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Job outlook for job training specialists in the United States
Are job training specialist jobs in demand?
Job training specialist job and salary trends over time
Job training specialist jobs over time
Job training specialist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 127 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 120 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 118 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 110 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 106 | 0.00% |
Average job training specialist salary over time
Job training specialist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $58,199 | $27.98 | +2.4% |
| 2024 | $56,816 | $27.32 | +0.6% |
| 2023 | $56,500 | $27.16 | +0.8% |
| 2022 | $56,027 | $26.94 | +2.3% |
| 2021 | $54,783 | $26.34 | +1.4% |
Job training specialist jobs by state
Most common states for job training specialists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 227 | 33% |
| 2 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 103 | 18% |
| 3 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 185 | 14% |
| 4 | Delaware | 961,939 | 138 | 14% |
| 5 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 401 | 13% |
| 6 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 173 | 13% |
| 7 | Vermont | 623,657 | 84 | 13% |
| 8 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,047 | 12% |
| 9 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 844 | 12% |
| 10 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 703 | 12% |
| 11 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 579 | 12% |
| 12 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 384 | 12% |
| 13 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 233 | 12% |
| 14 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 91 | 12% |
| 15 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 656 | 11% |
| 16 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 338 | 11% |
| 17 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 116 | 11% |
| 18 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 588 | 10% |
| 19 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 584 | 10% |
| 20 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 110 | 10% |
Most common cities for job training specialists
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Annapolis | 8 | 20% | $67,126 |
| 2 | Frankfort | 5 | 18% | $51,702 |
| 3 | Dover | 5 | 13% | $58,763 |
| 4 | Lansing | 8 | 7% | $52,939 |
| 5 | Hartford | 5 | 4% | $62,699 |
| 6 | Springfield | 5 | 4% | $59,714 |
| 7 | Baton Rouge | 6 | 3% | $48,883 |
| 8 | Little Rock | 6 | 3% | $41,756 |
| 9 | Tallahassee | 5 | 3% | $48,181 |
| 10 | Boston | 15 | 2% | $67,335 |
| 11 | Urban Honolulu | 6 | 2% | $55,448 |
| 12 | Washington | 10 | 1% | $67,794 |
| 13 | Atlanta | 7 | 1% | $55,319 |
| 14 | Indianapolis | 7 | 1% | $47,508 |
| 15 | Sacramento | 6 | 1% | $75,260 |
| 16 | Denver | 5 | 1% | $63,557 |
| 17 | Phoenix | 7 | 0% | $53,176 |
| 18 | San Diego | 5 | 0% | $66,129 |
Job Training Specialist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of job training specialist experts
Saint Xavier University
University of Alaska Fairbanks
University of Memphis
University of Nebraska - Omaha
Arizona State University
University of Denver
Colorado State University
Rocky Mountain College
Nyack College
Montclair State University
Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP)
University of Central Missouri
Central Connecticut State University
University of Maryland Global Campus
The University of Tennessee - Knoxville
University of California, Los Angeles
West Virginia State University
University of Houston-Downtown
DePauw University
David Parker LL.M. Human Rights Law, LL.M. National Security Law, JD, MBA, CFE
Associate ProfessorSaint Xavier University
Business, Management, Marketing, And Related Support Services
What general advice would you give to a Job Training Specialist?
David Parker LL.M. Human Rights Law, LL.M. National Security Law, JD, MBA, CFE: Critical thinking and problem-solving, Technological literacy / digital literacy, Resiliency, stress tolerance and flexibility, Creativity, originality and ideation, Emotional intelligence & interpersonal skills, and Curiosity and active/continuous learning.
What will help Job Training Specialists increase their earning potential?
David Parker LL.M. Human Rights Law, LL.M. National Security Law, JD, MBA, CFE: Build a proven record of experience and success (internships and volunteer work are excellent ways to achieve this).
Skills. Refer back to #2.
Negotiate. Know your market value and emphasize your value to the organization. Too many people 'leave money on the table' because they do not effectively negotiate their salary/compensation package. Many studies show this is particularly true of women.
