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Contracting Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$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 ...

$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 Aug 14, 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 skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a contracting officer?

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.

How do you become a contracting officer?

To become a contracting officer, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in business, management, or a related field, along with experience in procurement or contract management. Many agencies require certification such as the Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) or equivalent, and candidates must pass background checks and security clearances depending on the agency.

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 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 is a contracting officer?

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.
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:

What states have the most Contracting Officer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Contracting Officer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Contracting Officer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,308 per year, or $37.2 per hour.

Contracting Officer Representative

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

Portland, OR • On-site

$114K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


U.S. Department Of Energy rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

145th of 846 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

These positions are located with Bonneville Power Administration, in the Internal Business Operations (JAB) & IT Project Management (JP) organizations of Information Technology (J).
A successful candidate in this position will serve as a senior analyst/project manager responsible for projects, studies, & other initiatives to determine & improve BPA programs, systems & processes.Qualifications:SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: A qualified candidate's resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-12) in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as experience in 1) supporting program requirements similar to those of a Contracting Officer Representative (COR), such as monitoring contractor activities to insure contractors execute contract requirements on time, meeting deliverable milestones within budget and with satisfactory quality and providing updates and reports on contractor performance; and 2) conducting research and analysis on administrative, management, and organizational issues, including collecting data, assisting in the preparation and presenting of management reports, and evaluating information to develop preliminary findings and recommendations.
"Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills; and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Time-in-Grade: Current Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement to receive consideration.
CTAP candidates: To be considered "well qualified" you must meet all of the requirements as described in this section.
You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.Education:There are no specific education requirements or substitution of education for experience for this position.Employment Type: OTHER

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