Training and development specialists
SOC Code: 13-1151Also known as:
Applications Trainer, Apprenticeship and Training Representative, Auxiliary Personnel Inservice Coordinator, Bilingual Trainer, Certified EPIC Trainer (Certified Electronic Privacy Information Center Trainer)
Median Annual Salary
$65,850
+10.8% growth (2024-2034)
44K
Openings/Year
452K
Current Jobs
What Training and development specialists Do
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.
💰 Salary
$65,850
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+10.8%
Much faster than average
🎓 Education
Bachelor's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
44K
Projected average per year
👔 Work Experience
Less than 5 years
Required before entry
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
452,300
Projected Employment (2034)
501,000
Related Careers
Training and development managers
$127,090 •
+5.8% growth
Management analysts
$101,190 •
+8.8% growth
Industrial-organizational psychologists
$109,840 •
+6.3% growth
Educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors
$65,140 •
+3.5% growth
Instructional coordinators
$74,720 •
+1.3% growth
Top Skills Required
Speaking
Instructing
Learning Strategies
Active Listening
Social Perceptiveness
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Offer specific training programs to help workers maintain or improve job skills.
- 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.
- Develop alternative training methods if expected improvements are not seen.
- Evaluate training materials prepared by instructors, such as outlines, text, or handouts.
- Monitor training costs and prepare budget reports to justify expenditures.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Training and development specialists
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a training and development specialists:
Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General
17,602 degrees awarded •
531 colleges offer this program
Educational/Instructional Technology
8,879 degrees awarded •
296 colleges offer this program
Industrial and Organizational Psychology
2,898 degrees awarded •
126 colleges offer this program
Organizational Communication, General
1,789 degrees awarded •
78 colleges offer this program
Human Resources Development
1,604 degrees awarded •
78 colleges offer this program
Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching
901 degrees awarded •
61 colleges offer this program
Executive/Career Coaching
101 degrees awarded •
11 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Training and development specialists
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become training and development specialists.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do training and development specialists make?
The median annual salary for training and development specialists is $65,850.
What education do training and development specialists need?
Most training and development specialists positions require a bachelor's degree.
Common degree programs include Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General, Educational/Instructional Technology, Industrial and Organizational Psychology.
Is becoming training and development specialists a good career choice?
Training and development specialists is projected to see +10.8% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is much faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 43,900 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for training and development specialists?
Top colleges for aspiring training and development specialists include
University of Southern California, Harvard University, University of Georgia, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, New York University.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to training and development specialists?
Training and development specialists may also be known as: Applications Trainer, Apprenticeship and Training Representative, Auxiliary Personnel Inservice Coordinator, Bilingual Trainer, Certified EPIC Trainer (Certified Electronic Privacy Information Center Trainer), Computer Software Training Specialist, Computer Technology Trainer, Computer Training Specialist, Corporate Trainer, Course Developer, Courseware Developer, Curriculum Developer, Curriculum Writer, Cyber Instructional Curriculum Developer, Cyber Instructor, Cyber Workforce Developer, Development Associate, Development Coordinator, Development Specialist, Driver Retraining Instructor.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.