How to Become a Training and Development Manager: Education, Salary, and Job Outlook for 2026

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Training and development managers play a crucial role in enhancing workforce skills and organizational performance. These professionals design and implement programs that improve employee capabilities, ensuring businesses remain competitive. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this field is essential for fostering leadership, productivity, and job satisfaction across industries.

The role involves analyzing training needs, coordinating educational activities, and evaluating program effectiveness. Their impact extends to career advancement opportunities for employees and overall company growth.

This article explores the educational pathways, salary expectations, and job outlook for aspiring training and development managers entering the workforce in 2025.

What are the benefits of becoming a training and development manager?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 10% job growth for training and development managers from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations.
The median annual salary for these professionals was approximately $120,830 in 2023, reflecting strong earning potential.
Pursuing this career offers opportunities to influence workforce skills and company performance, making it a strategic and impactful professional path.

What credentials do you need to become a training and development manager?

Understanding the education requirements for training and development manager roles is crucial for aspiring professionals in this field. Entry and advancement often hinge on a combination of formal education, certifications, and relevant work experience.

The key credentials commonly expected include:

Bachelor's degree: About 63.5% of job postings require a bachelor's degree in fields such as business administration, human resources, education, or organizational psychology, establishing a foundation in organizational and instructional principles.
Master's degree: Nearly 16.7% of employers prefer candidates with a master's, often an MBA or a degree in human resources management or organizational development, which enhances expertise for senior or specialized roles.
Training and development manager certifications: While certifications are not universally mandatory, they do bolster qualifications. Popular credentials include the Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) and the Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP). Specialized graduate certificates in instructional design or educational leadership also add value. For more information on credential options, consider exploring certifications that pay well without a degree.
Licensing: No formal licenses are required for this occupation, and credential requirements generally remain consistent across states.
Continuing education: Ongoing professional development through workshops, conferences, and online courses is common to stay updated with evolving training technologies and methodologies.
Relevant work experience: Employers typically favor candidates with several years in teaching, human resources, or management roles, highlighting the importance of practical experience alongside formal education.

What skills do you need to have as a training and development manager?

The role of training and development managers demands a complex mix of technical knowledge and interpersonal skill to meet the challenges of modern workplaces. Developing these competencies is critical as businesses face hybrid work models and increasing AI integration. Well-rounded managerial leadership has been shown to boost productivity and engagement by up to 56 percent, highlighting the importance of targeted skill development.

As organizations hire more young professionals into management roles-more than doubling in the past five years-these managers also need to excel in mentoring emerging leaders. Aligning training programs with strategic business goals requires strong business insight and effective project management to handle multiple initiatives concurrently.

Instructional design expertise: Creating impactful curricula and learning materials tailored to organizational needs.
Data analytics proficiency: Assessing training outcomes and identifying workforce skill gaps through data analysis.
Learning management systems (LMS) administration: Managing modern platforms that deliver and track training programs.
Project management: Coordinating resources, timelines, and budgets to ensure seamless training operations.
AI and digital tool proficiency: Utilizing cutting-edge technologies to enhance training efficiency and delivery.
Program evaluation and assessment methodologies: Measuring learning effectiveness and ensuring continuous improvement.
Strategic planning capabilities: Aligning training initiatives with broader business objectives for maximum impact.
Communication skills: Leading training sessions and effectively conveying information to stakeholders.

What is the typical career progression for a training and development manager?

Training and development management offers a structured yet flexible career path, emphasizing strategic leadership and specialized expertise. Advancement often hinges on education, experience, and certifications. The role increasingly focuses on aligning workforce learning initiatives with organizational goals in a dynamic business environment.

Entry Level: Training Coordinator or Specialist - Typically requires a bachelor's degree in human resources, education, business, or a related field, plus 1-3 years of experience. Responsibilities include organizing training logistics, scheduling, preparing materials, and assisting with training needs assessments.
Mid-Level: Training and Development Manager - Usually attained after 3-7 years of experience, often combined with a master's degree or professional credentials such as SHRM-CP or ATD certification. Focus shifts to strategic tasks like curriculum design, conducting needs analysis, managing budgets, and supervising small teams.
Senior/Leadership Roles: Director or VP of Learning & Development - Professionals with 7-12+ years of experience may lead enterprise-wide learning strategies, integrating training with corporate objectives. Advanced degrees (Ed.D. or Ph.D.) and leadership expertise are common. Responsibilities include innovation in learning technologies, executive coaching, and shaping organizational learning culture.
Specializations and Career Shifts - Opportunities exist in e-learning, diversity and inclusion, leadership development, and consulting. Some professionals move laterally into HR roles or talent management. Industry growth at approximately 6% annually supports upward mobility and diversification.
Advancement Factors - Career progress depends on the ability to demonstrate measurable impact on employee development, obtain advanced degrees and certifications, and adapt to evolving business needs. Median annual earnings near $120,000 underscore the strategic value of these roles.

How much can you earn as a training and development manager?

The earning potential for training and development managers in the United States varies widely depending on the data source and specific factors such as location and experience. Understanding these variations is essential for anyone aiming to enter this field or advance their career.

