How long does the training take?

Typically about four years for the degree, then less than 5 years of related work first. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.

How much do training and development specialists make?

The US median is $69,280 a year, meaning half earn more and half less. Pay varies widely by state, employer and experience.

Do you need a degree for this work?

Yes, and employers also expect years of related experience first.

Where can you train for this work?

818 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

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Training and development specialists: pay, training and the programs that lead there

Business & finance · SOC 13-1151

$69,280US median pay, 2025

+10.8%Projected growth, 2025–35

46,000Openings per year

Degree + experienceUsual way in

How you get in

Not an entry-level job: it usually takes a degree plus years of related work.

Bachelor's degree
Less than 5 years of experience in a related job
Work in: training and development specialists

Programs that lead to this job

These are the federal program codes (CIP) that the Department of Education maps to this occupation, and how many US colleges, community colleges or trade schools report awarding credentials in each.

Program	Code	Schools
Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General	CIP 52.1001	505
Educational/Instructional Technology	CIP 13.0501	294
Industrial and Organizational Psychology	CIP 42.2804	121
Organizational Communication, General	CIP 09.0901	78
Human Resources Development	CIP 52.1005	75
Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching	CIP 13.1201	62
Executive/Career Coaching	CIP 52.1006	6

See the 818 schools that offer these programs →

Common questions

How long does the training take?: Typically about four years for the degree, then less than 5 years of related work first. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.
How much do training and development specialists make?: The US median is $69,280 a year, meaning half earn more and half less. Pay varies widely by state, employer and experience.
Do you need a degree for this work?: Yes, and employers also expect years of related experience first.
Where can you train for this work?: 818 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

Pay and growth are national figures. What you earn depends on where you work, your employer and your experience, and these are projections rather than promises. Education requirements describe how most people enter the job, not a rule — plenty of people take another route.

Pay, growth, openings and entry requirements: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–35. Program-to-occupation mapping: NCES CIP–SOC crosswalk (2020/2018). School counts: IPEDS completions, 2022–23.

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