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Contracting Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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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Contracting Officer information

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$19K

$77.3K

$113K

How much do contracting officer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 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:
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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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,308 per year, or $37.2 per hour.

CHIEF CONTRACTING OFFICER

Naval Sea Systems Command > Home > Warfare Centers > NUWC Newport

Keyport, WA • On-site

$141K/yr

Other

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

You will serve as a MANAGER (CHIEF CONTRACTING OFFICER/DEPARTMENT HEAD) in the CONTRACTS DEPARTMENT of NAVUNSEAWARCENDIV KEYPORT WA.Qualifications:In addition to the Basic Requirements for this position, your resume must also demonstrateat least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the NT-05 pay band (GS-13/14 grade level equivalency) in the federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: As a professional contracting specialist executing, managing, and directing contracts and the simplified acquisition process, overseeing acquisition functions, and developing policies and procedures for the procurement of supplies and services.
Applicant must meet the following Department of Defense qualification requirements for 1102 contracting positions: http://www.secnav.navy.mil/donhr/Documents/CivilianJobs/DoD_Qualification_Standard_For_GS-1102.pdf
And the title 10 requirements found here: http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title10-section1724&num=0&edition=prelim
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.Education:Applicants must meet the following Basic Education Requirement of the Department of Defense Qualification Standard for Contracting Positions:
A bachelor's degree from an accredited educational institution authorized to grant baccalaureate degrees.
NOTE: The education requirement listed above applies only to individuals entering DoD GS-1102 positions on or after October 1, 2000. Current civilian personnel in DoD who occupied GS-1102 positions or contracting positions with authority to award or administer contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold in an Executive Department on or before September 30, 2000 are exempt from meeting this requirement. Current military members who occupied a similar occupational specialty to the GS (or equivalent) 1102 or before September 30, 2000 are also exempt from meeting this requirementEmployment Type: OTHER

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