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

United States Management & Consulting Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$69,280

25th–75th pct. $50,110–$95,050

Top pay (est.)

$160,200

Top 10% $123,250

Pay in 5 years

$80,700est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$94,000est.

$80,900–$109,200

Outlook score

66/100

★★★☆☆ Good

AI replacement risk

58%

Moderate

Job growth (10 yr)

+10.8%

46K openings / yr

How to become training and development specialists

Typical education

Bachelor's degree

BLS

Related experience

Less than 5 years

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 Specialists

Key skills

Learning Strategies

5.0

Speaking

4.2

Writing

4.1

Instructing

4.1

Monitoring

4.1

Social Perceptiveness

4.0

Judgment and Decision Making

4.0

Reading Comprehension

4.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Education and Training

6.7

Customer and Personal Service

4.8

English Language

4.7

Personnel and Human Resources

4.3

Administrative

4.1

Administration and Management

4.0

Psychology

4.0

Sales and Marketing

3.7

What the work involves

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersTraining and Teaching OthersOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeCoaching and Developing OthersGetting Information

Important abilities

Speech ClarityOral ExpressionOral ComprehensionWritten ExpressionWritten ComprehensionOriginality

Education of workers

Bachelor's degree

78%

Associate's degree

High school diploma

Some college

Training before entry

1–3 months

36%

3–6 months

18%

2–4 years

14%

None / short demo

6–12 months

Up to 1 month

1–2 years

Related work experience

2–4 years

43%

1–2 years

26%

4–6 years

17%

None

6–12 months

3–6 months

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

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

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

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.