What general advice would you give to a Job Training Specialist?
Jaunelle Celaire: Never stop learning! This may consist of going back to school, earning new certifications in your field of study, attending conferences and seminars, and making sure that your time management is always at its finest level of excellence.
What Job Training Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jaunelle Celaire: Leadership - the world needs more of these; the ability to lead, craft and grow. Digital literacy - this world is definitely turning digital and virtual is the new trend. Emotional intelligence - there is a vast number of personalities in our world today; individuals grow and it is our job to stay emotionally connected, so we can operate more effectively.
What will help Job Training Specialists increase their earning potential?
Jaunelle Celaire: Learn from everything. Remember every moment is a learning opportunity from everyone around you, no matter their title. Pay attention when things go well and clue in and pay extra attention when they do not; watch how people react to it. Build relationships and network with the people who face problems by being their solution.
Ali Fatemi
Ring Companies Professor and Chair of Mechanical EngineeringUniversity of Memphis
Mechanical Engineering
What general advice would you give to a Job Training Specialist?
Ali Fatemi: Developing multidisciplinary skills as technology advances and being able to adapt to new technology areas in ones discipline with widespread applications such as artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Job Training Specialists to find work opportunities?
Dr. Dustin White Ph.D.: I think that remote work has made this particular question less pressing, though there are certainly places where industries are focused (e.g., technology in Silicon Valley). I think that students need to discover their passion and then do some research to learn where companies in that field are at! I should also mention that all kinds of amazing work is being done here in Omaha, ranging from sports technology and ecommerce to transportation and defense!
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Job Training Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Dustin White Ph.D.: I think that the biggest trend that we should expect to see in the job market (both during the pandemic and after) is an acknowledgement that remote work can be effective in many kinds of jobs. This should lead to increased flexibility in location for job seekers. Previously, most companies were very reluctant to hire remote workers. The pandemic should have changed that opinion for many firms. If companies are reluctant to accept remote work and can't give a good reason why, they are likely to lose a competitive edge to more flexible workplaces.
Maryjo Douglas Zunk
Manager, Career Professional DevelopmentArizona State University
School of Public Affairs (SPA)
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Job Training Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Maryjo Douglas Zunk: The pandemic and significant environmental, economic, social, and political shifts create opportunity trends in the job market for recent and new graduates in economic and community development, program evaluation, public finance, and emergency planning, security, and sustainability.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Job Training Specialists in the next 3-5 years?
Maryjo Douglas Zunk: Data analytics are crucial to the planning and implementation of public programs and services. Data collection and management systems, communication, and IT security will remain critical to connecting the government with the people. Analysts will be in high demand to gather, review, and communicate with decision-makers.
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Job Training Specialists in the next 5 years?
Maryjo Douglas Zunk: An increase in demand for public management in local government with continued business and population movement. On average, management professionals' need is 13% higher than the U.S. average for all occupations.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Job Training Specialists?
Maria Salazar Ph.D.: The coronavirus will have an enduring impact on higher education graduates. In the field of education, graduates have experienced first hand the deep and lasting inequalities that the coronavirus has had on youth and families from Communities of Color. The have seen educational gaps widen into education chasms. They have witnessed the struggles, successes, and resiliency of families as they navigate the impact of the virus. Graduates leave education programs with their eyes wide open to the systemic racism and other isms that impact youth and their families, from education, to healthcare, and beyond.
In teacher education programs, our graduates have had a front row seat to inequality. They have witnessed children and adolescents disengage from schooling and life. They have struggled to support their students' mental and physical health. They ache to be with their students in classrooms, yet fear the repercussions of close contact due to the virus. Yet, they persist, and they keep believing they can make a difference.
What technical skills for a Job Training Specialist stand out to employers?
