plays a key role in making sure that construction or business projects follow the legal terms set out in contracts. These professionals work hard and earn a good salary for their efforts. On average, a Contract Administrator makes about $77,745 a year. This can vary based on experience, location, and industry.

Most Contract Administrators start with an entry-level salary. As they gain more experience, their salary can grow. Here are some average salaries for those at different stages of their career:

  • Entry-level: $36,000
  • Entry to mid-level: $50,055
  • Mid-level: $64,109
  • Mid to upper-level: $78,164
  • Upper-level: $92,218
  • Senior-level: $106,273
  • Principal-level: $120,327
  • Director-level: $134,382
  • Executive-level: $148,436
  • Senior Executive-level: $162,491
  • Director Executive-level: $176,545
  • Principal Executive-level: $190,600

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What are the highest paying cities for a Contract Administrator?

Job seekers can find great opportunities in several cities known for higher salaries for Contract Administrators. San Jose, CA, leads the way with the highest average salary, making it a prime location for career growth. Other top cities include Boston, MA, and Hartford, CT, where Contract Administrators also enjoy competitive pay packages. Seeking a Contract Administrator role? Consider cities like Los Angeles, CA, Syracuse, NY, and Washington, DC, where salaries remain above average. Memphis, TN, Cedar Rapids, IA, San Francisco, CA, and San Diego, CA offer solid compensation for those in the field, rounding out the list of top-paying locations.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Contract Administrator jobs, highlighting San Jose, CA with the highest at $119,533 and San Diego, CA with the lowest at $97,326.
  1. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $119,533
    In San Jose, California, contract management professionals work closely with tech companies like Apple and Intel. They ensure legal agreements align with company policies. Job seekers will find many opportunities in a thriving tech hub.
    Find Contract Administrator jobs in San Jose, CA


  2. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $115,010
    Boston offers a robust market for contract management. Professionals here often collaborate with healthcare giants like Mass General and biotech firms like Biogen. The city’s strong economy provides numerous career paths.
    Find Contract Administrator jobs in Boston, MA


  3. Hartford, CT
    Average Salary: $108,511
    Hartford, Connecticut, is known for its insurance industry. Contract administrators here work with companies like Hartford Financial Services and Aetna. They ensure all contracts meet industry standards and state regulations.
    Find Contract Administrator jobs in Hartford, CT


  4. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $102,471
    Los Angeles provides a dynamic environment for those in contract management. Here, professionals support entertainment companies like Sony Pictures and NBCUniversal. The city’s diverse economy offers many opportunities.
    Find Contract Administrator jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  5. Syracuse, NY
    Average Salary: $98,575
    Syracuse, New York, offers a mix of industries for contract management. Professionals here work with companies like Syracuse University and local businesses. They ensure compliance and smooth operations.
    Find Contract Administrator jobs in Syracuse, NY


  6. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $98,181
    In Washington, D.C., contract administrators support federal agencies and major corporations. They ensure contracts align with government regulations and company policies. Job seekers can find stable positions with strong benefits.
    Find Contract Administrator jobs in Washington, DC


  7. Memphis, TN
    Average Salary: $97,965
    Memphis, Tennessee, is a hub for logistics and entertainment. Professionals here work with companies like FedEx and local entertainment firms. They ensure that all contracts support smooth operations.
    Find Contract Administrator jobs in Memphis, TN


  8. Cedar Rapids, IA
    Average Salary: $97,911
    Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is known for its manufacturing sector. Contract administrators work with companies like Rockwell Collins and local manufacturers. They ensure all contracts support production needs.
    Find Contract Administrator jobs in Cedar Rapids, IA


  9. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $97,876
    San Francisco offers a unique environment for contract management. Professionals here work with tech companies like Google and Salesforce. The city’s innovative atmosphere provides many exciting opportunities.
    Find Contract Administrator jobs in San Francisco, CA


  10. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $97,326
    San Diego, California, offers a mix of defense, biotech, and tourism industries. Professionals work with companies like Qualcomm and local startups. They ensure all contracts meet industry standards and regulations.
    Find Contract Administrator jobs in San Diego, CA

What are the best companies a Contract Administrator can work for?

