Training and Development Specialists

SOC code 13-1151 · O*NET-SOC 13-1151.00 · Considerable preparation needed · Business and finance

Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation

Training and Development Specialists pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$69,280

a year

Hourly

$33.31

per hour

10th$38,760Median$69,28090th$123,250

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$75,550

$36.32 per hour

Middle 50%

$50,110 – $95,050

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$38,760 – $123,250

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

458,300

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $38,760; $18.64/hr
25th percentile: $50,110; $24.09/hr
Median percentile: $69,280; $33.31/hr
75th percentile: $95,050; $45.70/hr
90th percentile: $123,250; $59.26/hr

Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34

+11%

Growing much faster than average

452,300

jobs in 2024

501,000

projected for 2034

About 48,700 more jobs

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.

What do 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.

The tasks that matter most day to day

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.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 78% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 4 — Considerable preparation needed

Education: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

See all zone 4 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Bachelor's Degree78%
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)9%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree9%
Some College Courses4%

Common questions

How much does a training and development specialists earn?

The national median is $69,280 a year. The full range runs from $38,760 at the 10th percentile to $123,250 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a training and development specialists without a degree?

Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 4, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.

Is training and development specialists in demand?

Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 11% between 2024 and 2034 — growing much faster than average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Speaking4.4/5
Learning Strategies4.1/5
Active Listening4.0/5
Reading Comprehension3.9/5
Writing3.9/5
Critical Thinking3.9/5
Active Learning3.9/5
Monitoring3.9/5

Knowledge areas

Education and Training4.7/5
Customer and Personal Service4.0/5
English Language3.8/5
Personnel and Human Resources3.5/5
Administration and Management3.5/5
Psychology3.4/5
Communications and Media3.3/5
Computers and Electronics3.0/5

Transferable strengths: Instructing, Social Perceptiveness.