Maria Salazar Ph.D.: Technical skills that stand out to employers in the education sector during and after the time of COVID include interpersonal skills, ability to navigate change and challenges, and commitment to educational equity. Interacting with colleagues, students, and families online is challenging. This requires a set of interpersonal skills that involve a tolerance for uncertainty, risk-taking, creativity, and innovation. The ability to navigate change and challenges is essential during uncertain times. In schools, the landscape is alway changing, and more so in a global pandemic.
It is important to foster a growth-mindset in oneself, and also in one's school community. Employers are also looking for a commitment to educational equity. With emerging consciousness of racial inequality and the need for systems that promote racial justice, employers want to hire people who are culturally competent and can move beyond statements of the value of diversity, to the enactment of educational environments that promote equity for those who are marginalized. This skill set includes: cross-cultural communication, culturally responsive teaching, and strength-based practices.
Dr. Ann Sebald
Assistant Professor, Co-DirectorColorado State University
Center for Educator Preparation
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Job Training Specialists?
Dr. Ann Sebald: Not sure what is meant by 'enduring'. However, if you are asking if there will be a long/longer term impact of the pandemic on recent graduates entering the teaching profession, I would say yes. As the state continues to work through the fiscal impact of the pandemic, schools will need to identify their priorities. As it relates to in-person learning, educators have done an amazing job at continuous adjustments during the past year. Teacher candidates have learned along-side veteran educators how best to adapt the learning environment for all students and their needs. What we've learned over this past year is being applied in schools around the globe moving forward.
Dr. Stevie Schmitz
Director of EducationRocky Mountain College
Leadership and Distance Education Program
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Job Training Specialists?
Dr. Stevie Schmitz: I believe that there will be an enduring impact on the entire education system due to the pandemic. Students may experience gaps in their education due to remote learning which will have to be addressed by educational leaders and their faculty members as well as parents. Social emotional stress is bound to be a factor as students return to school. Leaders need to support students and staff with this transition. Educational technology will occupy a new role in public education and we need to embrace and support it. Financial impact will also be a reality for newly graduated educational leaders. Money spent or needing to be spent on safety measures will continue as more students return to school. All of these situations (and others not yet imagined) will impact new leaders.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Job Training Specialist job market given the pandemic?
David Emanuel Ph.D.: Given the pandemic, I think the biggest trend that we see in the job market is the switch to functioning in a remote environment. The demand to be present in a traditional "office" is fading as more and more employers are forced to find new ways for their staff members to work at home. This opens up new opportunities for applicants because now they are less restricted to applying for work within a commutable distance. More opportunities are opening for a graduate living in New York, for example, to apply for a job with offices in Orlando. Because the need to be physically present in the office has become less crucial, employees do not need to live locally.
Anonymous Professor
What's a good job out of college for Job Training Specialists?
Anonymous Professor : A good first job out of college is one that pays enough to cover expenses and save, but also makes you happy. It might also further your educational experience by providing real-world experience and helping young adults refine their goals and aspirations. What that looks like "on the ground" is different for everyone.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Job Training Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Nicole Barnes: Although the abrupt changes that occurred to K-12 schooling in the Spring of 2020 have given way to more detailed reopening plans and a vaccine is now available, the use of hybrid and remote learning remains with the ongoing influence of COVID-19. Therefore, it seems essential that teacher educators, researchers, and K-12 school districts rethink what good teaching looks like for K-12 education's changed landscape. Teachers more then ever will need to be prepared to teach in virtual environments and garner the same academic, social, and emotional student outcomes that they would face to face.
Dr. Tammy Manko Ed.D.
DirectorIndiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP)
Career and Professional Development Center, Academic Affairs
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Job Training Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Tammy Manko Ed.D.: We'll see an increased need for change management and agile responses. We'll also see an increase in the number of interviews being conducted virtually. More workplaces will conduct onboarding virtually and use flexible and hybrid work schedules, more specifically those including work-from-home or virtual work, at least temporarily, if not more permanently. We will see continued hiring and organizational growth, despite concerns from many regarding the job market. All industries will experience an increased need for upskilling and reskilling of employees. Technological skills will be in high demand and so will human skills, such as emotional intelligence, negotiation, nonverbal communication, collaboration, and change agility.
