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Contracts Administrator IV Salary in the United States

How much does a Contracts Administrator IV make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Contracts Administrator IV in the United States is $115,333 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $55.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $128,758
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $104,286 to $122,360
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $94,228
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Contracts Administrator IV Salaries

A Contracts Administrator IV'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 IV Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Contracts Administrator IV'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 II (2-4 years): $75,509
  • Contracts Administrator III (4-7 years): $99,190
  • Contracts Administrator IV (7+ years): $115,333
  • Contracts Administrator V (7-10 years): $141,363
  • Contracts Administration Supervisor (10+ years): $94,998
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Contracts Administrator II2-4 years$75,509
Contracts Administrator III4-7 years$99,190
Contracts Administrator IV7+ years$115,333
Contracts Administrator V7-10 years$141,363
Contracts Administration Supervisor10+ years$94,998
View as Graph

How Do Contracts Administrator IVs Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Contracts Administrator IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $127,697.
  • California: $127,212.
  • Massachusetts: $125,517.

Top Paying Cities for Contracts Administrator IV

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: $145,470
  • San Francisco: $143,877
  • Oakland: $140,845

What Skills Can Increase a Contracts Administrator IV's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 5.36% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Contract Review (Mentioned in 2.44% Job Postings): Evaluating, interpreting, and improving the terms used in contractual agreements.
  • Business Administration (Mentioned in 1.72% Job Postings): It is the management of all aspects of a business's performance, decisions, and organization. It includes the day to day operations, aspects including finances and human resources, and ensures the company stays aligned to the goal or mission.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 5.36%
Contract Review 2.44%
Business Administration 1.72%
See More Skills

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 IV's salary.

  • Market Research: Can increase your salary by up to 10%.
  • Government Contracting: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
  • Negotiating: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Market Research $126,866
10%
Government Contracting $125,713
9%
Negotiating $125,713
9%
Get Latest Data

Contracts Administrator IV Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Contracts Administrator IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $129,109. While startup companies pay approximate $109,223.

Contracts Administrator IV Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $109,223
Growth Stage 51~500 $115,516
Established 501~5000 $124,677
Enterprise 5000+ $129,109

Contracts Administrator IV Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Contracts Administrator IV roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Contracts Administrator positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Contracts Administrator IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Contracts Administrator IV

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$144,166$69.025%
Pharmaceuticals$140,706$68.022%
Energy & Utilities$138,400$67.020%
Internet$136,093$65.018%
Insurance$132,633$64.015%

How Education impacts an Contracts Administrator IV's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Contracts Administrator IV 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 IV with a Bachelor's Degree is between $121,060 and $129,883.

Contracts Administrator IV Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Contracts Administrator IV
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 7.4%
High School 7.4%
Associates 3.7%
Bachelors 33.3%
Masters 22.2%
Doctorate 33.3%
View as Graph

Contracts Administrator IV Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Contracts Administrator IV'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
$104,286
Average $115,333/year
$122,360
$8,691
Average $9,611/month
$10,197
$2,006
Average $2,218/week
$2,353
$50
Average $55/hour
$59
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $122,360 $10,197 $2,353 $59
Average $115,333 $9,611 $2,218 $55
25th Percentile $104,286 $8,691 $2,006 $50

Contracts Administrator IV Salary Growth & Career Path

Contracts Administrator IV

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Advancement

For a Contracts Administrator IV, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Contracts Administrator V role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $141,363 - a projected growth of 23% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Contracts Administrator IV

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

Common company salaries for Contracts Administrator IV

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

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FAQ about Contracts Administrator IV

1. Where can a Contracts Administrator IV earn the most?

A Contracts Administrator IV'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 IV earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Contracts Administrator IV is $145,470.

2. What is the highest pay for Contracts Administrator IV?

The highest pay for Contracts Administrator IV is $128,758.

3. What is the lowest pay for Contracts Administrator IV?

The lowest pay for Contracts Administrator IV is $94,228.

4. What are the responsibilities of Contracts Administrator IV?

Develops, prepares, and administers contracts, bids, and proposals that meet specifications and comply with all policies and regulations. Supports or participates in contract negotiations with suppliers, partners, or customers. Reviews contract terms to identify any potential risk or compliance issues. Examines supporting materials and agreement documents related to bids or contracts and provides guidance. Acts as liaison between the organization and subcontractors to implement the contracts. Maintains contract records used to ensure compliance with reporting and regulatory requirements. Typically requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Work is highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. Typically requires 7+ years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Contracts Administrator IV?

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Contracts Administrator IV roles, with salaries approximately 25% 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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