How much does a Contract Administrator make?
A Contract Administrator plays a key role in managing the legal aspects of contracts. They ensure that all parties involved meet their obligations. This job is important in many industries, including construction, engineering, and real estate. The average yearly salary for a Contract Administrator is around $75,634. This salary can vary based on experience and location.
The salary for Contract Administrators can range widely. The lowest 10% earn about $36,000 per year. The top 10% earn over $165,000. Most Contract Administrators fall somewhere in the middle. Factors like education, certifications, and specific industry experience can affect earnings. For example, those with more experience or specialized skills often earn higher salaries. Location also plays a role. Urban areas with higher living costs tend to offer higher salaries.
What are the highest paying cities for a Contract Administrator?

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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $119,533
In San Jose, professionals manage contracts for tech companies like Apple and Intel. The city's tech-driven economy offers many opportunities. The average salary for this role is competitive.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $106,185
Boston's Contract Administrators work with major firms such as General Electric. The city's rich history and business environment create a dynamic work setting. Salaries here are above average.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $101,361
Los Angeles offers a vibrant environment for Contract Administrators. They work with companies like Disney and Sony. The city's diverse industries provide varied opportunities. Salaries reflect the cost of living.
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Hartford, CT
Average Salary: $101,023
Hartford is home to insurance giants like Aetna and Travelers. Contract Administrators here manage policies and contracts. The city's insurance sector is a key employer. Salaries are solid.
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Syracuse, NY
Average Salary: $98,575
Syracuse offers a mix of industries for Contract Administrators. They work with companies like Lockheed Martin and Syracuse University. The city's educational institutions provide a unique work environment. Salaries are reasonable.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $97,978
San Francisco's Contract Administrators handle contracts for tech firms like Google and Salesforce. The city's tech boom offers many opportunities. The average salary is high.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $97,011
In Washington, DC, professionals manage contracts for government agencies and firms. The city's political and corporate sectors offer diverse roles. Salaries are competitive.
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Memphis, TN
Average Salary: $96,687
Memphis provides a mix of industries for Contract Administrators. They work with companies like FedEx and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The city's logistics and healthcare sectors are key employers. Salaries are fair.
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Buffalo, NY
Average Salary: $93,593
Buffalo offers a mix of manufacturing and healthcare for Contract Administrators. They work with companies like General Electric and Kaleida Health. The city's industrial and medical sectors provide varied opportunities. Salaries are reasonable.
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Cedar Rapids, IA
Average Salary: $93,221
Cedar Rapids is known for its manufacturing sector. Contract Administrators here work with companies like Rockwell Collins and John Deere. The city's industrial focus offers stable employment. Salaries are competitive.
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What are the best companies a Contract Administrator can work for?

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Aprio
Average Salary: $132,500
Aprio offers Contract Administrator jobs with a focus on finance and accounting. They operate in various locations across the U.S. Their roles involve managing contracts, ensuring compliance, and maintaining financial records.
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The Cigna Group
Average Salary: $123,053
The Cigna Group provides Contract Administrator positions with a focus on healthcare. They have offices nationwide. Their roles include overseeing contracts, negotiating terms, and managing relationships with healthcare providers.
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General Atomics
Average Salary: $117,029
General Atomics offers Contract Administrator jobs in the aerospace and defense sectors. They operate in locations like San Diego and Charlotte. Their roles involve managing defense contracts, ensuring compliance, and coordinating with government agencies.
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Parsons
Average Salary: $111,153
Parsons provides Contract Administrator jobs in various sectors, including defense and infrastructure. They have offices in major cities like Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles. Their roles involve managing contracts, ensuring compliance, and coordinating with clients.
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BAE Systems USA
Average Salary: $110,559
BAE Systems USA offers Contract Administrator jobs in the defense and aerospace sectors. They operate in locations like Virginia and California. Their roles include managing defense contracts, ensuring compliance, and coordinating with government agencies.
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Bechtel
Average Salary: $107,000
Bechtel provides Contract Administrator jobs in the engineering and construction sectors. They have offices worldwide. Their roles involve managing construction contracts, ensuring compliance, and coordinating with project teams.
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Northrop Grumman
Average Salary: $103,922
Northrop Grumman offers Contract Administrator jobs in the defense and aerospace sectors. They operate in locations like California and Virginia. Their roles include managing defense contracts, ensuring compliance, and coordinating with government agencies.
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System One
Average Salary: $102,698
System One provides Contract Administrator jobs in various sectors, including government and healthcare. They operate in locations like Washington, D.C., and Atlanta. Their roles involve managing contracts, ensuring compliance, and coordinating with clients.
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US Defense Contract Management Agency
Average Salary: $96,802
The US Defense Contract Management Agency offers Contract Administrator jobs in the defense sector. They operate in locations like Nashville and Philadelphia. Their roles include managing defense contracts, ensuring compliance, and coordinating with government agencies.
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Texas Health and Human Services Commission
Average Salary: $96,105
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission provides Contract Administrator jobs in the healthcare sector. They operate in locations like Austin and Dallas. Their roles involve managing healthcare contracts, ensuring compliance, and coordinating with healthcare providers.
How to earn more as a Contract Administrator?
A Contract Administrator can increase their earning potential by focusing on several key areas. Building a strong foundation in contract management and related skills is essential. This includes understanding the legal aspects of contract law and the practicalities of project management. Gaining certifications in contract management can also enhance credibility and open up higher-paying opportunities.
Networking plays a crucial role in career advancement. Attending industry conferences, joining professional organizations, and connecting with peers can lead to new job opportunities and higher salaries. Experience in diverse industries can make a Contract Administrator more versatile and valuable. Employers often prefer candidates with a broad range of experience. Continuous learning and staying updated with industry trends can also lead to better-paying positions. Investing in further education and training can pay off in the long run.
Here are some factors to consider for earning more as a Contract Administrator:
- Obtain relevant certifications.
- Build a strong professional network.
- Gain experience in various industries.
- Stay updated with industry trends.
- Invest in continuous education and training.



