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: 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
Median pay
$69,280
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$38,760 – $123,250
People employed
458,300
Holland code
SIC
Social · Investigative · Conventional
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
Training and Development Specialists pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Training and Development Specialists salary in every state →
What training and development specialists do
- 01Present information with a variety of instructional techniques or formats, such as role playing, simulations, team exercises, group discussions, videos, or lectures.
- 02Obtain, organize, or develop training procedure manuals, guides, or course materials, such as handouts or visual materials.
- 03Evaluate modes of training delivery, such as in-person or virtual, to optimize training effectiveness, training costs, or environmental impacts.
- 04Offer specific training programs to help workers maintain or improve job skills.
- 05Assess training needs through surveys, interviews with employees, focus groups, or consultation with managers, instructors, or customer representatives.
- 06Monitor, evaluate, or record training activities or program effectiveness.
Skills that matter most
- Speaking
- Learning Strategies
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Monitoring
Knowledge
- Education and Training
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Administration and Management
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Cooperation
- Achievement Orientation
- Social Orientation
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a bachelor's degree (O*NET Job Zone 4).
- Related work experience: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- On-the-job training: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
- A certification can help.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from training and development specialists
- Training and Development Managers92% · +92%
- Instructional Coordinators89% · +12%
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors85% · −7%
- Education Teachers, Postsecondary85% · +9%
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School84% · −4%
Change into training and development specialists
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Instructional Coordinators91% · $77,440
- Fitness and Wellness Coordinators83% · $69,770
- Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare82% · $59,300
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School81% · $66,270
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors81% · $64,330
Majors that lead here
- Organizational Communication, General
- Educational/Instructional Technology
- Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching
- Industrial and Organizational Psychology
- Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General
- Human Resources Development
- Executive/Career Coaching
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.