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What is an implementation specialist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
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An implementation specialist helps organizations implement new software or technology. This involves analyzing the organization's needs, developing implementation plans, and overseeing the implementation process. They provide the proper integration into the organization's existing systems and may train employees. Implementation specialists have project management and communication skills and an understanding of the technology they implement. They work closely with vendors, IT departments, and end-users during the implementation process to ensure the technology meets the organization's needs.

ScoreImplementation SpecialistUS Average
Salary
4.4

Avg. Salary $56,545

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
6.7

Growth rate 10%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.5
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.41%

Asian 10.73%

Black or African American 12.32%

Hispanic or Latino 15.40%

Unknown 5.32%

White 55.83%

Gender

female 50.75%

male 49.25%

Age - 41
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 41
Stress level
6.7

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
6.5

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
7.4

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being an implementation specialist?

Pros

  • Chance to work on multiple projects at once

  • Good salary and benefits

  • Possibility for remote work or flexible hours

  • Opportunities for career advancement

  • Opportunity to travel for work

Cons

  • High-pressure job with tight deadlines

  • Long hours may be required to meet project deadlines

  • May require extensive travel, which can be tiring and disruptive to personal life

  • May involve handling multiple projects simultaneously, leading to high workload and stress

  • Often required to work outside normal business hours, including weekends and holidays

Implementation specialist career paths

Key steps to become an implementation specialist

  1. Explore implementation specialist education requirements

    Most common implementation specialist degrees

    Bachelor's

    66.1 %

    Associate

    16.7 %

    Master's

    10.3 %
  2. Start to develop specific implementation specialist skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Client Expectations11.73%
    Customer Service9.82%
    Business Processes9.61%
    Project Management7.52%
    Enterprise Resource Planning4.45%
  3. Complete relevant implementation specialist training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New implementation specialists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an implementation specialist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real implementation specialist resumes.
  4. Gain additional implementation specialist certifications

    Implementation specialist certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific implementation specialist certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for implementation specialists include Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) and Project Management Professional (PMP).

    More About Certifications
  5. Research implementation specialist duties and responsibilities

    • Well verse on windows platform including managing the cluster services.
    • Select as CSS to manage clients with 500 plus employees.
    • Code and manage HTML email templates and landing pages for ongoing database marketing campaigns.
    • Manage a variety of major projects for SaaS EMR software used by nursing and anesthesia groups.
  6. Prepare your implementation specialist resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your implementation specialist resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an implementation specialist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable implementation specialist resume templates

    Build a professional implementation specialist resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your implementation specialist resume.
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  7. Apply for implementation specialist jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an implementation specialist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first implementation specialist job

Zippi

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Average implementation specialist salary

The average implementation specialist salary in the United States is $56,545 per year or $27 per hour. Implementation specialist salaries range between $36,000 and $87,000 per year.

Average implementation specialist salary
$56,545 Yearly
$27.19 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do implementation specialists rate their job?

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5 stars

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3 stars

2 stars

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Implementation specialist reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2020
Pros

With the company that I work for, being an implementations analyst is sort of a hybrid role between account management and a more technical role.

Cons

My company wants us to fill both roles without actually compensating us for filling both roles


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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