What Do Training or Development Specialist Do?
Job Description & Duties Design and conduct training and development programs to improve individual and organizational performance. May analyze training needs.
A Day in the Life of a Training or Development Specialist
- Attend meetings or seminars to obtain information for use in training programs or to inform management of training program status.
- Refer trainees to employer relations representatives, to locations offering job placement assistance, or to appropriate social services agencies if warranted.
- Assess training needs through surveys, interviews with employees, focus groups, or consultation with managers, instructors, or customer representatives.
- Obtain, organize, or develop training procedure manuals, guides, or course materials, such as handouts or visual materials.
- Keep up with developments in area of expertise by reading current journals, books, or magazine articles.
- Design, plan, organize, or direct orientation and training programs for employees or customers.
Featured schools near , edit
Training or Development Specialist Required Skills
When polled, Training and Development Specialists say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Learning Strategies: Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Instructing: Teaching others how to do something.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Types of Training or Development Specialist
- Curriculum Developer
- Skill Training Program Coordinator
- Information Technology Technical Trainer
- Scheme Technician
- Training Personnel Supervisor
Job Outlook for Training and Development Specialists
There were about 282,800 jobs for Training or Development Specialist in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 11.5% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 32,500 new jobs for Training or Development Specialist by 2026. The BLS estimates 31,700 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Training or Development Specialist are Utah, Nevada, and Tennessee. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, West Virginia, or Vermont. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Training or Development Specialist Average Salary
The typical yearly salary for Training and Development Specialists is somewhere between $32,950 and $102,740.
Training and Development Specialists who work in Washington, New Jersey, or Rhode Island, make the highest salaries.
How much do Training and Development Specialists make in different U.S. states?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $60,280 |
| Alaska | $49,310 |
| Arizona | $61,460 |
| Arkansas | $52,870 |
| California | $73,040 |
| Colorado | $72,210 |
| Connecticut | $74,890 |
| Delaware | $69,440 |
| District of Columbia | $76,690 |
| Florida | $57,100 |
| Georgia | $64,420 |
| Hawaii | $68,930 |
| Idaho | $58,730 |
| Illinois | $64,790 |
| Indiana | $57,240 |
| Iowa | $53,210 |
| Kansas | $60,650 |
| Kentucky | $54,240 |
| Louisiana | $55,970 |
| Maine | $54,360 |
| Maryland | $67,420 |
| Massachusetts | $75,270 |
| Michigan | $61,090 |
| Minnesota | $65,420 |
| Mississippi | $55,590 |
| Missouri | $61,210 |
| Montana | $58,330 |
| Nebraska | $58,740 |
| Nevada | $60,700 |
| New Hampshire | $66,330 |
| New Jersey | $74,760 |
| New Mexico | $56,520 |
| New York | $69,910 |
| North Carolina | $65,480 |
| North Dakota | $59,830 |
| Ohio | $59,540 |
| Oklahoma | $54,640 |
| Oregon | $65,740 |
| Pennsylvania | $65,430 |
| Rhode Island | $73,650 |
| South Carolina | $58,010 |
| South Dakota | $50,700 |
| Tennessee | $59,460 |
| Texas | $65,960 |
| Utah | $54,480 |
| Vermont | $65,860 |
| Virginia | $72,320 |
| Washington | $76,800 |
| West Virginia | $50,640 |
| Wisconsin | $55,070 |
| Wyoming | $64,430 |
What Tools & Technology do Training and Development Specialists Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Training and Development Specialists may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- JavaScript
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- MySQL
- Data entry software
- SAP
- Microsoft Project
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Microsoft Visio
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Microsoft Dynamics
- IBM Notes
- Microsoft Publisher
How do I Become a Training or Development Specialist?
What education is needed to be a Training or Development Specialist?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where Training and Development Specialists Work
Below are examples of industries where Training and Development Specialists work:
Related Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Training or Development Specialist might also be interested in the following careers:
- Directors, Religious Activities and Education
- Educational, Guidance, School, and Vocational Counselors
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School
- Education Administrators, Elementary and Secondary School
Are you already one of the many Training or Development Specialist in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
Image Credit: Arunkumar Umapathy via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs.
Visit School