As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Contracts Officer in the United States is $100,861 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $48.
However, a Contracts Officer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Contracts 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Contracts 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 Contracts Officer | $65,893 |
| Contracts... Level Contracts Officer | $77,374 |
| Contracts... Level Contracts Officer | $101,634 |
| Contracts... Level Contracts Officer | $118,186 |
| Contracts... Level Contracts Officer | $144,858 |
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 Contracts Officers. 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
|
$106,913 |
6%
|
|
SOW
|
$104,895 |
4%
|
|
Leadership
|
$104,895 |
4%
|
|
Economics
|
$103,887 |
3%
|
|
Statement of Work
|
$103,887 |
3%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$103,887 |
3%
|
For Contracts 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, Contracts Officer positions in Retail & Wholesale or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Contracts Officer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $141,205 | $68.0 | 40% |
| Financial Services | $121,033 | $58.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $112,964 | $54.0 | 12% |
| Healthcare | $110,947 | $53.0 | 10% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $108,930 | $52.0 | 8% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Contracts Officers 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 Contracts Officer with a Bachelor's Degree is between $94,689 and $100,841).
Contracts Officer 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 Contracts 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, 2026Salaries for a Contracts Officer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $93,664 in 2023 to around $92,254 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Contracts Officer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $93,664 |
| 2024 | $93,022 |
| 2025 | $92,254 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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