As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Contract Associate in the United States is $100,853 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $48.
However, a Contract Associate's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Contract Associate'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Contract Associate'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Contract Associate | $96,996 |
| Intermediate Level Contract Associate | $97,768 |
| Senior Level Contract Associate | $99,773 |
| Specialist Level Contract Associate | $102,689 |
| Expert Level Contract Associate | $106,185 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Contract Associates. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 5.85% |
| Microsoft Office | 3.01% |
| Billing | 1.78% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Government Contracting
|
$106,904 |
6%
|
|
SOW
|
$104,887 |
4%
|
|
Leadership
|
$104,887 |
4%
|
|
Economics
|
$103,879 |
3%
|
|
Statement of Work
|
$103,879 |
3%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$103,879 |
3%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Contract Associates enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Contract Associate with a Bachelor's Degree is between $94,689 and $100,841).
Contract Associate Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.2% |
| High School | 10.7% |
| Associates | 6.4% |
| Bachelors | 43.5% |
| Masters | 26.9% |
| Doctorate | 12.3% |
Understanding how a Contract Associate'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 January 01, 2026Salaries for a Contract Associate can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $93,692 in 2023 to around $92,281 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Contract Associate salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $93,692 |
| 2024 | $93,050 |
| 2025 | $92,281 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Contract Associate and their salaries, click below for more details.
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