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Job outlook for department specialists in the United States
Department specialist job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected department specialist job growth rate is 0% from 2018-2028.
About 1,900 new jobs for department specialists are projected over the next decade.
Department specialist salaries have increased 19% for department specialists in the last 5 years.
There are over 4,243 department specialists currently employed in the United States.
There are 55,038 active department specialist job openings in the US.
The average department specialist salary is $49,764.
Are department specialist jobs in demand?
Department specialist job and salary trends over time
Department specialist jobs over time
Department specialist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 4,243 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 4,204 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 4,961 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 5,110 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 5,104 | 0.00% |
Average department specialist salary over time
Department specialist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $49,764 | $23.92 | +7.2% |
| 2024 | $46,401 | $22.31 | +4.3% |
| 2023 | $44,471 | $21.38 | +4.3% |
| 2022 | $42,652 | $20.51 | +2.3% |
| 2021 | $41,678 | $20.04 | +4.1% |
Department specialist jobs by state
Most common states for department specialists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 109 | 16% |
| 2 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 471 | 15% |
| 3 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 201 | 15% |
| 4 | Delaware | 961,939 | 134 | 14% |
| 5 | Vermont | 623,657 | 90 | 14% |
| 6 | Alaska | 739,795 | 98 | 13% |
| 7 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 77 | 13% |
| 8 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 158 | 12% |
| 9 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 126 | 12% |
| 10 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 101 | 12% |
| 11 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 734 | 11% |
| 12 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 203 | 11% |
| 13 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 119 | 11% |
| 14 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 1,090 | 10% |
| 15 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 1,010 | 10% |
| 16 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 576 | 10% |
| 17 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 574 | 10% |
| 18 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 555 | 10% |
| 19 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 342 | 10% |
| 20 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 75 | 10% |
Most common cities for department specialists
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Collinsville | 1 | 4% | $45,348 |
| 2 | Georgetown | 1 | 3% | $48,421 |
| 3 | Bonita Springs | 1 | 2% | $41,519 |
| 4 | Huntsville | 2 | 1% | $44,569 |
| 5 | Bloomington | 1 | 1% | $47,462 |
| 6 | Champaign | 1 | 1% | $47,072 |
| 7 | Minneapolis | 2 | 0% | $51,570 |
| 8 | Charlotte | 1 | 0% | $48,186 |
| 9 | Fort Wayne | 1 | 0% | $50,336 |
Department Specialist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of department specialist experts
The University of Findlay
University of Mount Union
Franklin and Marshall College
California State University Channel Islands
Penn State Behrend
University of North Carolina at Asheville
Drexel University, Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
San Diego Mesa College
Fashion Institute of Technology
University of Kansas
Indiana University Southeast
Rowan University
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey - Newark
University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Binghamton University, SUNY
The Ohio State University at Lima
Bowling Green State University
North Carolina Central University
Lasell University
Western Illinois University
What's a good job out of college for Department Specialists?
Amy Rogan: There are any number of ways to break into journalism. There is no one true path. If a journalist is interested in television I recommend they look for assistant producer positions or assignment editor positions. Many people who think they want to be on-air talent figure out they really enjoy producing much better.
Digital content producer is another good way to work a journalist way into on-air television work. It's also a way to work into newspapers as they are now more digitally dependent.
Larger organizations have more specialty digital positions in research or digital analytics. But starting out in a small market allows you to learn a lot and work your way into bigger markets and responsibilities.
Michael Grossman Ph.D.
Professor, Political Studies and International StudiesUniversity of Mount Union
Department of Political Science and International Studies
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Department Specialists?
Michael Grossman Ph.D.: It is less about licenses or courses and more about experiences. In this regard, internships are crucial.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Department Specialists?
Cynthia Krom: Clearly, there is more remote work - whenever possible, people are working from home rather than going to a workplace. That is not always possible - a machinist needs to be where the machines are, a police officer needs to go where the crime is, and a doctor needs to go where the sick people are. So it isn't just a matter of white collar v. blue collar. It totally depends on the job itself.
Now that many people are realizing that remote work can be workable, I think you will see a long-term shift. Even when the pandemic is over, I believe many offices will reduce size and allow people to work from home at least several days per week. So we are more likely to see office sharing, etc. I think this will also result in a population shift, since people will not need to be close to their workplace. That means that companies will now compete for workers all over the country (or the world), and that workers will be competing with people who are not in their immediate geographic area. For workers to stay competitive, they need to be sure to be up to date on their skills, have seamless remote access, and be very self-motivated and disciplined. They have to compete on more than just price, or workers in the USA will lose their jobs to cheaper alternatives.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Department Specialists?
