How to become a Training and Development Specialist

Official title: Training and Development Specialists

Also called: Computer Training Specialist, Corporate Trainer, Job Training Specialist, Leadership Development Specialist, Learning and Development Consultant, Learning and Development Specialist (L and D Specialist), Management Development Specialist, Trainer, Training and Development Consultant, Training Specialist

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.

Main tasks

• Present information with a variety of instructional techniques or formats, such as role playing, simulations, team exercises, group discussions, videos, or lectures.
• Obtain, organize, or develop training procedure manuals, guides, or course materials, such as handouts or visual materials.
• Evaluate modes of training delivery, such as in-person or virtual, to optimize training effectiveness, training costs, or environmental impacts.
• Offer specific training programs to help workers maintain or improve job skills.
• Assess training needs through surveys, interviews with employees, focus groups, or consultation with managers, instructors, or customer representatives.
• Monitor, evaluate, or record training activities or program effectiveness.
• Design, plan, organize, or direct orientation and training programs for employees or customers.
• Develop alternative training methods if expected improvements are not seen.

How to become one

In addition to a bachelor's degree, training and development specialists also need work experience and strong communication skills.

Typical education to start: Bachelor's degree

Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Ways in

• Apprenticeship: Fire Department Training Officer.
• Apprenticeship: Workforce Development Analyst.
• Apprenticeship: Workforce Development Specialist.
• College: Business & Commerce degrees, Offered by 35 universities in the US
• Licence: A licence is required in 8 states.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Median pay: $69,280 a year The middle half earn $50,110 to $95,050.
• About 472,500 people work in this job now, and about 523,700 are projected by 2035. (+10.8%)
• People already use generative AI for some of this work. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as medium.

Related jobs

• Human Resources Specialists
• Farm Labor Contractors
• Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes
• Business Continuity Planners
• Buyers and Purchasing Agents, Farm Products
• Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products

Not sure this is for you? Take the 2-minute career quiz

Questions people ask

How do I become a Training and Development Specialist?

In addition to a bachelor's degree, training and development specialists also need work experience and strong communication skills.

How much does a Training and Development Specialist earn in the US?

Median full-time pay is $69,280 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $50,110 to $95,050.

Is a Training and Development Specialist a growing career in the US?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 11% by 2035, from about 472,500 to about 523,700 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Do you need a degree to become a Training and Development Specialist?

Not always. 53% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Business & Commerce degrees; Fire Department Training Officer.

Will AI change the work of a Training and Development Specialist?

People already use generative AI for some of this work. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as medium.

Sources

• Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.