How to become training and development managerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Management & Consulting Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$133,000

25th–75th pct. $101,850–$176,870

Top pay (est.)

$303,700

Top 10% $233,600

Pay in 5 years

$152,200est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$174,100est.

$149,700–$202,100

Outlook score

66/100

★★★☆☆ Good

AI replacement risk

63%

High

Job growth (10 yr)

+6.4%

4,100 openings / yr

How to become training and development managers

Typical education

Bachelor's degree

BLS

Related experience

5 years or more

On-the-job training

None

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Training and Development Managers

Key skills

Learning Strategies

5.2

Instructing

4.8

Speaking

4.5

Active Learning

4.2

Writing

4.1

Reading Comprehension

4.0

Complex Problem Solving

4.0

Management of Personnel Resources

4.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Education and Training

6.8

English Language

5.4

Personnel and Human Resources

5.2

Customer and Personal Service

4.6

Administration and Management

4.5

Administrative

3.8

Computers and Electronics

3.8

Communications and Media

3.6

What the work involves

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesTraining and Teaching OthersOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersUpdating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Important abilities

Speech ClarityOral ExpressionWritten ExpressionOral ComprehensionFluency of IdeasProblem Sensitivity

Education of workers

Bachelor's degree

71%

Master's degree

21%

Post-bachelor's certificate

Training before entry

Up to 1 month

32%

3–6 months

18%

None / short demo

14%

1–3 months

11%

1–2 years

6–12 months

4–10 years

2–4 years

Related work experience

4–6 years

50%

6–8 years

21%

8–10 years

14%

2–4 years

11%

1–2 years

Job Zone 4 — considerable preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★★☆ Demanding (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as training and development managers

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	General and Operations Managers Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations.	$105,770	62/100	54%
2	Business Operations Specialists, All Other All business operations specialists not listed separately.	$83,050	65/100	30%
3	Project Management Specialists Analyze and coordinate the schedule, timeline, procurement, staffing, and budget of a product or service on a per project basis.	$102,320	57/100	70%
4	Human Resources Specialists Recruit, screen, interview, or place individuals within an organization.	$75,940	59/100	61%
5	Management Analysts Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively.	$101,860	69/100	66%
6	Financial Managers Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.	$166,570	65/100	65%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.