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Contract Administration information

See California salary details

$31.6K

$72.2K

$110.5K

How much do contract administration jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract administration in California is $72,228.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,300.00 and $86,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is contract administration?

Contract administration refers to the process of managing contracts made with customers, vendors, partners, or employees. It involves ensuring that all parties fulfill their contractual obligations, monitoring performance, handling changes or disputes, and maintaining thorough records. Professionals in contract administration help protect organizations from legal and financial risks by ensuring compliance with contract terms and applicable laws. They often collaborate closely with legal, procurement, and project management teams. Effective contract administration can improve relationships, reduce costs, and prevent misunderstandings.

What are some common challenges faced in a contract administration role, and how can they be managed effectively?

Contract Administrators often encounter challenges such as managing tight deadlines, ensuring compliance with contract terms, and handling changes or disputes between parties. Staying organized with clear documentation and proactive communication with stakeholders helps prevent misunderstandings and delays. Utilizing contract management software and regularly reviewing contract performance can also streamline processes and reduce errors, making it easier to address issues as they arise.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract administrator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Administrator, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of contract law, often supported by a bachelor's degree in business, law, or a related field. Familiarity with contract management software, document management systems, and compliance tools is typically required. Excellent negotiation, communication, and problem-solving abilities help you manage relationships and resolve issues effectively. These skills are crucial for ensuring contracts are accurate, compliant, and beneficial to the organization.

What is the difference between Contract Administration vs Contract Specialist?

AspectContract AdministrationContract Specialist
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in business, law, or related field; certifications like Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM) are commonSimilar credentials; often holds a bachelor's degree and certifications such as CFCM or CPCM
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, often within government agencies or corporations, managing ongoing contractsOffice or remote, focusing on contract creation, review, and compliance
Employer & IndustryUsed in government, construction, and corporate sectors for managing contractual relationshipsCommon in government contracting, defense, and large corporations for contract review and negotiation

Contract Administration and Contract Specialist roles share similar credentials and work environments, often overlapping in government and corporate sectors. While Contract Administration focuses on managing and executing contracts throughout their lifecycle, Contract Specialists primarily handle contract creation, review, and compliance. Both roles are essential for ensuring contractual obligations are met efficiently and legally.

How much do contract administrators make in the US?

Contract administrators in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $65,000 to $75,000, with experienced professionals and those in senior roles earning over $90,000. Salaries vary based on industry, location, experience, and certifications such as the Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM).

Is a contract administrator a good career?

A contract administrator manages and oversees contracts within organizations, requiring skills in negotiation, attention to detail, and knowledge of legal and industry standards. It can be a stable career with opportunities for advancement, especially with certifications like Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM). The role often involves working in construction, government, or corporate sectors and may require strong organizational skills and familiarity with contract management software.

What qualifications do you need to be a contract administrator?

A contract administrator typically needs a bachelor's degree in business, law, or a related field, along with strong organizational and communication skills. Experience in contract management, familiarity with legal terminology, and proficiency with contract management software are also important qualifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Administration jobs in California?

The most popular types of Administration jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Contract Administration jobs?

Cities in California with the most Contract Administration job openings:

Contract Administration jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Administration job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,228 per year, or $34.7 per hour.

Manager Contract Administration 2

San Diego, CA

Northrop Grumman Corporation
Space Research Administration • 10K+ employees

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 365 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

85th of 544 rated manufacturers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students

Learn more about Northrop Grumman Corporationexternal

$133K - $199K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: NoCLEARANCE TYPE: NoneTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. We have a wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies. Our differentiated battle management and cyber solutions deliver timely, mission-enabling information and provide superior situational awareness and understanding to protect the U.S. and its global allies.

We are looking for you to join our team as a Manager 2 - Contract Administration based out of San Diego, CA. This is an onsite position that offers the 9/80 schedule.

What You'll Get to Do:

The Manager 2 - Contract Administration will lead within the Navigation, Intelligence and Connectivity Division reporting to the Manager of the Fighter Networked Systems (FNS) Operating Unit (OU).

In this role, Contract Manager 2 will be responsible for all aspects of the NIC Division portfoliodelivering successful financial performance, risk mitigation, change management, and customer satisfaction.Additionally, the successful candidate will be responsible for the direct supervision, management, and success of a staff of 8 contracts professionals.

Specifically, the Contract Manager 2 will lead their team in conducting proposal preparation, contract negotiation, contract administration, and customer contact activities to provide for proper contract acquisition and fulfillment in accordance with company policies, business strategy, legal requirements, and customer specifications.

The Contract Manager 2 will also be required to provide objective-oriented direction utilizing management guidelines, general policies, and maintain a strong level of engagement, while dynamically leading, inspiring, motivating and developing a team of contract professionals.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree with 8 years of industry related experience in contract administration/management - OR - a Master's degree with 6 years of industry related experience as outlined above.

  • Will consider 12 years of applied experience in lieu of degree requirement.

  • Knowledge of Contracts Administration in a FAR/DFARS environment

  • Knowledge and understanding of pricing principles and FAR/DFARS as well as associated Federal Contracting regulations.

  • Background in DoD contracting with prior experience with the USG and/or major defense contractor customers.

  • Experience negotiating various contract types of varying sizes and types of agreements with the USG and/or major defense contractor customers.

  • Prior experience presenting to all levels of management.

  • Advanced proposal strategy and contract formation experience.

  • Experience using Microsoft Office including Outlook, Excel, Teams and PowerPoint.

  • Prior leadership experience or supervisor experience

  • US Citizenship

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Degree in Business, Finance, or related discipline

  • JD or MBA

  • Familiarity with SAP based systems.

  • NCMA Certification (CPCM, CFCM and/or CCCM)

  • Advanced knowledge of MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).

  • The ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Secret clearance.

What We Can Offer You:

Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment which encourages your growth and supports the mutual success of our people and our company. Northrop Grumman benefits give you the flexibility and control to choose the benefits that make the most sense for you and your family.

Your benefits will include the following: Health Plan, Savings Plan, Paid Time Off and Additional Benefits including Education Assistance, Training and Development, 9/80 Work Schedule (where available), and much more!

Primary Level Salary Range: $133,100.00 - $199,700.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.
Northrop Grumman logo

About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

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