Learning & Development Specialist

Design, develop, and deliver learning programs that build employee skills, support career development, and drive organizational performance. Conduct needs assessments, develop instructional content using adult learning principles, create e-learning modules, and facilitate in-person and virtual training sessions. Evaluate learning effectiveness using Kirkpatrick model and ROI analysis, and manage the learning management system and content libraries.

Median salary: $85,000. Projected growth to 2033: 8% (faster than average) - driven by skills gap concerns and AI upskilling needs. Typical education: Bachelor's Degree.

At a glance

Median salary: $85,000
Entry-level: $55,000 - $70,000
Senior: $125,000+
Growth by 2033: 8% (faster than average) - driven by skills gap concerns and AI upskilling needs
Demand: Growing
Remote: Hybrid
Hours per week: 40-50 hours/week
Stress: Moderate

What you'd do

People interaction: Extensive
Team vs solo: 55% Team / 45% Solo
Client facing: Sometimes
Impact visibility: Moderate

How to get there

Minimum education: Bachelor's Degree
Licensing: No
Years to mid-career: 2-4 years
Years to senior: 5-8 years
Career switching: Easy
Typical student debt: $25,000 - $50,000

Skills you'll use

Hard skills

Instructional Design (ADDIE / SAM Model)
E-Learning Development (Articulate Storyline / Rise)
LMS Administration (Cornerstone / Workday Learning)
Facilitation & Presentation Skills
Learning Evaluation (Kirkpatrick Model)
Video Production for Learning Content

Soft skills

Instructional Design
Facilitation
Needs Assessment
Written Communication
Stakeholder Engagement

Technical complexity: Moderate

Typical career path

Training Coordinator
L&D Specialist
Senior L&D Specialist
L&D Manager
Director of Learning & Development
Chief Learning Officer