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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Military Acquisitions and Contracts Managers

Median Salary
120,344
Workforce Count
11,474

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Acquisitions and contracts managers are responsible for preparing and coordinating every task involved in the planning, development, and implementation of procurement programs. They provide management, technical expertise, and supervision to ensure successful development of defense acquisition programs and accomplishment of desired outcomes. They are responsible for analyzing purchase requests and performing cost or price analyses. They evaluate contract proposals, award and administer contracts, and assess contractor performance.

What is the work environment like?

Acquisitions and contracts managers work in offices.

How many people have this role in the Military?

11,474

Compensation

Understanding 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.

  • Always fixed based on rank and service time.
  • Distributed monthly.
Learn More About Military Benefits

What is the typical salary range?

Salary by Years of Service

$148,816

2 Years

$99,180

6 Years

$148,816

10+ Years
Median Salary
120,344

Military Details

What Service Branches offer this role?

Learn More About Service Branches

Is this a staff or leadership role?

Enlisted
Officer
Officers are service members who plan, direct operations and manage enlisted personnel, developing a broad range of leadership-related skills.
Learn More About Enlisted and Officer Paths

What does the training for this role entail?

Acquisitions and contracts managers may have an education background in finance or accounting. Job training for acquisitions and contracts managers primarily consists of on-the-job learning in various training environments. Like other officers, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development. Job-specific training may include:

  • Purchasing and accounting procedures
  • Use of computers in contract administration
  • Supply and financial management

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Bachelor's degree

    66%

  • Master's degree

    19%

  • Post baccalaureate

    9%

  • Associate's degree

    4%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Business Administration and Management, General
  • Logistics, Materials, and Supply Chain Management
  • Public Administration
  • Business/Commerce, General
  • Aviation/Airway Management and Operations
  • Aeronautics/Aviation/Aerospace Science and Technology, General
  • Transportation/Mobility Management
  • Transportation and Infrastructure Planning/Studies

Learn About How Military Can Pay for 100% of your College Degree

The Military has several programs that cover college costs — so you can pursue your education with little to no debt.
Learn More About Paying For College

Skills and Interest

What knowledge is essential to bring to the table?

  • Administration and Management
  • Transportation
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Production and Processing
  • English Language

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Enterprising

You love taking risks in business or personal projects — and have the leadership skills to back it up.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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