What Training and Development Specialists do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Training and Development Specialists this way: "Design or conduct work-related training and development programs to improve individual skills or organizational performance. May analyze organizational training needs or evaluate training effectiveness."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Keep up with developments in area of expertise by reading current journals, books, or magazine articles"; "Present information with a variety of instructional techniques or formats, such as role playing, simulations, team exercises, group discussions, videos, or lectures"; "Schedule classes based on availability of classrooms, equipment, or instructors"; "Offer specific training programs to help workers maintain or improve job skills"; "Monitor, evaluate, or record training activities or program effectiveness".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is bachelor's degree. Work experience in a related occupation is typically less than 5 years.
Job outlook for Training and Development Specialists
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 472,500 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 523,700 in 2035, an increase of 51,200 jobs (+10.8%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 46,000 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 9.7% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $69,280, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Training and Development Specialists earn the most
Across the 16 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $63,980 in Texas to $82,400 in District of Columbia, a gap of $18,420 (1.29 times). 11 of those 16 states average above the BLS national median of $69,280 and 5 average at or below it.
California employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 43,840, which is 13.1% of the 335,320 counted across them. Texas follows with 42,500.
Highest-paying states
District of Columbia ($82,400), New Hampshire ($82,094) and Massachusetts ($79,786) lead the ranking, while Texas ($63,980) and Indiana ($65,301) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Training and Development Specialists: pay against the cost of living
We compare 19 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Jefferson County, WV (Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV) at $43,710. The smallest margin is $18,133 in Los Angeles County, CA.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 19 of the 19 markets. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 19.9% and 53.7% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Training and Development Specialists
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (13-1000) include Management Analysts, Project Management Specialists, Logisticians and Compliance Officers.
Frequently asked questions about Training and Development Specialists
How much do Training and Development Specialists earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $69,280. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $63,980 to $82,400.
Which state pays Training and Development Specialists the most?
District of Columbia, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $82,400. New Hampshire is next at $82,094.
Is Training and Development Specialists a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to grow by 10.8% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 46,000 openings a year.
What education do Training and Development Specialists need?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree, with work experience in a related occupation of less than 5 years, according to BLS.
Where can Training and Development Specialists afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Jefferson County, WV leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $43,710 on a median wage of $82,400.