Cynthia Krom: Professional certifications matter. If your profession has a certification, you need to have that certification to be competitive in this new world. So, a public accountant needs to have a CPA, and a corporate accountant needs to have their CMA. A fraud examiner needs their CFE. Find out what is available in your profession and take whatever courses or exams are needed to be at the top of your game, because everyone else will.
We don't really know what will be happening with professional licenses with remote work. A psychotherapist may be licensed in New York, but remotely treating a client in New Mexico. Technically, they probably need a license in New Mexico. But who will control that? Will it just be the professional responsibility of the therapist to only practice where licensed? Will their malpractice insurance only cover them if the client is where they are licensed? What about a physician operating on someone a thousand miles away using robotics?
In terms of courses not related to professional certification or licensure, technology is where it is at. First and foremost, polish your Zoom skills. Zoom is now your face-to-face workplace and you need to be a pro. YouTube has great videos about lighting for Zoom, even with reflective eyeglasses. Perhaps your IT department is able to help with connectivity issues and learning remote technologies. And, as we have all recently seen, you need to learn how to turn off filters that make you look like a kitten! For nearly every field, you have to know Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel) or similar programs. You need to know how to work collaboratively on projects through things like Google Drive. If you are not fluent in the basics, you are showing up for a horse race with a little pony.
Ekin Pehlivan Ph.D.
Associate Professor of MarketingCalifornia State University Channel Islands
Martin V. Smith School of Business and Economics
What's a good job out of college for Department Specialists?
Ekin Pehlivan Ph.D.: I think a description of a "good" job opportunity is dependent on so many factors, almost all subjective. What I recommend my students usually, is that they try different things before graduation and find something that makes them feel a purpose other than (and in addition to) making ends meet. For this reason we started a program on our campus where students are hired to help non-profits and small businesses in our area of service. In this program, students get to gain and practice skills that can help them succeed in a corporate or freelance capacity. The students get to experiment without fear of losing a job and find what they would like their entry level positions to look like. While doing this they also help organizations and individuals who have the need but not the resources to get the services from professionals.
What's a good job out of college for Department Specialists?
Linda Hajec: I guess that depends what you mean by "good." Business students are earning great salaries across many industries and in different disciplines, but when I hear "good" I am also thinking about enjoying the work, learning every day, and having an employer who wants to make sure you have those things, too. Since everyone's definition of that kind of "good" is a little different, I'll leave that up to the individual as to what is a 'good' job. If you mean where is the market 'hot'? Students that seem to be the most sought after right now have a strong information systems background.
Yes, a Management Information Systems degree is of course a great degree, but there's a shortage of accountants in the country right now and the ones with a minor in information systems are being snapped up sooner by employers. Marketing students have so much creative talent, but the ones that can also show background in data analytics are the stronger candidates. Any of the business disciplines are made stronger by adding in classes in technology - extra courses in Excel, data analytics, and even light programming. Employers see the value of having people on the team that can translate data into information.
What soft skills should all Department Specialists possess?
Sonya DiPalma Ph.D.: Be personable and a person someone wants to talk with and work with on a continuing basis. Listening and note-taking skills will be critical. Great employees listen well and ask good follow up questions. Be versatile and adaptable. If you find some downtime between projects, ask how you may help with another project.
What technical skills for a Department Specialist stand out to employers?
Joseph Hancock: Technologically savvy is necessary, so what will set you apart are your soft skills, patience, the ability to think beyond yourself. Again, don't be ethnocentric, be multi-centric. I believe technology only exposes us to a virtual world of acceptance, and really if you are going to be sales, you need to be cultured beyond the computer and social media. Understand others and their needs, be a person who tells the potential employer how you are going to go the extra mile to care for customers and make sure their needs are met through your excellent customers service skills (and give solid examples). Most importantly, know what you are selling and realize that the person you are talking to, might know more than you! There have been so many times I walk into a retail store only to have the store associate or manager talk to me as if I know nothing about the product they are selling. Ask your customers questions do not just talk at them, talk with them.
