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How much does a Contract Specialist make?

The average salary for a Contract Specialist is $82,559 per year in the US.

A Contract Specialist plays a key role in managing agreements between companies. This job often involves reviewing, negotiating, and finalizing contracts. The average yearly salary for a Contract Specialist is around $82,559. This figure can vary based on experience, location, and the specific industry.

The salary range for Contract Specialists can be quite broad. At the lower end, some specialists earn around $40,000 per year. As experience grows, salaries can climb to $160,000 or more annually. Factors like location and industry can also affect earnings. For example, those in tech or finance often see higher salaries compared to other sectors.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Contract Specialist?

Job seekers looking for Contract Specialist roles can find some of the highest salaries in Colorado Springs, CO, where the average salary reaches $123,119. San Francisco, CA, and Washington, DC, follow closely with average salaries of $107,251 and $106,652, respectively. These cities offer competitive compensation for Contract Specialist positions, making them attractive options for job seekers.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Contract Specialist jobs, highlighting Colorado Springs, CO with the highest at $123,119 and Grand Rapids, MI with the lowest at $97,670.
  1. Colorado Springs, CO
    Average Salary: $123,119
    In Colorado Springs, professionals manage contracts for various industries, including defense and aerospace. Companies like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman offer opportunities. The city's growing tech sector also provides diverse contract roles.
    Find Contract Specialist jobs in Colorado Springs, CO


  2. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $107,251
    San Francisco is a hub for tech giants, making it a prime location for contract specialists. Working with companies like Google and Salesforce, specialists here focus on tech and software contracts. The city's dynamic environment offers many growth opportunities.
    Find Contract Specialist jobs in San Francisco, CA


  3. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $106,652
    In Washington, DC, contract specialists work with federal agencies and large corporations. They handle contracts for defense and government services. Companies like Boeing and Lockheed Martin provide stable and impactful roles.
    Find Contract Specialist jobs in Washington, DC


  4. Boulder, CO
    Average Salary: $102,476
    Boulder offers a mix of tech startups and established companies for contract specialists. Working with firms like Ball Aerospace and Google, professionals here manage a variety of contracts. The city's vibrant community adds to the work experience.
    Find Contract Specialist jobs in Boulder, CO


  5. Hartford, CT
    Average Salary: $101,818
    Hartford is home to many insurance companies, making it ideal for contract specialists. Working with firms like Aetna and Travelers, professionals here manage insurance and legal contracts. The city's rich history adds to its unique work environment.
    Find Contract Specialist jobs in Hartford, CT


  6. Fresno, CA
    Average Salary: $101,515
    In Fresno, contract specialists work with agricultural and healthcare companies. Firms like Blue Shield of California and various agricultural businesses offer diverse contract roles. The city's growing economy provides many opportunities for growth.
    Find Contract Specialist jobs in Fresno, CA


  7. Des Moines, IA
    Average Salary: $100,442
    Des Moines offers a mix of insurance and manufacturing companies for contract specialists. Working with firms like Principal Financial Group and Vermeer, professionals manage contracts in finance and machinery. The city's stable economy offers a secure work environment.
    Find Contract Specialist jobs in Des Moines, IA


  8. Cleveland, OH
    Average Salary: $99,483
    Cleveland provides a mix of manufacturing and healthcare opportunities for contract specialists. Working with companies like Cleveland Clinic and Parker Hannifin, professionals handle contracts in healthcare and industrial sectors. The city's revitalization offers a dynamic work atmosphere.
    Find Contract Specialist jobs in Cleveland, OH


  9. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $97,862
    Seattle is a tech powerhouse, offering many opportunities for contract specialists. Working with companies like Amazon and Microsoft, professionals manage contracts in tech and software. The city's innovative culture provides a stimulating work environment.
    Find Contract Specialist jobs in Seattle, WA


  10. Grand Rapids, MI
    Average Salary: $97,670
    In Grand Rapids, contract specialists work with manufacturing and healthcare companies. Firms like Amway and Spectrum Health offer diverse contract roles. The city's strong economy and community spirit make it a great place to work.
    Find Contract Specialist jobs in Grand Rapids, MI

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

KPMG offers Contract Specialist jobs with an average salary of $167,396. This company provides a competitive pay package for those in the field. The U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency also pays well, with an average salary of $140,629. This role offers a stable and rewarding career path.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Contract Specialist jobs, highlighting KPMG with the highest at $167,396 and U.S. Coast Guard with the lowest at $111,421.
  1. KPMG
    Average Salary: $167,396
    KPMG offers Contract Specialist jobs with a focus on managing contracts for various clients. KPMG operates in many locations worldwide, including major cities in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.


  2. U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency
    Average Salary: $140,629
    The U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency provides Contract Specialist roles that involve handling defense-related contracts. This agency has offices in several key locations across the United States.


  3. Piper Companies
    Average Salary: $135,093
    Piper Companies offers Contract Specialist jobs with a focus on managing contracts for various industries. They operate in multiple locations across the U.S., including major cities.


  4. Northrop Grumman
    Average Salary: $132,627
    Northrop Grumman provides Contract Specialist jobs that focus on managing defense and aerospace contracts. They have offices in several key locations in the U.S., including Virginia and California.


  5. Deloitte
    Average Salary: $124,897
    Deloitte offers Contract Specialist jobs with a focus on managing contracts for various clients. Deloitte operates in many locations worldwide, including major cities in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.


  6. Esri
    Average Salary: $120,083
    Esri provides Contract Specialist jobs that involve managing contracts for geographic information system (GIS) software. They operate in several locations across the U.S., including California and Colorado.


  7. Chenega Corporation
    Average Salary: $118,221
    Chenega Corporation offers Contract Specialist jobs with a focus on managing contracts for various government and defense projects. They operate in several key locations across the U.S.


  8. BAE Systems USA
    Average Salary: $114,999
    BAE Systems USA provides Contract Specialist jobs that focus on managing defense and aerospace contracts. They have offices in several key locations in the U.S., including Virginia and California.


  9. Raytheon
    Average Salary: $114,500
    Raytheon offers Contract Specialist jobs with a focus on managing contracts for defense and aerospace projects. They operate in several key locations across the U.S.


  10. U.S. Coast Guard
    Average Salary: $111,421
    The U.S. Coast Guard provides Contract Specialist jobs that involve managing contracts for maritime and defense operations. They operate in several key locations across the U.S.

How to earn more as a Contract Specialist?

A Contract Specialist can increase their earnings by focusing on several key areas. Building a strong foundation in contract law and industry-specific knowledge is essential. This expertise allows specialists to negotiate better terms and identify potential issues early. Networking with other professionals in the field can lead to more job opportunities and higher-paying positions.

Specialists should also seek out certifications that enhance their skills. Certifications such as Certified Professional Contract Manager (CPCM) or Certified Contract Specialist (CCS) can make a candidate more attractive to employers. Gaining experience in different industries can also broaden a specialist's marketability. This versatility can command higher salaries. Staying updated with the latest trends and technologies in contract management can provide a competitive edge. Continuous learning and professional development are key to earning more.

Here are five factors to consider for earning more as a Contract Specialist:

  1. Education and Certifications: Obtain relevant degrees and certifications to enhance your skills.
  2. Networking: Build connections with other professionals to discover new job opportunities.
  3. Industry Experience: Work in various industries to increase your marketability.
  4. Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in contract management.
  5. Negotiation Skills: Develop strong negotiation skills to secure better terms for your organization.

Currently 652 Contract Specialist job openings, nationwide.

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

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