As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Contracting Officer in District of Columbia is $108,861 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $52.
However, a Contracting Officer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Contracting Officer'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Contracting Officer'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 |
|---|---|
| Contracts... Level Contracting Officer | $71,120 |
| Contracts... Level Contracting Officer | $83,512 |
| Contracti... Level Contracting Officer | $109,696 |
| Contracts... Level Contracting Officer | $127,561 |
| Contracts... Level Contracting Officer | $156,348 |
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 Contracting Officers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
For Contracting Officer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Contracting Officer positions in Retail & Wholesale or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Contracting Officer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $152,406 | $73.0 | 40% |
| Financial Services | $130,634 | $63.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $121,925 | $59.0 | 12% |
| Healthcare | $119,747 | $58.0 | 10% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $117,570 | $57.0 | 8% |
Understanding how a Contracting Officer'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 July 01, 2026Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Contracting Officer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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