Lea Porta
InstructorUniversity of Central Missouri
Early Childhood Education Department
What experience really stands out on Job Training Specialist resumes?
Lea Porta: I think if they have Google certification, that might be a bonus. Any work or volunteering in their field of study, as well as substituting.
Mary Collins
Professor, Creative Writing/Nonfiction, Program Coordinator, Writing Minors, Career/Internship AdvisorCentral Connecticut State University
English Department
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Job Training Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Mary Collins: Those in the performing arts have been decimated by the pandemic, having lost jobs at a rate unseen in nearly any other category. Those in the writing/editing fields have had more luck because their skills translate better to virtual work. Indeed, many big companies must build a much better platform online and in virtual meetings etc. They rely heavily on good writers/editors to help them pull that off. Instead of in-person meetings, maybe they have a newsletter now, for example, to sustain a sense of community among employees.
The writing market for places like Buzzfeed, Bitch, Vice, and other media is glutted with young writers out of work who think they can freelance good pieces. The end result is overwhelmed editors going through huge slush piles to find the good work and then offering less money for it. The best answer: find a company or organization and to hire you on as a steady employee or consistent contractor. Again, these types of organizations are looking for workers.
Dr. Francine Blume Ph.D.
Assistant Vice PresidentUniversity of Maryland Global Campus
Career Development Office
What skills stand out on Job Training Specialist resumes?
Dr. Francine Blume Ph.D.: Skills that stand out depend on the field, but you always want to point out your tech skills, language skills and especially "soft" skills, such as communication and initiative.
For tech skills, you can demonstrate proficiency by citing certifications. For language skills, be as accurate as you can regarding proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking. For soft skills, make sure they are evident in the descriptions of your accomplishments and duties. Don't just say, "I have strong problem-solving skills and I learn fast." Anyone can say that, but you should quantify your experience and skills to demonstrate those soft skills.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Job Training Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Francine Blume Ph.D.: There are some obvious changes that we are seeing, such as a more permanent move to telework or more flexibility in telework policies. We're seeing recruiting, hiring, and onboarding taking place virtually.
As services have shuttered, jobs have shifted to fulfillment needs. Amazon, UPS, CVS, and Walgreens have expanded hiring. We're also seeing a huge need for experienced biotech professionals.
I would say that many trends were already in process, and the pandemic exacerbated them. Traditional retail was already struggling against Amazon. Health services were already expanding with aging baby boomers. Tech continues to grow as does cybersecurity.
Other trends are dependent on the economy, economic stimulus, and other actions taken by the federal government. Which industries will get economic support, and which won't. We saw the beginnings of a speedier than expected recovery after the first wave of Covid eased and we were able to reopen parts of our economy.
What experience really stands out on Job Training Specialist resumes?
Dr. Marianne Wanamaker Ph.D.: Any hands-on experience is a huge advantage in today's labor market. I always encourage my students to take as many project-based courses as they can. It gives you something tangible to talk about in an internship or job interview. Writing experience is also really helpful.
What skills stand out on Job Training Specialist resumes?
Hassan Akmal: Transferable skills. Soft and hard. The soft skills are now referred to as "success skills" and include skills such as creativity, emotional intelligence, critical thinking and problem solving, analytics skills, and people management.
Active learning, agility, resilience, stress tolerance and flexibility are additional skills in demand that graduates need to consider.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Job Training Specialists to find work opportunities?
Hassan Akmal: Due to remote opportunities, the playing field has widely opened up. You can essentially work for almost any organization from where you are at the moment, at least for the time being. This actually increases the number of opportunities for you, as before, if you were out of state, you may have not been considered. That being said, there are still hot spots. They include: Top Metro Areas for Sociologists Source: 2019 Occupational Employment Statistics and 2018-28 Employment Projections, Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS.gov
Dr. Mark Wilson
Associate Professor of EconomicsWest Virginia State University
Economics Department
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Job Training Specialists to find work opportunities?