Regarding average salary for training and development manager in the United States, Salary.com reports an average annual salary reaching up to $141,045, with typical ranges between $124,003 and $160,986. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicated a median wage of $127,090 as of May 2024, while Indeed and ZipRecruiter list lower averages of $91,297 and $80,622 respectively. These differences reflect the varied methodologies and sample populations used by each source.

Salary levels are influenced by factors such as education, specialization, and regional demand. For example, training and development manager salary Chicago 2025 is often higher than the national average due to the city's competitive market and cost of living. Experience and educational attainment, such as a master's degree or targeted certifications, significantly boost income potential. Individuals interested in alternative educational pathways may want to explore what's the easiest associates degree to get, which could serve as an accessible starting point for entry-level positions before advancing.

What internships can you apply for to gain experience as a training and development manager?

Aspiring training and development managers can gain essential experience through targeted internships across various sectors. Over 359 training development intern positions are currently available nationwide, spanning corporate, nonprofit, and government settings. Such opportunities offer foundational skills required to excel in this field.

Below are key internships to consider for hands-on learning and career preparation, including options geared toward Training Development Internships in New York and broader Learning and Development Internship Opportunities:

Thompson Hospitality Corporation offers a structured summer program where interns research training components, develop multimedia modules, and analyze employee performance metrics, paying approximately $18 per hour for 35-40 hour workweeks.
Procter & Gamble (P&G) provides internships ranging from six weeks to 12 months, allowing students to collaborate with experienced managers who offer coaching and professional development resources.
Sacramento County Government runs paid and unpaid internships focusing on public sector training initiatives, including standardized procedure development and regulatory compliance training.
ABC News offers talent strategy internships involving support for employee development programs, fellowship coordination, and mentorship opportunities.
Fender recruits interns to assist with marketing training programs, maintain training calendars, and track learning completion metrics through management systems.

Targeting such internships enhances practical knowledge aligned with industry needs. For those researching career paths, analyzing top paying college majors can also provide valuable insight into related fields with strong earning potential.

How can you advance your career as a training and development manager?

Progressing as a training and development (T&D) manager requires ongoing career strategy and a dedication to continuous learning. As 66% of employees feel compelled to upskill to remain competitive, organizations emphasize workforce development more than ever. Thus, remaining static hinders career growth amid rapid changes in the field.

Advanced Education: While a bachelor's degree is the minimum, pursuing a master's in human resources, organizational development, or education enhances candidacy for leadership roles.
Professional Certifications: Earning credentials like Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) or Association for Talent Development (ATD) certifications substantiates expertise and often correlates with increased salary and leadership access.
Networking and Mentoring: Engaging in formal mentorship programs and strategic connections within professional groups fosters knowledge exchange and visibility. Reverse mentoring, where junior staff coach senior leaders on emerging technologies, is becoming a vital development tool.
Diversifying Skills: Expanding beyond core training skills into data analytics, project management, and change management positions T&D managers as adaptable leaders capable of navigating complex organizational demands.
Cross-Functional Experience: Participating in lateral moves or interdisciplinary projects demonstrates versatility and readiness to lead, especially since only 20% of companies maintain innovative career development initiatives.

Where can you work as a training and development manager?

Training and development managers work across various industries, adapting to evolving business needs and workforce demands. Their roles span from managing large-scale corporate training programs to coordinating compliance and education initiatives in healthcare and government sectors. In California, training and development manager jobs in San Jose CA reflect growing opportunities driven by hybrid work models and advanced technologies.

Corporate enterprises like Deloitte, Amazon, and Google maintain dedicated learning departments where managers design personalized training to enhance employee skills and performance.
Healthcare systems such as Kaiser Permanente, Mayo Clinic, and HCA Healthcare employ these managers to support clinical education, ensure regulatory compliance, and improve patient care through staff development.
Educational institutions, including universities and community colleges, oversee faculty, staff, and student development projects, often utilizing digital tools to expand reach; many students seeking entry may consider online universities that accept fafsa.
Government agencies at federal, state, and local levels require training managers to implement civil service training and professional growth programs, critical for maintaining workforce competency.
Nonprofit organizations, including international NGOs and foundations, rely on these managers to execute mission-driven training that builds organizational capacity.

Common work environments for training and development managers in California include corporate headquarters, hospitals, educational campuses, government buildings, and nonprofit agencies. Increasingly, remote and virtual settings reshape how training is delivered, highlighting the importance of digital competency in these roles.

What challenges will you encounter as a training and development manager?

Training and development managers in 2025 will face a landscape shaped by rapid technological advances and organizational shifts. Data highlights a growing need for reskilling, increased adaptability, and strategic alignment with evolving business models. Understanding these demands is crucial for those entering the field.

