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Contracts Administrator I - Construction Salary in the United States

How much does a Contracts Administrator I - Construction make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Contracts Administrator I - Construction in the United States is $65,552 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $32.

However, a Contracts Administrator I - Construction's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $76,545
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $59,942 to $71,306
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $54,834

Key Factors That Influence Contracts Administrator I - Construction Salaries

A Contracts Administrator I - Construction's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Contracts Administrator I - Construction Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Contracts Administrator I - Construction's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Contracts Administrator I - Construction (0-2 years): $65,552
  • Contracts Administrator II - Construction (2-4 years): $80,930
  • Contracts Administrator III - Construction (4-7 years): $91,575
  • Contracts Administrator IV - Construction (7+ years): $110,412
  • Contracts Administrator V - Construction (7-10 years): $157,301
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Contracts Administrator I - Construction0-2 years$65,552
Contracts Administrator II - Construction2-4 years$80,930
Contracts Administrator III - Construction4-7 years$91,575
Contracts Administrator IV - Construction7+ years$110,412
Contracts Administrator V - Construction7-10 years$157,301

Top Paying Cities for Contracts Administrator I - Construction

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $82,681
  • San Francisco: $81,775
  • Oakland: $80,052

What Skills Can Increase a Contracts Administrator I - Construction's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 3.65% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Billing (Mentioned in 2.68% Job Postings): Billing refers to the aspect of banking, whereby someone is charged accurately for what item they purchased.
  • PowerPoint (Mentioned in 1.71% Job Postings): A computer software created by Microsoft which allows the user to create slides with recordings, narrations, transitions and other features in order to present information.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 3.65%
Billing 2.68%
PowerPoint 1.71%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Contracts Administrator I - Construction's salary.

  • Leadership: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
  • Collaboration: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
  • Contract Compliance: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Leadership $71,452
9%
Collaboration $70,141
7%
Contract Compliance $69,485
6%

Contracts Administrator I - Construction Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Contracts Administrator I - Construction salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $71,296. While startup companies pay approximate $60,482.

Contracts Administrator I - Construction Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $60,482
Growth Stage 51~500 $63,920
Established 501~5000 $68,898
Enterprise 5000+ $71,296

Contracts Administrator I - Construction Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Contracts Administrator I - Construction roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 70% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Construction sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Contracts Administrator I - Construction positions in MFG Durable or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Contracts Administrator I - Construction as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Contracts Administrator I - Construction

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Energy & Utilities$91,773$44.040%
Construction$78,662$38.020%

How Education impacts an Contracts Administrator I - Construction's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Contracts Administrator I - Construction enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Contracts Administrator I - Construction with a Bachelor's Degree is between $64,248 and $67,455.

Contracts Administrator I - Construction Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Contracts Administrator I - Construction
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 3.5%
High School 23.9%
Associates 27.4%
Bachelors 37.2%
Masters 5.3%
Doctorate 2.7%

Contracts Administrator I - Construction Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Contracts Administrator I - Construction's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$59,942
Average $65,552/year
$71,306
$4,995
Average $5,463/month
$5,942
$1,153
Average $1,261/week
$1,371
$29
Average $32/hour
$34
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $71,306 $5,942 $1,371 $34
Average $65,552 $5,463 $1,261 $32
25th Percentile $59,942 $4,995 $1,153 $29

Contracts Administrator I - Construction Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Contracts Administrator I - Construction, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Contracts Administrator II - Construction role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $80,930 - a projected growth of 23% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Contracts Administrator I - Construction

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Contracts Administrator I - Construction

Here are companies hiring for Contracts Administrator I - Construction and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Contracts Administrator I - Construction

1. Where can a Contracts Administrator I - Construction earn the most?

A Contracts Administrator I - Construction's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Contracts Administrator I - Construction earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Contracts Administrator I - Construction is $82,681.

2. What is the highest pay for Contracts Administrator I - Construction?

The highest pay for Contracts Administrator I - Construction is $76,545.

3. What is the lowest pay for Contracts Administrator I - Construction?

The lowest pay for Contracts Administrator I - Construction is $54,834.

4. What are the responsibilities of Contracts Administrator I - Construction?

Assists in the preparation, review, and administration of contractual proposals relating to construction projects. Responsible for preparing bids and negotiating specifications for materials, equipment, manpower, or other construction services. Secures all necessary approvals and ensures that standard company procedures are followed. Typically requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Typically requires 0 to 2 years of related experience. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Work is closely managed.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Contracts Administrator I - Construction?

The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Contracts Administrator I - Construction roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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