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Contracting Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

FL

$89K/yr

You will serve as a Contracting Officer Representative in the Expeditionary Department of Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Atlantic. ** This position is a 100% TDY to Camp ...

US Department of the Navy

$89K/yr

You will serve as a Contracting Officer Representative in the Expeditionary Department of Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Atlantic. ** This position is a 100% TDY to Camp ...

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How much do contracting officer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for contracting officer in the United States is $77,308.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,500.00 and $83,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Contracting Officer, you need strong knowledge of procurement regulations, contract law, and negotiation techniques, often supported by a relevant degree and certifications such as the Federal Acquisition Certification (FAC-C) or DAWIA certification. Familiarity with contract management software, federal acquisition systems, and legal documentation tools is essential for daily operations. Attention to detail, ethical judgment, and strong communication skills help you navigate complex agreements and build trust with stakeholders. These skills ensure contracts are legally compliant, cost-effective, and aligned with organizational goals, minimizing risks and supporting successful project outcomes.

What is the difference between Contracting Officer vs Contract Specialist?

AspectContracting OfficerContract Specialist
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree, relevant certifications (e.g., FAC-C), and experience in procurementUsually needs a bachelor's degree and procurement experience, often with similar certifications
Work EnvironmentWorks in government agencies or large organizations managing procurement processesSupports contracting activities, often within government or defense sectors
Employer & IndustryPrimarily in government, defense, and federal agenciesCommonly in government, defense, and related industries

Contracting Officers and Contract Specialists both work in procurement roles within government and defense sectors. While Contracting Officers have broader authority to sign contracts and make procurement decisions, Contract Specialists support these processes through research, documentation, and assistance. Both roles require similar credentials and often work in the same environments, but Contracting Officers hold more decision-making power.

What are some common challenges faced by Contracting Officers when managing multiple contracts simultaneously?

Contracting Officers often juggle several contracts at once, which can present challenges such as prioritizing urgent tasks, ensuring compliance with regulations, and maintaining clear communication with vendors and internal stakeholders. Staying organized and detail-oriented is crucial to track deadlines, deliverables, and changes to contract terms while minimizing risks. Effective time management and proactive problem-solving are key skills for navigating these complexities and ensuring all contractual obligations are met efficiently.

What degree do you need to be a contracting officer?

A contracting officer typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in fields such as business, finance, law, or public administration. Relevant experience and knowledge of procurement regulations, along with certifications like the Federal Acquisition Certification, are also important for this role.

What does a contracting officer do?

A contracting officer is responsible for managing the acquisition process, including negotiating, awarding, and administering contracts with vendors or service providers. They ensure compliance with regulations, evaluate bids, and oversee contract performance, often requiring knowledge of procurement laws and certification such as the Federal Acquisition Certification.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

In the US, high-paying roles such as senior contracting officers in government agencies or defense contractors can reach annual salaries of $500,000 or more, especially with extensive experience, security clearances, and leadership responsibilities. These positions often require specialized skills, certifications, and long-term commitment to the field.

What are Contracting Officers?

Contracting Officers are authorized individuals in government or private organizations responsible for managing and overseeing contracts. They ensure that all contractual agreements comply with laws, regulations, and organizational policies. Their duties include awarding contracts, negotiating terms, monitoring contractor performance, and resolving disputes. Contracting Officers play a crucial role in procurement processes, ensuring transparency, fairness, and value for the organization.

What contractor job pays the most?

In contracting, project managers and senior construction managers typically earn the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures, especially with experience and certifications like PMP. Specialized roles such as construction executives or program managers overseeing large projects also tend to have higher pay scales due to increased responsibility and expertise.
More about Contracting Officer jobs
What cities are hiring for Contracting Officer jobs? Cities with the most Contracting Officer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Contracting Officer jobs? The most popular types of Contracting Officer jobs are:
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What states have the most Contracting Officer jobs? States with the most job openings for Contracting Officer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Contracting Officer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Contracting Officer jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Contracting Officer jobs? For Contracting Officer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Contracting Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contracting Officer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,308 per year, or $37.2 per hour.
CONTRACTING OFFICER REPRESENTATIVE

CONTRACTING OFFICER REPRESENTATIVE

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

FL

$89K/yr

Other

Posted 11 days ago

U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 529 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 46 rated military and defense

Job description

You will serve as a Contracting Officer Representative in the Expeditionary Department of Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Atlantic.
**This position is a 100% TDY to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Africa. This is a full-time temporary assignment not to exceed 1 year.
May be filled as a temporary promotion or a temporary reassignment.Qualifications:Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of experience at or equivalent to the GS-11 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: 1) Utilizing knowledge of performance evaluation methods and surveillance plans and techniques for oversight of contractor performance; 2) Monitoring a full range of contracts, contracting plans, and contracting changes for propriety of acquisitions methods, contract type, and documentation; 3) Developing pre-award and post award schedules and cost estimates for new solicitations or contract modifications; and 4) Providing technical guidance on contract contractual performance requirements. NOTE: This information must be supported in your resume to be considered for this position.
Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management web site: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=List-by-Occupational-Series
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1100/general-business-and-industry-series-1101b/
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.
Additional Information:
Work Environment: Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Africa is located in a harsh environmental setting with adverse weather conditions for many months of the year (excessive heat, humidity, and rain) and working in areas populated by poisonous snakes, plants, and/or insects, and contagious diseases and poor air quality, chemical handling areas, and damp and unheated spaces. The work may require extensive work shifts of 12-16 hours a day and more than a 5 day workweek. Generally, indoor work location has power, water, heating and air conditioning, although outages should be expected. The incumbent will be required to live on the camp, where living quarters are a container living unit (CLU), which may be very cramped with the requirement to share bathroom facilities. Initial living quarters may be a tent. Fatigue may occur from long work hours and uncomfortable living conditions.
The position may be required to provide immediate contingency support requiring a physical and immunizations deemed necessary for the environment in which this support is provided.
Incumbent is entitled to 25% Post Differential pay.
Potential benefits for working in Djibouti: Ability to gain international work experience.
Professional development by working in an area at the forefront of construction and community growth.
High potential for overtime pay.
Local Market Supplement (based on parent command location)
Imminent Danger Pay - $225/month (first 42 days)
Post Differential Allowance - currently 25% of base pay (beginning day 43+)Education:This job does not have an education qualification requirement.Employment Type: OTHER

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