1

Contract Writing Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Contract writing system PD2 experience preferable, but not required. * Excellent written and oral communications skills and be proficient in MS Office Products, MS Project, and Adobe Acrobat. * Must ...

Experience using PRISM or comparable federal contract writing systems. * Proficiency with Microsoft Office software, with emphasis on Word, Excel, and Outlook. * Ability to navigate and manage ...

Experience using PRISM or comparable federal contract writing systems. * Proficiency with Microsoft Office software, with emphasis on Word, Excel, and Outlook. * Ability to navigate and manage ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Contract Writing information

See Washington, DC salary details

$97

$103

$108

How much do contract writing jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract writing in Washington, DC is $103.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100.72 and $106.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is contract writing?

Contract writing is the process of drafting legally binding agreements between two or more parties. It involves outlining the terms, responsibilities, and obligations of each party to ensure clarity and legal enforceability. Contract writers must have a strong understanding of legal language, industry-specific requirements, and negotiation techniques to create comprehensive documents that protect the interests of all involved. Well-written contracts help prevent misunderstandings and disputes by clearly defining the expectations and deliverables.

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

To thrive as a Contract Writer, you need a solid understanding of legal terminology, contract law, and strong written communication skills, often supported by a degree in law, business, or a related field. Familiarity with document management systems, contract lifecycle management (CLM) software, and proficiency in Microsoft Office are typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and the ability to negotiate and collaborate effectively set top performers apart. These skills ensure contracts are clear, legally sound, and protect the interests of all parties involved.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in contract writing roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in contract writing often encounter challenges such as interpreting complex legal language, ensuring compliance with regulations, and balancing the interests of multiple stakeholders. To address these issues, it's important to have strong attention to detail, maintain open communication with legal teams and business partners, and stay updated on relevant laws and industry standards. Regular training and collaboration with experienced colleagues can also help contract writers navigate tricky clauses and mitigate risks effectively.

What is the difference between Contract Writing vs Contract Drafting?

AspectContract WritingContract Drafting
Primary FocusCreating clear, concise contract language and termsDrafting initial contract documents from scratch or templates
Skills NeededLegal knowledge, writing skills, attention to detailLegal understanding, drafting skills, document formatting
Work EnvironmentLegal firms, corporate legal departments, freelanceLegal firms, corporate legal teams, freelance
CertificationsLegal background often preferred, paralegal certificationLegal background, paralegal certification often beneficial

While both roles involve legal document work, Contract Writing focuses on refining and clarifying contract language, whereas Contract Drafting involves creating initial contract documents. Both require legal knowledge and strong writing skills, often working in similar environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Writing jobs in Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Writing jobs in Washington, DC are:

What job categories do people searching Contract Writing jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Writing jobs in Washington, DC are:

Infographic showing various Contract Writing job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, and 42% Contract. Highlights an 49% In-person, and 51% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $215,193 per year, or $103.5 per hour.

Contract Specialist - HYBRID

Zachary Piper Solutions

Arlington, VA โ€ข On-site

$120 - $175/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Zachary Piper Solutions is looking for a Contract Specialist in the Arlington, VA area. hybrid and requires 1 day on-site per week. The Contract Specialist will join a highly respected Department of Defense Research organization supporting initiatives that impact national security and technological advancement.

Responsibilities for the Contract Specialist:
  • Prepare and administer Department of Defense Research & Development (FAR Part 35) contracts
  • Assist in the negotiation of contract terms and conditions with government and contractor personnel
  • Prepare contract modifications and maintain accurate contract documentation
  • Analyze procurement policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal regulations
  • Perform cost and price analysis and support the development of cost proposals
  • Prepare and maintain contract file documentation in accordance with FAR, DFARS, and other applicable regulations
Qualifications for the Contract Specialist:
  • 6-12 years of experience in government procurement
  • Active Secret Clearance required
  • Procurement Desktop Defense (PD2) experience
  • Full cradle-to-grave contract administration experience
  • Department of Defense contracting experience preferred
  • Experience preparing cost proposals, negotiating terms and conditions of contracts, preparing contract modifications, administering contracts or subcontracts, and analyzing cost and prices
  • Experience working with DFARS regulations and OTAs
Compensation for the Contract Specialist:
  • Salary: $120,000-$175,000 based on professional experience
  • Comprehensive Benefits Package: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, PTO, Sick Leave as required by law, and Holidays

This job was posted on August 31, 2026 and will be open for 30 days.

