Training and Development Specialists
Training and Development Specialists design and deliver work-related training programs to help employees build skills and improve organizational performance. They work in corporate settings, nonprofits, government agencies, and educational institutions, analyzing what training is needed and measuring whether programs actually work.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against training and development specialists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves meeting with managers to identify skill gaps, developing training content or selecting existing programs, and delivering instruction through workshops, online courses, or one-on-one coaching. Specialists also track participant progress, gather feedback, and adjust materials based on results. Administrative tasks include scheduling, budgeting, and documenting training outcomes.
Who this work suits
Holland code SIC. Social work is helping, teaching and working closely with people. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely enjoy understanding how people learn and solve problems (investigative) and helping others develop professionally (social). You're detail-oriented about measuring results, comfortable navigating organizational dynamics, and skilled at both independent project work and group facilitation.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- TRAINING AND CURRICULUM SPECIALIST · Air Education and Training Command · Holloman AFB, New Mexico · $61722–$80243
- Law Enforcement Specialist (Training Coordinator) · Veterans Health Administration · Seattle, Washington · $69373–$90190
- Training Specialist · U.S. Army Corps of Engineers · Redstone Arsenal, Alabama · $77772–$101110
- Training Specialist · Veterans Health Administration · Long Beach, California · $71957–$93549
- Supervisory Training Specialist · Veterans Benefits Administration · Anywhere in the U.S. (remote job) · Remote · $63795–$82938
- TRAINING MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST · Headquarters, Air Force Reserve Command · Robins AFB, Georgia · $61722–$80243
- Staff Operations and Training Specialist · U.S. Army Reserve Command · Fort Lee, Virginia · $64475–$83822
- Lead Training Specialist · Washington Headquarters Services · Alexandria, Virginia · $143913–$187093
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware | $64,080 | $88,570 | $108,850 | 1,590 |
| New Hampshire | $64,790 | $86,050 | $86,050 | — |
| Alaska | $61,580 | $81,860 | $105,280 | 530 |
| Washington | $62,400 | $81,860 | $108,830 | 8,130 |
| District of Columbia | $47,890 | $80,980 | $111,720 | 1,900 |
| Massachusetts | $55,990 | $80,270 | $114,970 | 12,190 |
| Connecticut | $52,840 | $78,080 | $105,740 | 3,650 |
| Vermont | $58,700 | $77,800 | $106,090 | 750 |
| Virginia | $57,530 | $77,690 | $101,030 | 15,570 |
| New Jersey | $49,500 | $77,020 | $102,080 | 9,210 |
| Minnesota | $62,160 | $76,710 | $99,710 | 9,650 |
| Maryland | $46,800 | $76,370 | $101,800 | 9,800 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Healthcare Technology Specialist - Trainer (CHTS-TR) — American Health Information Management Association
- Certified Resume Specialist:Sales and Business Development (CRS+BD) — Career Directors International
- Certified Resume Specialist: Training and Human Resources (CRS+HR) — Career Directors International
- Trainer Specialist (TS) — Association of Credit and Collection Professionals
- Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) — ATD Certification Institute
- Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP) — National Association of Workforce Development Professionals
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
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Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against training and development specialists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 13-1151.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.