Explore Careers

Contracts Specialists

Explore Careers

Contracts Specialists

Business Management & Administration
Enlisted Role

Service Branches with this Role

  • Army logo
  • Marines logo
  • Navy logo
  • Air Force logo
  • Space Force logo

What do Contracts Specialists do in the Military?

Acquisitions and contracts specialists negotiate, procure, and process administrative actions necessary to acquire contracted resources.

Where do Contracts Specialists work?

Contracts specialists work in offices on land or aboard ships.

How much do they make?

Median Military Salary

This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.


Note that the median salary does not include bonuses, special pays, health or dental benefits — which are a standard part of military compensation.

$139,448

Military Salary Range

This is the range based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location.


Note that the median salary does not include bonuses, special pays, health or dental benefits — which are a standard part of military compensation.

$30,142 - $331,236

How Military Pay is More Than Just a Salary

Base pay is the standard income you'll earn as a service member, providing a stable foundation to start achieving your financial goals.

  • Set based on rank and years of service.
  • Paid every month.

Allowances are additional payments to help cover living expenses like housing and food.

  • Tax-free payments.
  • Varies by location and family status.

Special pay provides extra compensation for unique skills, hazardous duties, or challenging assignments.

  • Based on specialized roles.
  • Varies by position and duty.

What training do Contracts Specialists gain in the Military?

All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Job training for contracts specialists consists of classroom and on-the-job instruction. Training content relates to contract administration, and may include:

  • Use of military procurement systems
  • Mission-focused contracting
  • Acquisition procedures
  • Contract pricing
  • Government contract laws

Military Training for Enlisted Service members

All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training.

What skills help Contracts Specialists succeed?

  • Interest in planning and directing the work of others
  • Interest in work requiring accuracy and attention to detail
  • Ability to work with numbers

What are possible career paths after the Military?

  • Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail and Farm Products
  • Budget Analysts
  • Accountants and Auditors
  • Compensation, Benefits and Job Analysis Specialists
  • Buyers and Purchasing Agents, Farm Products
  • Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers and Athletes
  • Compensation and Benefits Managers
  • Treasurers and Controllers

Interested? Take Your Next Step!