Training and Development Specialists Salary 2025: $69,280 Median, 10.8% Growth
Training and Development Specialists earned a median salary of $69,280 per year in 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The mean wage hits $75,550, or roughly $33 an hour. The bottom 10% make around $38,760, while the top 10% pull in over $123,250.
How much Training and Development Specialists earn
The national median salary for Training and Development Specialists sits at $69,280. Half earn more than that, half less. The mean annual wage is $75,550, which works out to about $33 per hour. Most specialists fall between $38,760 (10th percentile) and $123,250 (90th percentile).
Pay varies by industry and experience. Corporate trainers in tech or finance often land near the top of the range. Government and nonprofit roles tend to pay closer to the median.
Pay by state
Delaware pays the highest average at $88,570, followed by New Hampshire at $86,050. Alaska and Washington both average $81,860, and the District of Columbia rounds out the top five at $80,980.
The lowest-paying states are Louisiana ($58,070), Mississippi ($53,680), and Arkansas ($52,290). That’s a gap of roughly $36,000 between the highest and lowest state averages.
How to become a Training and Development Specialist
Most employers require a bachelor’s degree, typically in human resources, instructional design, education, or a related field. Some accept a degree in business or communications with relevant coursework.
Certifications can boost your resume. The ATD (Association for Talent Development) offers the CPTD credential. Many states also require specific licenses for trainers in regulated industries like healthcare or finance.
Entry-level jobs often start as training coordinators or instructional assistants. With 1–2 years of experience, you can move into a specialist role. Strong public speaking and digital learning tool skills are essential.
- Earn a bachelor’s degree in HR, instructional design, or education.
- Consider the CPTD certification from ATD.
- Gain experience through internships or coordinator roles.
- Develop skills in e-learning platforms (e.g., Articulate, Captivate) and presentation software.
Job outlook
Employment is projected to grow 10.8% from 2024 to 2034 — much faster than the average for all occupations. That translates to about 43,900 job openings each year, mostly from replacing workers who retire or leave the field.
The BLS counts 458,300 specialists currently employed. Driving demand is the need for continuous employee training in fast-changing industries like technology and healthcare.
Frequently asked questions
What is the salary range for Training and Development Specialists?
The bottom 10% earn about $38,760, while the top 10% earn over $123,250. The median is $69,280.
Which states pay Training and Development Specialists the most?
Delaware ($88,570), New Hampshire ($86,050), Alaska ($81,860), Washington ($81,860), and D.C. ($80,980) top the list.
How do you become a Training and Development Specialist?
You typically need a bachelor’s degree in HR, instructional design, or education. Optional certification like CPTD can help. Entry often starts as a coordinator.
What is the job growth for this occupation?
Projected growth is 10.8% from 2024 to 2034, with about 43,900 openings per year. That's much faster than the average.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Training and Development Specialists data.