Training and development specialists
SOC Code: 13-1151
Training and development specialists carries a 35% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $65,850 and +10.8% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 452,300 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Training and development specialists (SOC 13-1151) carries an AI exposure score of 35%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 452,300 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +10.8% change through 2034 — a strong growth outlook that compensates meaningfully for automation risk. Median annual compensation stands at $65,850, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Bachelor's degree, plus Less than 5 years of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Training and development specialists. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Present information with a variety of instructional techniques or formats, such as role playing, simulations, team exercises, group discussions, videos, or lectures.
- 2. Obtain, organize, or develop training procedure manuals, guides, or course materials, such as handouts or visual materials.
- 3. Evaluate modes of training delivery, such as in-person or virtual, to optimize training effectiveness, training costs, or environmental impacts.
- 4. Offer specific training programs to help workers maintain or improve job skills.
- 5. Assess training needs through surveys, interviews with employees, focus groups, or consultation with managers, instructors, or customer representatives.
- 6. Monitor, evaluate, or record training activities or program effectiveness.
- 7. Design, plan, organize, or direct orientation and training programs for employees or customers.
- 8. Develop alternative training methods if expected improvements are not seen.
- 9. Evaluate training materials prepared by instructors, such as outlines, text, or handouts.
- 10. Monitor training costs and prepare budget reports to justify expenditures.
Key Skills Required
- Speaking
- Instructing
- Learning Strategies
- Active Listening
- Social Perceptiveness
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Monitoring
Knowledge Areas
- Education and Training
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Administration and Management
- Psychology
- Communications and Media
- Computers and Electronics
- Administrative
- Sociology and Anthropology
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Training and development specialists?
Training and development specialists has an AI exposure score of 35%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Training and development specialists?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Training and development specialists is projected to grow by 10.8% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 452,300 workers.
What skills are needed for Training and development specialists?
Key skills for Training and development specialists include Speaking, Instructing, Learning Strategies, and others. Typical entry-level education is Bachelor's degree.
How much do Training and development specialists earn?
The median annual wage for Training and development specialists is $65,850, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Training and development specialists?
The typical entry-level education for Training and development specialists is Bachelor's degree. Employers generally expect Less than 5 years of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Training and development specialists?
Training and development specialists roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).