#LI-AK #LI-Hybrid

Keywords: Contract Specialist, Senior Contract Specialist, Government Contract Specialist, Federal Contract Specialist, Federal Contracts Specialist, Government Contracts Specialist, Contracting Specialist, Contracting Officer, Contract Officer, Contracting Officer Specialist, KO, CO, 1102, GS-1102, 1102 Contract Specialist, Federal 1102, Acquisition Professional, Acquisition Specialist, Senior Acquisition Specialist, Federal Acquisition Specialist, Government Acquisition Specialist, Acquisition Analyst, Senior Acquisition Analyst, Acquisition Consultant, Acquisition Program Specialist, Acquisition Management, Acquisition Support, Procurement Specialist, Federal Procurement Specialist, Procurement Analyst, Senior Procurement Analyst, Contracts Administrator, Contract Administrator, Senior Contract Administrator, Contracts Manager, Government Contracts Manager, Federal Contracts Manager, Subcontracts Administrator, Senior Subcontracts Administrator, Subcontracts Manager, Government Contracts, Federal Contracts, DoD Contracts, Defense Contracts, Defense Contracting, Government Contracting, Federal Contracting, DoD Contracting, Contract Administration, Contract Management, Contract Lifecycle Management, Cradle-to-Grave Contracts, Cradle to Grave Contracting, Cradle-to-Grave Acquisition, Full Lifecycle Contracting, Acquisition Lifecycle, Federal Procurement, Government Procurement, DoD Procurement, Defense Procurement, Procurement Management, Acquisition Planning, Procurement Planning, Pre-Award, Post-Award, Contract Award, Contract Closeout, Contract Modifications, Contract Modification, Contract Mods, Mods, Solicitation, Solicitation Development, RFP, RFQ, Request for Proposal, Request for Quote, Source Selection, Market Research, Proposal Evaluation, Proposal Analysis, Contract Negotiation, Negotiations, Terms and Conditions, Cost Proposal Development, Cost Proposal, Cost Analysis, Price Analysis, Cost and Price Analysis, Cost/Price Analysis, Cost Realism, Price Reasonableness, Cost Evaluation, FAR, Federal Acquisition Regulation, FAR Part 15, FAR Part 16, FAR Part 35, DFARS, Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement, DFARS PGI, PGI, Federal Acquisition, Government Acquisition, Defense Acquisition, DoD Acquisition, OTA, OTAs, Other Transaction Authority, Other Transaction Agreement, Other Transaction Agreements, OTA Agreements, Research Contracts, Research and Development Contracts, R&D Contracts, R&D Contracting, R&D Acquisition, Research Acquisition, DoD Research, Defense Research, Government R&D, Federal Research Programs, Research and Development, PD2, PDยฒ, Procurement Desktop Defense, Procurement Desktop-Defense, SPS, Standard Procurement System, Contract Writing System, Contract Writing Systems, PIEE, WAWF, Wide Area Workflow, DAWIA, Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act, FAC-C, Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting, NCMA, CFCM, CPCM, Secret Clearance, Active Secret Clearance, Active Secret, Security Clearance, Cleared, Cleared Professional, Cleared Professionals, Cleared Contract Specialist, Cleared Acquisition Specialist, Department of Defense, DoD, Defense Programs, Federal Government, National Security, DARPA, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, ARPA, ARPA-H

#J-18808-Ljbffr