Meegan Feori Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorSan Diego Mesa College
Department is Business Department
What Department Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Meegan Feori Ph.D.: My recommendation is to combine your interests and career goals. For example, if you are an avid rock climber, you could apply for an internship with the North Face or start a retail position at an REI near Red Rock, Nevada, a place known for excellent rock climbing. If relocating for your gap year is not possible, then seek out a local option such as working at the nearby climbing gym. Customers are crucial to the fashion industry, enhancing your customer service skills during your gap year will benefit you. You could apply to be a Stitch Fix stylist, a boutique, or a non-profit resale salesperson. Even customer service jobs outside of the fashion industry will build experiences that will enhance your abilities to design, produce, or sell amazing products. Another option is to pursue an entrepreneurial venture. Dedicating yourself to creating an influential Instagram account, podcast, or YouTube channel could showcase your skills and build your network. Opening a Poshmark, Depop, Teespring, Etsy, or another digital retail store could let you apply your skills. Finally, keep investing in yourself through learning. There are many massive open online courses and community college offerings that could further your career.
What soft skills should all Department Specialists possess?
Alexander Nagel Ph.D.: Soft skills needed are flexibilities to adapt quickly to new opportunities, to be open to non-traditional career paths. Being organized and responsive to email correspondence, being friendly and kind, having empathy are values that will never be out of fashion. FIT is known for being home to "unconventional minds," and our students are super creative, engaged, and ready to take on challenges.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Department Specialists in the next 3-5 years?
Cari Ann Kreienhop: I posed this question to our alumni in the field and received the response that GIS (ESRI) and Smart City technologies like Advanced Meter Reading (Xylem/Sensus is a big brand name in the water sector, for example) are the most likely evolving platforms and uses they will encounter. Additionally, it's essential to keep abreast of thematic trends related to technology: an awareness of cybersecurity threats, best practices, and defensive tactics. Understanding the language, concepts, and strategies to manage better, and support IT, and protect the organization is critical.
Beyond specific technology, leaning into logical analysis and data-gathering skills are critical to bringing a well-rounded perspective into an organization. Mastering Excel and R are great for hitting the ground running in an organization, but being versatile and savvy with data analytics will be an asset to any organization.
What experience really stands out on Department Specialist resumes?
Cari Ann Kreienhop: This is a tricky question because organizations can be focused on very different things in a given hiring search. I think what should be important to applicants in crafting their application materials is that they highlight their experience and achievements and highlight these attributes within the context of the organization's mission and strategic plan. The resume is the blueprint of how an applicant can fit into and contribute to an organization's growth; if the applicant doesn't take the time to match their resume experience to the job posting, hiring managers aren't going to take the extra time to read between the lines.
What Department Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Cari Ann Kreienhop: Direct experience in public service entities is excellent and isn't impossible to access. Many public sector organizations offer internship opportunities or have spots open for students and recent graduates to serve on community commissions or steering committees. This kind of experience is just as valuable for the job-seeker to clarify what professional path best suits their values as it is for the organization they are serving.
From a credential standpoint, seeking procurement training, data analytics (more on this below), project management, and graphic design will build skills that can either be an unconventional route into a public entity (mainly thinking of procurement and graphic design) or skills that allow for accelerated advancement (again, procurement, project management, and data analytics).
What general advice would you give to a Department Specialist?
Dr. Mindy Badía Ph.D.: The three P's: be patient, be persistent, and be prepared.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Department Specialists in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Mindy Badía Ph.D.: I would say information/communication technologies.
Dr. Kate Seltzer Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorRowan University
Department of Language, Literacy and Sociocultural education
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Department Specialists in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Kate Seltzer Ph.D.: I think the pandemic we live through will fundamentally change how schools manage to learn in the next 3-5 years. More platforms are available, more "tools" and "strategies" for virtual learning, and more emphasis on the benefits of hybrid instruction. I think, to go back to my answer to the first question, if graduates can focus on building relationships with their students, developing a strong foundation in their content area, and finding teaching approaches - both virtual and more traditional - that engage and respond to students' lives and interests, they can learn any new technologies.
How would you rate the starting salaries for Department Specialists, as well as the prospects for salary advancement?
Dr. Kate Seltzer Ph.D.: Educators are not paid nearly enough. However, working in a state with strong teachers' unions helps to ensure a starting salary that recent graduates can live off of and growth opportunities, albeit modest, over their careers.
What type of skills will young Department Specialists need?
Margery Amdur: Students need to be far more self-sufficient, curious, and persistent. They need to surround themselves with others who are driven. They also need to be grateful if they get a job offer. It will put them on a path. "On a path" is better than not being on a track.
Resilience and the willingness to be vulnerable continue to be critical mantras!
I know this doesn't have anything to do with technology, but attaining skills that reside outside of the academy will serve all of us!
What general advice would you give to a Department Specialist?
