How to become a training and development manager

Plan, direct, or coordinate the training and development activities and staff of an organization.

Steps to get there

Most employers expect most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not..A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

What training and development managers do

• Analyze training needs to develop new training programs or modify and improve existing programs.
• Evaluate instructor performance and the effectiveness of training programs, providing recommendations for improvement.
• Plan, develop, and provide training and staff development programs, using knowledge of the effectiveness of methods such as classroom training, demonstrations, on-the-job training, meetings, conferences, and workshops.
• Confer with management and conduct surveys to identify training needs based on projected production processes, changes, and other factors.
• Conduct orientation sessions and arrange on-the-job training for new hires.
• Train instructors and supervisors in techniques and skills for training and dealing with employees.

Skills that matter most

• Learning Strategies
• Reading Comprehension
• Active Listening
• Speaking
• Writing
• Monitoring
• Critical Thinking
• Active Learning

Is training and development manager a good career?

On the numbers, this job pays above the typical job. Median pay is 161% above the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.

Where it pays most

• Delaware $172,340
• New York $171,400
• Washington $163,360
• New Jersey $160,540
• California $156,260

Training and Development Managers salary by state and city

Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.