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Contract negotiator vs contracts administrator

The differences between contract negotiators and contracts administrators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a contract negotiator has an average salary of $59,212, which is higher than the $52,876 average annual salary of a contracts administrator.

The top three skills for a contract negotiator include contract administration, contract performance and contract terms. The most important skills for a contracts administrator are contract administration, customer service, and contract management.

Contract negotiator vs contracts administrator overview

Contract NegotiatorContracts Administrator
Yearly salary$59,212$52,876
Hourly rate$28.47$25.42
Growth rate9%-6%
Number of jobs10,83158,038
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 66%Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Average age4448
Years of experience-6

What does a contract negotiator do?

A contract negotiator is responsible for evaluating contract agreements and documents, negotiating terms with clients and customers, and resolving contract disputes. Contract negotiators manage parties' business deals and ensure that the conditions adhere to the company guidelines and state regulations. They also explain and discuss the contract to the representatives thoroughly and address any concerns and inquiries the parties may have. A contract negotiator must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in finalizing terms and revising statements as needed.

What does a contracts administrator do?

Contract administrators create and manage legal contracts from which the company participates. They ensure that all entities to the contract will accomplish their obligations, as indicated in the contract. They usually work for larger organizations that might be involved with different or highly complex contracts. These organizations spread across a range of industries, including government, construction, and healthcare. Their responsibilities include addressing any conflicts of questions regarding the contract, analyzing the possible risks posed by contracts, and working alongside the legal and procurement teams.

Contract negotiator vs contracts administrator salary

Contract negotiators and contracts administrators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Contract NegotiatorContracts Administrator
Average salary$59,212$52,876
Salary rangeBetween $39,000 And $87,000Between $35,000 And $78,000
Highest paying CityWashington, DCWashington, DC
Highest paying statePennsylvaniaMaryland
Best paying companyCiscoNgam Advisors, L.P.
Best paying industryInsuranceFinance

Differences between contract negotiator and contracts administrator education

There are a few differences between a contract negotiator and a contracts administrator in terms of educational background:

Contract NegotiatorContracts Administrator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 66%Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of Southern CaliforniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Contract negotiator vs contracts administrator demographics

Here are the differences between contract negotiators' and contracts administrators' demographics:

Contract NegotiatorContracts Administrator
Average age4448
Gender ratioMale, 52.7% Female, 47.3%Male, 32.2% Female, 67.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.4% Asian, 8.8% White, 70.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 12.6% Asian, 7.7% White, 65.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage11%7%

Differences between contract negotiator and contracts administrator duties and responsibilities

Contract negotiator example responsibilities.

  • Manage expectations of DCMA / DCAA regulators and when necessary defend evaluated/negotiated positions.
  • Provide cost/benefit analysis, RFP response analysis, contract negotiation, and project management support.
  • Prepare proposals per domestic and international customer RFP specifications with input from program managers, accountants, and engineers.
  • Implement SharePoint contract repository with custom records retention policy.
  • Track the full acquisition documentation process utilizing a DHA agency-wide SharePoint portal.
  • Represent company in arbitration settlement negotiations that result in an agreement to obtain governmental approval for the sale of the business.
  • Show more

Contracts administrator example responsibilities.

  • Manage communication between both interviewees and candidates regarding interview logistics.
  • Coordinate requirements and interface with other division personnel to accomplish timely and cost effective procurement of assign commodities.
  • Optimize GPO department operating efficiency with cleanup, data analysis, and rebate reconciliation projects.
  • Ensure ERP data management for customer info and contract.
  • Mentor employees new to the duties and responsibilities of an SCA.
  • Utilize SQL queries, advance excel formulas, functions and project scheduling tools.
  • Show more

Contract negotiator vs contracts administrator skills

Common contract negotiator skills
  • Contract Administration, 9%
  • Contract Performance, 6%
  • Contract Terms, 6%
  • Proposal Preparation, 6%
  • Program Management, 5%
  • Contract Compliance, 5%
Common contracts administrator skills
  • Contract Administration, 11%
  • Customer Service, 7%
  • Contract Management, 6%
  • Proposal Preparation, 5%
  • Purchase Orders, 5%
  • Contract Terms, 5%

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