L&D Salary Check-Up

Salaries in the learning industry vary greatly depending on an individual’s experience and position. Not surprising, as job level increases, so too does the salary range. Managers, directors, and executives have higher pay ranges, which may be influenced by experience, performance, tenure, and industry. 

For example, according to data from Salary.com, training managers and directors typically find a median annual salary in the $90,000 range, while an entry-level training specialist earns roughly $40,000 to $50,000 a year.  

In addition, the L&D profession expands beyond the traditional trainer job roles to include focused positions such as instructional designers, customer service and sales trainers, organizational development consultants, and technical trainers, to name a few. Salary.com finds that a specialized role like a curriculum specialist earns in the $60,000 range, and the median annual salary for an organizational development consultant is $80,000. 

Location also plays a role in the amount of compensation an individual can expect to receive. Large metro areas in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and the West can expect to receive higher than average pay while those in the Midwest and South are more likely to see average or below average pay.   

Clearly, training salaries have not only remained steady but improved since the economic downturn. These are positive signs that contribute to a bright outlook for the field in the years to come. 

To compare your salary against others in the field, check out the training category on Salary.com.