HNTB Corporation leads with the highest average salary for Contract Administrators at $257,054. Accenture and Aprio follow closely, offering competitive wages of $190,600 and $132,500 respectively. For those seeking a lucrative career, these companies provide attractive compensation packages. General Atomics, The Cigna Group, and Parsons also offer substantial salaries, ranging from $126,891 to $118,983. BAE Systems USA, Bechtel, Northrop Grumman, and System One complete the list, each providing salaries that exceed $100,000. These firms present excellent opportunities for job seekers in the Contract Administration field.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Contract Administrator jobs, highlighting HNTB Corporation with the highest at $257,054 and System One with the lowest at $102,698.
  1. HNTB Corporation
    Average Salary: $257,054
    HNTB Corporation offers Contract Administrator roles with competitive pay. They provide professional services across various sectors and locations, including the U.S. and internationally. As a Contract Administrator at HNTB, you'll manage contracts, ensuring compliance and resolving issues. They operate in many cities across the U.S.


  2. Accenture
    Average Salary: $190,600
    Accenture is a global consulting firm offering Contract Administrator positions with a good salary. They focus on technology and consulting services. In this role, you'll handle contract lifecycle management and ensure legal compliance. Accenture operates worldwide, with major offices in cities like New York, London, and Sydney.


  3. Aprio
    Average Salary: $132,500
    Aprio provides Contract Administrator jobs with a solid salary. This company offers accounting, finance, and consulting services. As a Contract Administrator at Aprio, you’ll manage and review contracts. They have offices in various U.S. cities, including San Francisco and Chicago.


  4. General Atomics
    Average Salary: $126,891
    General Atomics offers Contract Administrator positions with a strong salary. They are an aerospace, defense, and security company. In this role, you’ll oversee contracts and ensure compliance with regulations. General Atomics operates from locations like San Diego and San Marcos, California.


  5. The Cigna Group
    Average Salary: $122,655
    The Cigna Group provides Contract Administrator jobs with a good salary. They are a global health service company. As a Contract Administrator at Cigna, you’ll manage health insurance contracts and ensure terms are met. They have offices in major cities like Bloomfield, Connecticut, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.


  6. Parsons
    Average Salary: $118,983
    Parsons offers Contract Administrator positions with a solid salary. They provide services in infrastructure and technology. In this role, you’ll handle contract agreements and negotiate terms. Parsons operates in many locations, including Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles, California.


  7. BAE Systems USA
    Average Salary: $108,766
    BAE Systems USA provides Contract Administrator jobs with a competitive salary. They focus on defense and aerospace. As a Contract Administrator at BAE Systems USA, you’ll manage contract agreements and ensure compliance. They have offices in many U.S. cities, including Arlington, Virginia, and San Diego, California.


  8. Bechtel
    Average Salary: $107,000
    Bechtel offers Contract Administrator roles with a good salary. They provide engineering and construction services. In this role, you’ll oversee contract terms and manage project agreements. Bechtel operates in various locations, including San Francisco, California, and Reston, Virginia.


  9. Northrop Grumman
    Average Salary: $103,382
    Northrop Grumman offers Contract Administrator positions with a solid salary. They focus on aerospace and defense. As a Contract Administrator at Northrop Grumman, you’ll manage contracts and ensure compliance. They operate in many U.S. cities, including Falls Church, Virginia, and Redondo Beach, California.


  10. System One
    Average Salary: $102,698
    System One provides Contract Administrator jobs with a good salary. They offer consulting and staffing services. In this role, you’ll handle contract management and ensure compliance. System One operates in various locations, including Washington, D.C., and Dallas, Texas.

How to earn more as a Contract Administrator?

Increasing your earnings as a Contract Administrator can lead to greater job satisfaction and financial security. Focusing on certain key factors can significantly boost your income potential. Building experience is one of the most important steps. The more contracts you manage, the more valuable your expertise becomes. Gaining experience in various industries can also open up new opportunities for higher-paying jobs.

Another effective factor is obtaining additional certifications. Certifications in project management or specific contract laws can make a Contract Administrator more attractive to employers. These credentials show a commitment to professional development and can justify a higher salary. Networking with other professionals in the field also plays a critical role. Attending industry events, joining professional groups, and connecting with peers can lead to learning about higher-paying positions and getting referrals. Seeking out leadership roles within projects can also lead to increased compensation. Taking on roles such as a Lead Contract Administrator or Contract Manager can result in higher salaries. Finally, negotiating effectively is essential. Understanding market rates and being prepared to discuss your value can lead to better offers.

Here are some factors to consider:

  1. Gain experience in various industries.
  2. Obtain relevant certifications.
  3. Network with industry professionals.
  4. Seek leadership roles within projects.
  5. Negotiate salaries effectively.

Currently 348 Contract Administrator job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Contract Administrator in the US?

Learn what a Contract Administrator does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Contract Administrator today.
Position
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Contract Administrator
348 Job Openings