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What is a contract administrator/contract specialist and how to become one
A contract administrator/contract specialist is in charge of reviewing all of the contracts in their organization. Their role is essential in ensuring that the contract has no hidden risks and will bring forth benefits as expected in the contents. They may update existing contracts, help draft new ones, as well as suggest amendments whenever necessary.
Additionally, the duties of a contract administrator or contract specialist include reviewing specifications regarding equipment and materials, negotiating contract terms and conditions with suppliers, managing contract-related paperwork, and serving as the liaison between managers and outside parties to address contract concerns.
For this role, many employers usually require a bachelor's degree in business, economics, commerce, or a similar field. Naturally, they also look for applicants with substantial experience working with contractors, preferably in a similar field or industry as theirs. Moreover, an aspiring contract administrator must display excellent skills in organization, communication, and negotiation to increase their attractiveness as a candidate.
Contract administrators or specialists take home an average of $48,000 a year. Individuals with higher levels of education or those who have certifications may earn even higher.
Avg. Salary $53,425
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 9%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.78%
Asian 7.58%
Black or African American 8.82%
Hispanic or Latino 12.16%
Unknown 4.38%
White 66.29%
Genderfemale 69.95%
male 30.05%
Age - 49American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 49Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is advanced
7 - challenging
Work life balance is poor
6.4 - fair
Contract administrator/contract specialist career paths
Key steps to become a contract administrator/contract specialist
Explore contract administrator/contract specialist education requirements
Start to develop specific contract administrator/contract specialist skills
Skills Percentages Contract Management 12.93% Purchase Orders 11.65% Contract Terms 8.89% Data Entry 8.67% Price Analysis 5.60% Complete relevant contract administrator/contract specialist training and internships
Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New contract administrator/contract specialists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a contract administrator/contract specialist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real contract administrator/contract specialist resumes.Research contract administrator/contract specialist duties and responsibilities
- Lead the projects through initial project execution at local CMO's.
- Create operational efficiencies by effectively managing databases containing RFP library responses and approve responses to request revisions to form agreements.
- Ensure refund to DLA from vendor if applicable.
- Make recommendations to the ACO concerning property issues as required.
Prepare your contract administrator/contract specialist resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your contract administrator/contract specialist resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a contract administrator/contract specialist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable contract administrator/contract specialist resume templates
Build a professional contract administrator/contract specialist resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your contract administrator/contract specialist resume.
Apply for contract administrator/contract specialist jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a contract administrator/contract specialist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first contract administrator/contract specialist job
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Average contract administrator/contract specialist salary
The average contract administrator/contract specialist salary in the United States is $53,425 per year or $26 per hour. Contract administrator/contract specialist salaries range between $35,000 and $79,000 per year.
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Updated January 8, 2025
