What They Do
Training and development specialists plan and administer programs that train employees and improve their skills and knowledge.
Duties
Training and development specialists typically do the following:
- Assess training needs through surveys, interviews with employees, or consultations with managers or instructors
- Design and create training manuals, online learning modules, and course materials
- Review training materials from multiple sources and choose appropriate materials
- Deliver training to employees using a variety of instructional techniques
- Assist in evaluating training programs
- Perform administrative tasks such as monitoring costs, scheduling classes, setting up systems and equipment, and coordinating enrollment
Training and development specialists help create, plan, and run training programs for businesses and organizations. To do this, they must first assess the needs of an organization. They then develop custom training programs that may take place online, in classrooms, or in training facilities.
Training and development specialists organize or run training sessions using lectures, team exercises and other formats. Training also may be in the form of a video, a self-guided instructional manual, or an online application. Training may be collaborative, allowing employees to connect informally with colleagues, experts, and mentors.
Work Environment
Training and development specialists held about 452,300 jobs in 2024. The largest employers of training and development specialists were as follows:
| Professional, scientific, and technical services | 12% |
| Healthcare and social assistance | 12 |
| Educational services; state, local, and private | 11 |
| Finance and insurance | 8 |
| Administrative and support services | 7 |
Training and development specialists spend much of their time working with people, giving presentations, and leading training activities. They also may need to travel to training sites.
Work Schedules
Most training and development specialists work full time during regular business hours.
How to Become One
In addition to a bachelor’s degree, training and development specialists also need work experience and strong communication skills.
Pay
The median annual wage for training and development specialists was $65,850 in May 2024.
Job Outlook
Employment of training and development specialists is projected to grow 11 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 43,900 openings for training and development specialists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.