Position
Salary

How much does a Contract Specialist make?

The average salary for a Contract Specialist is $82,662 per year in the US.

A Contract Specialist plays a key role in managing agreements between companies and clients. This job often involves reviewing, negotiating, and finalizing contracts. The average yearly salary for a Contract Specialist is around $82,662. This figure can vary based on experience, location, and the specific industry.

Contract Specialists can earn different amounts depending on their level of experience. Entry-level specialists might start at around $39,950 per year. As they gain more experience, their salary can increase. Those with several years of experience might earn between $72,774 and $83,716 annually. Top earners in this field can make over $127,000 per year. The highest earners often have advanced degrees or specialized skills.

View Contract Specialist jobs nearby

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 $124,416. Washington, DC, and San Francisco, CA, also offer competitive pay with averages of $107,370 and $107,237, respectively. Other cities like Hartford, CT, and Cleveland, OH, provide attractive compensation packages, making them excellent choices for those seeking lucrative opportunities in the field.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Contract Specialist jobs, highlighting Colorado Springs, CO with the highest at $124,416 and Seattle, WA with the lowest at $97,312.
  1. Colorado Springs, CO
    Average Salary: $124,416
    In Colorado Springs, professionals manage contracts for various industries. Companies like Lockheed Martin and UCHealth offer many opportunities. The city's growing tech sector adds to the demand for skilled specialists.
    Find Contract Specialist jobs in Colorado Springs, CO


  2. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $107,370
    Working in Washington, DC, involves handling contracts for government agencies and large corporations. Firms like Deloitte and the U.S. Department of Defense provide diverse roles. The city's political environment offers unique contract opportunities.
    Find Contract Specialist jobs in Washington, DC


  3. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $107,237
    In San Francisco, specialists work with tech giants like Google and Salesforce. The city's innovative environment demands skilled contract management. Professionals here enjoy a dynamic and fast-paced work setting.
    Find Contract Specialist jobs in San Francisco, CA


  4. Hartford, CT
    Average Salary: $102,210
    Hartford offers a mix of insurance and healthcare contract roles. Companies such as Aetna and Travelers provide stable opportunities. The city's strong financial sector supports a steady demand for contract specialists.
    Find Contract Specialist jobs in Hartford, CT


  5. Cleveland, OH
    Average Salary: $101,551
    In Cleveland, professionals manage contracts for industries like manufacturing and healthcare. Companies like Cleveland Clinic and Sherwin-Williams offer diverse roles. The city's economic growth creates many job opportunities.
    Find Contract Specialist jobs in Cleveland, OH


  6. Fresno, CA
    Average Salary: $101,515
    Fresno provides opportunities in agriculture and healthcare. Firms like Valley Children's Healthcare and various agricultural companies need skilled specialists. The city's diverse economy offers a range of contract management roles.
    Find Contract Specialist jobs in Fresno, CA


  7. Des Moines, IA
    Average Salary: $100,442
    Des Moines offers roles in insurance and finance. Companies like Principal Financial Group and Wells Fargo provide many opportunities. The city's strong financial sector supports a steady demand for contract specialists.
    Find Contract Specialist jobs in Des Moines, IA


  8. Boulder, CO
    Average Salary: $100,355
    In Boulder, specialists work with tech companies and research institutions. Firms like Google and the University of Colorado offer dynamic roles. The city's innovative environment provides many contract management opportunities.
    Find Contract Specialist jobs in Boulder, CO


  9. Grand Rapids, MI
    Average Salary: $99,401
    Grand Rapids offers roles in manufacturing and healthcare. Companies like Amway and Spectrum Health provide diverse opportunities. The city's strong industrial sector supports a steady demand for contract specialists.
    Find Contract Specialist jobs in Grand Rapids, MI


  10. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $97,312
    In Seattle, professionals manage contracts for tech companies and healthcare providers. Firms like Amazon and Kaiser Permanente offer many roles. The city's tech-driven economy creates a high demand for skilled specialists.
    Find Contract Specialist jobs in Seattle, WA

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

KPMG offers top-tier salaries for Contract Specialists, with an average of $167,396. This company provides a competitive edge for those seeking high compensation. The U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency also pays well, with an average salary of $143,483, making it another excellent choice for job seekers.
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 $113,577.
  1. KPMG
    Average Salary: $167,396
    KPMG offers Contract Specialist jobs with a focus on managing contracts for various industries. KPMG operates globally, with offices in major cities worldwide.


  2. U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency
    Average Salary: $143,483
    The U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency provides Contract Specialist roles that involve overseeing contracts for defense projects. This agency operates nationwide, with key locations in Virginia and Colorado.


  3. Piper Companies
    Average Salary: $137,661
    Piper Companies offers Contract Specialist jobs with a focus on managing contracts for construction and engineering projects. They operate in several states, including California, Texas, and Florida.


  4. Northrop Grumman
    Average Salary: $131,512
    Northrop Grumman provides Contract Specialist roles that involve managing defense and aerospace contracts. They have locations in Virginia, California, and Arizona.


  5. Deloitte
    Average Salary: $124,897
    Deloitte offers Contract Specialist jobs with a focus on managing contracts for various industries. They operate globally, with offices in major cities worldwide.


  6. Esri
    Average Salary: $120,868
    Esri offers Contract Specialist roles that involve managing contracts for geographic information systems. They operate in several states, including California, Colorado, and Virginia.


  7. Raytheon
    Average Salary: $117,818
    Raytheon provides Contract Specialist jobs with a focus on managing defense and aerospace contracts. They have locations in Virginia, California, and Arizona.


  8. Chenega Corporation
    Average Salary: $116,704
    Chenega Corporation offers Contract Specialist roles that involve managing contracts for government projects. They operate in several states, including Virginia, California, and Texas.


  9. BAE Systems USA
    Average Salary: $115,279
    BAE Systems USA provides Contract Specialist jobs with a focus on managing defense and aerospace contracts. They have locations in Virginia, California, and Texas.


  10. U.S. Coast Guard
    Average Salary: $113,577
    The U.S. Coast Guard offers Contract Specialist roles that involve managing contracts for maritime operations. They operate nationwide, with key locations in Virginia, California, and Florida.

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 of skills and experience is essential. Specialization in certain industries, such as healthcare or technology, can lead to higher-paying opportunities. Networking with other professionals in the field can open doors to better job offers. Continuous education and certifications can also enhance a Contract Specialist's value in the job market. Lastly, negotiating salary and benefits effectively can lead to higher pay.

To maximize earnings, a Contract Specialist should consider the following factors:

  1. Skill Development: Invest time in learning new skills and improving existing ones. This includes mastering contract management software and understanding legal terminology.
  2. Industry Specialization: Focus on a specific industry to become an expert. This can make a Contract Specialist more valuable to employers in that field.
  3. Networking: Attend industry events and join professional organizations. Building relationships can lead to job opportunities and salary negotiations.
  4. Certifications: Obtain relevant certifications, such as Certified Professional Contract Manager (CPCM). These credentials can boost credibility and earning potential.
  5. Salary Negotiation: Research market rates and be prepared to negotiate. Highlighting past successes and contributions can strengthen a Contract Specialist's position in salary discussions.

Currently 569 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
Overview
Contract Specialist
569 Job Openings