Training and Development Specialists
O*NET 13-1151.00 · SOC 13-1151
Training and Development Specialist is a strong career choice. Median pay is $69k a year with +10.8% projected growth through 2035 (faster than average) and about 46,000 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Design training programs and learning curricula
- →Facilitate workshops, seminars, and group sessions
- →Assess employee skill gaps and development needs
- →Develop e-learning content and training materials
- →Evaluate training effectiveness and measure outcomes
Education & How to Get In
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Training and Development Specialist roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
People-facing, clinics, schools, or client sites
Collaborative, frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Training and Development Specialist involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Training and Development Specialist?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Training and Development Specialist Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Training and Development Specialists is projected to grow 10.8% from 2025 to 2035, faster than average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·43% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
- ·31% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Training and Development Specialist make?
The median Training and Development Specialist earns $69k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Training and Development Specialist jobs?
Our model puts Training and Development Specialist at 26 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 43% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace; 31% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace.
Is Training and Development Specialist a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 10.8% between 2025 and 2035, which is faster than average. That works out to roughly 46,000 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Training and Development Specialist?
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Training and Development Specialist roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.
How long does it take to become a Training and Development Specialist?
Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Training and Development Specialist career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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