Ng'ang'a Muchiri: That storytelling and the power of persuasion are so incredibly vital today. Just think of Netflix, Instagram, advertising, political rhetoric, and the behavioral changes encouraged in public health announcements.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Department Specialists in the next 3-5 years?
Ng'ang'a Muchiri: I think the synergy between AI, machine learning, and the humanities, in general, will be exciting. There are whole product lines and industries currently just beyond our reach.
Matthew McConn
Associate Professor of English Education, Department ChairBinghamton University, SUNY
Department of Teaching, Learning and Educational Leadership
What general advice would you give to a Department Specialist?
Matthew McConn: It's best to be fully certified before you sit for an interview. That means completing the EdTPA and all certification exams. Students tend to put off the EdTPA portfolio, and it hurts their chances when interviewed, since administrators would have to risk the applicant not passing their exam. However, during the pandemic, there have been some alternative options for candidates, so I would strongly recommend they familiarize themselves with those alternatives.
How would you rate the starting salaries for Department Specialists, as well as the prospects for salary advancement?
Matthew McConn: Here, in the state of New York, I think the salaries are competitive, depending on where you live.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Department Specialists to find work opportunities?
Leah Herner-Patnode: Usually, urban areas of bigger cities and southern states, such as North Carolina, have many openings. Maine, Florida, California, Hawaii, Washington, and Texas are the most open positions.
What are the best companies to work for a Department Specialist?
Jennifer Wagner: In my opinion, we have a strong alumni base in the following companies: Brookdale Assisted Living, Promedica/Heartland (in the Toledo area, most of the Heartland Nursing Homes were bought by Promedica), Sprenger Health Care, Otterbein Senior Life, which just merged with Sunset Communities (Toledo and Sylvania, OH (both companies have a strong alumni base)), HCF Management, CHI Living Communities, and Ohio Living. These companies have a strong commitment to educating the next generation of administrators and other health care managers. These companies recognize talent and develop that talent; most of these companies hire our students after completing their internship after the significant investment they made in our students.
Elisha Blankson
Program Director NCCU, Assistant ProfessorNorth Carolina Central University
Communication Disorders Department
What type of skills will young Department Specialists need?
Elisha Blankson: Graduates will need a skill set about the field in which they received training and additional skills useful to the job market. For example, with the changing demographics in the United States, extra skills in information technology and foreign languages will be a plus when entering the job market.
Dr. Deirdre Donovan
Associate Professor of Mathematics, Program Chair for Mathematics and Data ScienceLasell University
Mathematics Department
What type of skills will young Department Specialists need?
Dr. Deirdre Donovan: Entering the workforce in 2020 will require a flexible skillset. Problem-solving, technology, and team-building skills will be at the forefront of this hiring season. Mathematics and data science students are uniquely educated to meet this challenge. The disciplines are built on mathematical problem solving and using technology to aid in the process.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Department Specialists to find work opportunities?
Dr. Deirdre Donovan: Whether this question asks about physical locations, or online locations, or the economy sectors: to answer all of those, the key is analytics. Most industries turn to data to make decisions that will only grow to help manage pandemic related challenges. Every sector of the economy is using data to guide decisions. Young graduates bring fresh ideas and skills to every problem presented. The key for young grads is networking anywhere and everywhere, ensuring one's value is seen by hiring managers.
How do you envision technology impacting Department Specialists in the next 5 years?
Dr. Deirdre Donovan: Math and data science are already technology-driven fields. The pandemic and Zoom culture will only accelerate the proliferation of technology to other aspects of the industry. Remote work and virtual software will become the norm as more and more companies turn to data to stay ahead.
Dr. Richard Filipink Ph.D.
ProfessorWestern Illinois University
History Department
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Department Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Richard Filipink Ph.D.: An emphasis on remote work skills and adaptability. The ability to professionally use Zoom, Google Meets, Microsoft Teams, and the like will become a fundamental skill for word processing. Being willing and able to alternate from an office to a home work site will become more of a norm.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Department Specialists in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Richard Filipink Ph.D.: Everyone will need hardware to run the meetings software and the bandwidth to maintain it. An increase in laptop/desktop preference for home use, as your phone won't be enough to conduct much of your work function.
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Department Specialists in the next 5 years?
Dr. Richard Filipink Ph.D.: Much of this depends on budgets and response to the pandemic. If budgets tighten to pay off the debts caused by how the epidemic was handled in 2020, then a decrease in demand. If things improve in 2021-22, then there should be an increase in demand.