All About Training and Development Specialists
Example of Training or Development Specialist Job Design and conduct training and development programs to improve individual and organizational performance. May analyze training needs.
Life As a Training or Development Specialist
- Keep up with developments in area of expertise by reading current journals, books, or magazine articles.
- Devise programs to develop executive potential among employees in lower-level positions.
- Design, plan, organize, or direct orientation and training programs for employees or customers.
- Offer specific training programs to help workers maintain or improve job skills.
- Attend meetings or seminars to obtain information for use in training programs or to inform management of training program status.
- Obtain, organize, or develop training procedure manuals, guides, or course materials, such as handouts or visual materials.
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Qualities of a Training or Development Specialist
Below is a list of the skills most Training and Development Specialists say are important on the job.
Learning Strategies: Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Instructing: Teaching others how to do something.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Hardware Trainer
- Employee Development Specialist
- Personnel Training Officer
- Training Specialist
- Training Coordinator
Training or Development Specialist Job Outlook
In the United States, there were 282,800 jobs for Training or Development Specialist in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 11.5% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 32,500 new jobs for Training or Development Specialist by 2026. There will be an estimated 31,700 positions for Training or Development Specialist per year.

The states with the most job growth for Training or Development Specialist are Utah, Nevada, and Tennessee. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, West Virginia, or Vermont. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
How Much Does a Training or Development Specialist Make?
The typical yearly salary for Training and Development Specialists is somewhere between $32,950 and $102,740.

Training and Development Specialists who work in Washington, New Jersey, or Rhode Island, make the highest salaries.
How much do Training and Development Specialists make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $60,280 |
Alaska | $49,310 |
Arizona | $61,460 |
Arkansas | $52,870 |
California | $73,040 |
Colorado | $72,210 |
Connecticut | $74,890 |
Delaware | $69,440 |
District of Columbia | $76,690 |
Florida | $57,100 |
Georgia | $64,420 |
Hawaii | $68,930 |
Idaho | $58,730 |
Illinois | $64,790 |
Indiana | $57,240 |
Iowa | $53,210 |
Kansas | $60,650 |
Kentucky | $54,240 |
Louisiana | $55,970 |
Maine | $54,360 |
Maryland | $67,420 |
Massachusetts | $75,270 |
Michigan | $61,090 |
Minnesota | $65,420 |
Mississippi | $55,590 |
Missouri | $61,210 |
Montana | $58,330 |
Nebraska | $58,740 |
Nevada | $60,700 |
New Hampshire | $66,330 |
New Jersey | $74,760 |
New Mexico | $56,520 |
New York | $69,910 |
North Carolina | $65,480 |
North Dakota | $59,830 |
Ohio | $59,540 |
Oklahoma | $54,640 |
Oregon | $65,740 |
Pennsylvania | $65,430 |
Rhode Island | $73,650 |
South Carolina | $58,010 |
South Dakota | $50,700 |
Tennessee | $59,460 |
Texas | $65,960 |
Utah | $54,480 |
Vermont | $65,860 |
Virginia | $72,320 |
Washington | $76,800 |
West Virginia | $50,640 |
Wisconsin | $55,070 |
Wyoming | $64,430 |
What Tools do Training and Development Specialists Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Training and Development Specialists:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- JavaScript
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- MySQL
- Data entry software
- SAP
- Microsoft Project
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Microsoft Visio
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Microsoft Dynamics
- IBM Notes
- Microsoft Publisher
How to Become a Training or Development Specialist
Learn what Training or Development Specialist education requirements there are.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Training or Development Specialist?

Where do Training and Development Specialists Work?

The table below shows the approximate number of Training and Development Specialists employed by various industries.

Similar Careers
Those interested in being a Training or Development Specialist may also be interested in:
- Directors, Religious Activities and Education
- Educational, Guidance, School, and Vocational Counselors
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School
- Education Administrators, Elementary and Secondary School
Are you already one of the many Training or Development Specialist in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
Image Credit: Arunkumar Umapathy via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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