Training and Development Specialists: Salary, career path, job outlook, education and more
- Education Required
- Training and development specialists need a bachelors degree. Specialists may have a variety of education backgrounds, but most have a bachelors degree in training and development, human resources, education, or instructional design. Others may have a degree in business administration or a social science, such as educational or organizational psychology.
- Job Outlook
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The projected percent change in employment from 2016 to 2026: 11% (Faster than average)
(The average growth rate for all occupations is 7 percent.) - Advancement
- Training and development specialists may advance to training and development manager or human resources manager positions. Workers typically need several years of experience to advance. Some employers require managers to have a masters degree in a related area.
- Licenses/Certifications
- Many human resources associations offer classes to enhance the skills of their members. Some associations, including the Association for Talent Development and International Society for Performance Improvement, specialize in training and development and offer certification programs. Although not required, certification can show professional expertise and credibility. Some employers prefer to hire certified candidates, and some positions may require certification.
- Median pay: How much do Training and Development Specialists make?
- $59,020 Annual Salary
- $28.37 per hour
Training and development specialists help plan, conduct, and administer programs that train employees and improve their skills and knowledge.
What do Training and Development Specialists do?
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 a variety of sources and choose appropriate materials
- Deliver training to employees using a variety of instructional techniques
- Assist in the evaluation of 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, administer, and deliver training programs for businesses and organizations. To do this, they must first assess the needs of an organization, and then develop custom training programs that take place in classrooms or training facilities. Training programs are increasingly delivered through computers, tablets, or other hand-held devices.
Training and development specialists organize or deliver training sessions using lectures, group discussions, team exercises, hands-on examples, and other formats. Training can also be in the form of a video, self-guided instructional manual, or online application. Training may be collaborative, which allows employees to connect informally with experts, mentors, and colleagues, often through the use of technology.
Training and development specialists may monitor instructors, guide employees through media-based programs, or facilitate informal or collaborative learning programs.
Careers for Training and Development Specialists
- Computer training specialists
- Corporate trainers
- Development specialists
- Employee development specialists
- Job training specialists
- Skills training specialists
- Training coordinators
- Training specialists
- Workforce development specialists