The field of federal government contracting offers a unique combination of stability, purpose-driven work, and a clear path to a competitive salary. For those interested in a career as a Contract Specialist, particularly within a large agency like the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the earning potential is significant. A career in this field can see salaries ranging from approximately $55,000 for entry-level positions to well over $150,000 for senior experts and managers.
Your query, "va salary survey contract cancellation," touches on the core functions of this role. Professionals in this field manage the entire lifecycle of government contracts, from conducting market research (akin to a "salary survey" for services), to awarding contracts, and managing modifications or, when necessary, handling a "contract cancellation" (formally known as termination). This guide will break down the salary, responsibilities, and career outlook for this essential profession.
What Does a VA Contract Specialist Do?
A Contract Specialist, known within the federal government under the 1102 job series, is a business professional responsible for planning, negotiating, awarding, and administering government contracts. They are the government's business agents, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and that federal agencies receive the goods and services they need to fulfill their missions.
At the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), this is a critical function. VA Contract Specialists procure everything from life-saving medical equipment and pharmaceuticals to construction services for new hospitals and IT systems for managing veteran benefits.
Key responsibilities include:
- Procurement Planning: Working with program managers to define requirements and determine the best contracting strategy.
- Solicitation: Preparing and issuing bid documents like Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and Requests for Quotes (RFQs).
- Cost and Price Analysis: Evaluating proposals to ensure pricing is fair and reasonable. This involves analyzing labor rates and material costs, a task related to the "salary survey" part of the query.
- Negotiation and Award: Negotiating terms, conditions, and pricing with potential contractors and formally awarding the contract.
- Contract Administration: Overseeing the contractor's performance, processing payments, and managing any necessary changes or modifications to the contract.
- Contract Closeout & Termination: Ensuring all work is completed and obligations are met. In cases of non-performance or for the convenience of the government, they manage the complex process of contract termination or "cancellation."
Average Contract Specialist Salary
Salary for a federal Contract Specialist is not a single number but is determined by the General Schedule (GS) pay system. This system combines a base pay rate with a "locality pay" adjustment for your geographic area. An employee's GS level is based on their experience and education.
- Entry-Level (GS-7 to GS-9): A recent graduate or someone new to the field typically starts at the GS-7 or GS-9 level. The salary range is approximately $55,000 to $75,000, depending heavily on location.
- Mid-Career/Journeyman (GS-11 to GS-13): With several years of experience, a specialist can expect to be a GS-11, GS-12, or GS-13. The salary range is approximately $75,000 to $120,000. Most non-supervisory Contract Specialists operate at these levels.
- Senior/Expert (GS-14 to GS-15): These levels are typically reserved for senior specialists with deep expertise, team leads, or managers (Contracting Officers with high-dollar warrants). The salary range is approximately $115,000 to $191,900 (the 2024 cap for the GS scale).
*Source: U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) 2024 General Schedule (GS) Salary Tables.*
Private sector "Contract Administrator" roles show similar ranges. According to Salary.com, the median salary for a Contract Administrator III in the U.S. is around $96,500 as of early 2024, while Glassdoor reports an average of $81,000 with significant variation based on company and industry.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Your earning potential is not static. Several key factors directly influence your GS level and, therefore, your salary.
### Level of Education
A bachelor's degree is a minimum requirement for the 1102 contracting series, and it must include at least 24 semester hours in business-related fields like accounting, law, marketing, or finance. A strong academic record can qualify you for a higher starting grade (e.g., a 3.0+ GPA may qualify you for GS-7 instead of GS-5). A master's degree (such as an MBA or a Master's in Acquisition and Contract Management) can make you eligible to start at the GS-9 level, accelerating your career path.
### Years of Experience
This is the most significant driver of salary growth in the federal system. The GS system is designed to reward experience. You must have at least one year of specialized experience at a certain GS level to be promoted to the next. For example, to qualify for a GS-12 position, you must have at least one year of experience performing GS-11 level duties. This creates a clear and predictable ladder for advancement.
### Geographic Location
Where you work matters immensely. The GS system's locality pay adjustment can increase your base salary by 17% to 44% to account for the local cost of living. For example:
- A GS-12, Step 1 in Huntsville, AL (20.32% locality pay) earns $88,089 in 2024.
- That same GS-12, Step 1 in Washington, D.C. (33.26% locality pay) earns $100,248.
- In San Francisco, CA (44.15% locality pay), that salary becomes $108,499.
*Source: OPM 2024 Locality Pay Tables.*
### Company Type (Agency vs. Private Sector)
While this guide focuses on the VA, the skills are transferable.
- Federal Government (e.g., VA, DoD): Offers unparalleled job security, excellent benefits (pension, healthcare), and a structured career path. The salary progression is predictable and transparent.
- Private Sector (e.g., Government Contractors like Booz Allen Hamilton, Lockheed Martin): May offer higher potential peak salaries, especially with bonuses and stock options. However, it can be less stable, with employment often tied to the contracts the company wins. Many professionals move between government and private sector roles throughout their careers.
### Area of Specialization
Within contracting, specialization can lead to higher-grade positions. A specialist managing complex, high-dollar contracts for Information Technology systems or major hospital construction projects will likely advance faster and reach higher GS levels than one handling simpler commodity purchases. Furthermore, obtaining professional certifications like the Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) or the defense-equivalent DAWIA certification is not just recommended—it's often required for advancement to mid and senior levels and for holding a Contracting Officer's warrant (the authority to bind the government).
Job Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) groups Contract Specialists within the broader category of "Purchasing Managers, Buyers, and Purchasing Agents." While the overall growth for this category is projected to decline slightly, the outlook for federal contracting professionals remains stable and strong.
The federal government spends over $600 billion on contracts each year. It requires a dedicated, professional workforce to manage this massive portfolio. As long as the government continues to operate, there will be a consistent demand for skilled Contract Specialists to ensure acquisitions are legal, ethical, and efficient. The need to manage increasingly complex contracts in cybersecurity, healthcare, and technology ensures that high-level expertise will always be in demand.
Conclusion
A career as a Contract Specialist, whether at the VA or another federal agency, is a rewarding path for those with a sharp business mind and a desire for public service. It offers a structured journey with clear milestones for salary and professional growth.
Key Takeaways:
- Strong Earning Potential: A six-figure salary is highly attainable for experienced professionals.
- Salary is Structured: Your pay is determined by your GS Level, experience (Steps), and location—not arbitrary negotiation.
- Experience is King: Consistent performance and time-in-grade are the keys to promotion.
- Location Matters: Your physical work location can significantly impact your take-home pay due to locality adjustments.
- Stable Career: The government's perpetual need for goods and services provides excellent job security.
If you are looking for a career that challenges you to be a skilled negotiator, a prudent financial steward, and a key player in achieving a vital mission, the role of a Contract Specialist is an excellent choice.