Reskilling demands: Half of the workforce will require new skills by 2025 due to advancing technologies and changing business priorities, requiring managers to carefully balance technical training in areas like AI with cultivation of soft skills such as critical thinking and flexibility.
Adapting to constant change: With 91% of organizations undergoing digital transformation, managers must continuously update learning initiatives to stay current, while effectively supporting hybrid and remote teams through enhanced digital literacy and cross-functional collaboration.
Budget pressure and ROI expectations: Tighter funding compels managers to demonstrate clear returns on investment for training programs by leveraging data analytics and measurable performance outcomes to justify expenses.
Addressing learning fatigue: Employees report disengagement from overly extensive or irrelevant training content, prompting managers to design concise, tailored, and engaging learning experiences that maintain participation and knowledge retention.
Compliance and workforce diversity: Ensuring training content meets regulatory and industry standards remains essential, alongside adapting approaches to meet the expectations of a younger, more diverse workforce moving into leadership roles.

What tips do you need to know to excel as a training and development manager?

Thriving as a training and development manager in 2025 requires a deliberate approach to both technical expertise and interpersonal effectiveness. With 87% of organizations facing skill shortages, applying a skills-based development strategy is critical for matching team capabilities to business needs.

Implement modern evaluation and digital monitoring tools to identify skill gaps, track improvement, and reinforce growth with clear, measurable milestones.
Prioritize strong leadership and communication by engaging in targeted training programs; emphasize active listening, empathetic management, and constructive feedback to boost team dynamics and retention.
Develop emotional intelligence and conflict resolution competencies, recognized for their positive impact on workforce performance and employee loyalty.
Maintain continuous professional growth through regular peer reviews, networking, and attending industry events to stay informed and connected within the field.
Promote a culture supportive of ongoing learning, as 76% of employees tend to remain with companies investing in continuous training initiatives.
Adapt to evolving workplace demands by cultivating flexibility and digital literacy, particularly in AI and emerging technologies, ensuring inclusion and relevance in a changing environment.

How do you know if becoming a training and development manager is the right career choice for you?

Assessing if a career as a training and development manager fits your profile involves examining your strengths, interests, and long-term objectives against the role's demands and rewards. This career requires specific interpersonal and strategic abilities, as well as alignment with workplace dynamics and growth potential. Key factors to consider when evaluating the skills needed to be a training and development manager include:

Communication and leadership: The role demands strong communication skills and the ability to lead and inspire employees while designing and assessing learning programs.
Collaborative mindset: If you enjoy teamwork and helping others develop professionally, you are likely to thrive in this role that relies on interaction across departments.
Analytical skills: Evaluating training outcomes and adapting programs to meet evolving business needs requires a thoughtful, data-driven approach.
Professional values: Valuing continuous learning, strategic thinking, and positively impacting organizational culture aligns well with the responsibilities of this career.
Work environment preferences: Most work is office-based with occasional travel in larger companies; those who dislike routine or solitary work may find this career less suitable.
Career stability and growth: With a median 2025 salary of $127,090 and steady demand, this career can offer financial rewards and advancement to director levels.

Those unsure about this career path might explore fields through education at the top online school for trade skills, which can provide foundational insights and skills for workforce development roles. Ultimately, asking "is a training and development manager a good career choice" depends on how well your profile matches these career requisites.

What Professionals Who Work as a Training and Development Manager Say About Their Careers

Harold: "Pursuing a career as a training and development manager has provided me with remarkable job stability in an ever-evolving corporate landscape. The demand for skilled professionals to enhance workforce capabilities continues to grow, which means excellent salary potential and long-term security. I find it rewarding to contribute directly to employee success and company growth. "

Mustafa: "Working in training and development is uniquely challenging because it requires a deep understanding of adult learning principles and the ability to tailor programs to diverse audiences. Every day presents an opportunity to solve complex problems and innovate learning solutions, which keeps the work exciting and fulfilling. It's a dynamic field that constantly pushes me to adapt and learn. "

Remington: "The opportunities for professional development in this career are impressive; advancing from designing training modules to leading strategic talent development initiatives offers a clear growth path. The role allows me to collaborate with various departments and broaden my business acumen, which has been invaluable for my career progression. I appreciate how this position fosters continuous learning not only for employees but for myself as well. "

Other Things You Should Know About Becoming a Training and Development Manager

What is the typical work environment for a training and development manager?

Training and development managers primarily work in office settings, often within corporate human resources or learning and development departments. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, they can also spend time visiting different company locations or meeting with employees and executives to assess training needs. Although the job is mostly full-time, occasional overtime may be required during program rollouts or peak training periods.

What educational backgrounds are common among training and development managers?

Most training and development managers hold a bachelor's degree in fields such as human resources, business administration, education, or psychology. Data shows that employers often prefer candidates with advanced degrees, particularly those focusing on organizational development or adult education. Relevant certifications can supplement formal education but are not always mandatory.

How important is technology proficiency for training and development managers?

Technology skills are essential for training and development managers, as they increasingly design and implement digital learning programs. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), e-learning software, and virtual collaboration tools is often required. Mastery of data analytics tools also helps managers evaluate training effectiveness and improve learning strategies based on measurable outcomes.

What industries employ the most training and development managers?

Training and development managers are employed across various industries, but the highest employment levels are found in professional, scientific, and technical services, as well as in healthcare and manufacturing. The need for continual skill development drives demand in technology firms, finance, and government agencies. These sectors tend to offer more opportunities due to their investment in employee growth and compliance training.