What Training and Development Specialists Do
Training and development specialists plan and administer programs that improve the skills and knowledge of their employees.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0eCYWbjbyU
Work Environment
Training and development specialists work in nearly every industry. They spend much of their time working with people, giving presentations, and leading training activities.
How to Become a Training and Development Specialist
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 $61,210 in May 2019.
Job Outlook
Employment of training and development specialists is projected to grow 9 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Job prospects should be best for those with experience developing online and mobile training programs.
Training and development specialists help plan, conduct, 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 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.
Training and development specialists held about 327,900 jobs in 2019. The largest employers of training and development specialists were as follows:
| Professional, scientific, and technical services | 13% |
| Healthcare and social assistance | 12 |
| Educational services; state, local, and private | 11 |
| Finance and insurance | 10 |
| Administrative and support services | 7 |
Training and development specialists spend much of their time working with people, giving presentations, and leading training activities. They may need to travel to training sites.
Work Schedules
Most training and development specialists work full time during regular business hours. Some work more than 40 hours per week.
This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of training and development specialists.
| Occupation | Job Duties | Entry-Level Education | Median Annual Pay, May 2019 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Career and Technical Education Teachers |
Career and technical education teachers instruct students in various technical and vocational subjects, such as auto repair, healthcare, and culinary arts. |
Bachelor’s degree | $58,110 | |
Compensation and Benefits Managers |
Compensation and benefits managers plan, develop, and oversee programs to pay employees. |
Bachelor’s degree | $122,270 | |
Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists |
Compensation, benefits, and job analysis specialists conduct an organization’s compensation and benefits programs. |
Bachelor’s degree | $64,560 | |
Human Resources Managers |
Human resources managers plan, coordinate, and direct the administrative functions of an organization. |
Bachelor’s degree | $116,720 | |
Human Resources Specialists |
Human resources specialists recruit, screen, interview, and place workers. They also handle employee relations, compensation and benefits, and training. |
Bachelor’s degree | $61,920 | |
Instructional Coordinators |
Instructional coordinators oversee school curriculums and teaching standards. They develop instructional material, implement it, and assess its effectiveness. |
Master’s degree | $66,290 | |
Labor Relations Specialists |
Labor relations specialists interpret and administer labor contracts. |
Bachelor’s degree | $69,020 | |
School and Career Counselors |
School counselors help students develop the academic and social skills needed to succeed. Career counselors help people choose a path to employment. |
Master’s degree | $57,040 | |
Training and Development Managers |
Training and development managers plan, coordinate, and direct skills- and knowledge-enhancement programs for an organization’s staff. |
Bachelor’s degree | $113,350 |
For more information about training and development specialists, visit
Association for Talent Development
International Society for Performance Improvement
O*NET
Training and Development Specialists
Suggested citation:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Training and Development Specialists,
at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/training-and-development-specialists.htm (visited ).
