Training and Development Specialists
Design or conduct work-related training and development programs to improve individual skills or organizational performance. May analyze organizational training needs or evaluate training effectiveness.
Also called: Computer Training Specialist · Corporate Trainer · Job Training Specialist · Leadership Development Specialist · Learning and Development Consultant · Learning and Development Specialist (L and D Specialist)
Median pay (national)
$65,850
$37,510–$120,190 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
436,610
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
+10.8%
~43,900 openings/yr
Typical entry
Bachelor's degree
What the numbers say
Refit analysis ·Pay for training and development specialists shows an unusually wide range: the top 10% earn $120,190 versus $37,510 at the bottom 10% — 3.2x. The median of $65,850 leaves roughly 83% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change +10.8% from 2024 to 2034 — much faster than the 3% average for all occupations. Even so, BLS projects about 43,900 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 54 states with released data, District of Columbia pays the most for this role (median $84,460, +28% vs the national median), while Puerto Rico sits lowest at $37,360 — a 126% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Speaking, Learning Strategies, Active Listening as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list. On the tools side, O*NET flags Learning management system LMS, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook as in-demand technologies for this role.
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Top skills employers ask for
Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.
- Speaking
- Learning Strategies
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Monitoring
- Mathematics
- Science
What they actually do
Core O*NET tasks for this role.
- Present information with a variety of instructional techniques or formats, such as role playing, simulations, team exercises, group discussions, videos, or lectures.
- Obtain, organize, or develop training procedure manuals, guides, or course materials, such as handouts or visual materials.
- Evaluate modes of training delivery, such as in-person or virtual, to optimize training effectiveness, training costs, or environmental impacts.
- Assess training needs through surveys, interviews with employees, focus groups, or consultation with managers, instructors, or customer representatives.
- Monitor, evaluate, or record training activities or program effectiveness.
- Design, plan, organize, or direct orientation and training programs for employees or customers.
- Evaluate training materials prepared by instructors, such as outlines, text, or handouts.
- Monitor training costs and prepare budget reports to justify expenditures.
- Devise programs to develop executive potential among employees in lower-level positions.
- Keep up with developments in area of expertise by reading current journals, books, or magazine articles.
Tools & technology
- Learning management system LMS
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Adobe After Effects
- Adobe Creative Cloud software
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe InDesign
- Adobe Photoshop
- Cisco Webex
- Django
- Epic Systems
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- JavaScript
Knowledge areas
- Education and Training
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Administration and Management
- Psychology
- Communications and Media
- Computers and Electronics