Dr. Mark Wilson: Good places to find work: two areas are booming now, Texas and the West Coast of Florida. In Texas, Dallas and Houston are growing quickly and with their youthful populations, this is a good place to look - the median age in Texas is 34 versus the U.S. average of 38. In Florida, from Tampa to Ft. Myers, growth is robust as baby boomers retire and leave job openings for new graduates.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Job Training Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Mark Wilson: Biggest trends: the biggest trends in U.S. labor markets are expanding e-commerce and WFH (working from home). E-commerce growth continues a long-term trend, but this trend has accelerated with COVID. People who never bought or traded online have been brought into that space. And those who were familiar with e-commerce have extended their use. This extension involves traditional buying patterns (books, clothes) but now includes entertainment, religion and education. WFH has expanded, too. It had been growing due to the changing nature of work and improvements in computers and the Internet backbone. That growth has accelerated with COVID. For job seekers, recognition of these trends is vital.
What skills stand out on Job Training Specialist resumes?
Dr. Mark Wilson: Job skills that stand out: two skills that every job seeker should now cultivate are: proficiency with spreadsheets and proficiency with online conferencing (e.g., Zoom, Skype). Most graduates have low skills in spreadsheets and will be trying to learn these skills on-the-fly. Proficient spreadsheet users are able to take their skills to the next level. As for teleconferencing, we are just scratching the surface of what COVID has taught us about online meetings. Newbies in the job market should be skilled enough in teleconferencing that they can share screens, do hosting, and know etiquette of conference calling.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Job Training Specialists?
Rob Austin McKee Ph.D.: Let's start with the necessary disclaimer that the high degree of uncertainty surrounding the pandemic makes predictions about its future effects tenuous. However, the historical precedents set by other significant events over the past century, such as the Great Depression or the Great Recession, indicate that we will see an enduring generational impact for graduates entering the workforce.
Academically, the pandemic will prolong the time some students spend in college, delaying their graduations and entrances into the workforce. Other students may end up dropping out entirely, completely derailing their plans. Considering the high levels of job loss we've seen, such outcomes may be especially prevalent for lower-income students who may have been working their way through school or relying on family members to help them with tuition. Students' course work and campus life have also been substantially disrupted. Many students have not been on campus for nearly a year. Any students not already attending online classes last spring endured a sudden, widespread, and unprecedented transition from face-to-face and hybrid classes to synchronous and asynchronous online classes, with varying degrees of success.
Universities are fortunate that the necessary technology currently exists to facilitate such a transition. Most professors achieved enough proficiency with the technology by the end of the 2020 spring semester to meet students' immediate needs. However, as I have heard from many students (and professors), virtual classes are a poor proxy for face-to-face classes, at least in disciplines wherein meaningful interaction is beneficial, as well as for students who need a more focused environment. I fear that a lot of courses sacrificed rigor that will take some time to reestablish. Though students may appreciate easier classes in the short-term, they may end up suffering for that deficiency on the job market.
Professionally, the pandemic likely will impair graduates' careers for years to come. They are entering a workforce that has already shed millions of jobs, and many of them do not have sufficient experience or a specific enough skill set to make them stand out. As jobs return, companies may reach out to the employees they previously dismissed before considering new applicants. Fewer jobs mean more competition for existing jobs and more workers willing to work for lower pay. And those entry-level jobs necessary to support students and recent graduates simply may not be available in many industries such as brick-and-mortar retail, restaurants, hospitality, tourism, and leisure.
Even internships are being rescinded, scaled back, and going virtual. Ultimately, new entrants to the job market should expect fewer jobs, jobs not commensurate with their educational levels, lower salaries, and slower career progression than those entrants from just a couple of years ago. However, applicants would be well advised to consider industries related to health, medicine, logistics, supply chain, and online retail that have proven to be strong during the pandemic.
Erin Duffy
Director of Career Services and Employer RelationsDePauw University
Kathryn F. Hubbard Center for Student Engagement
What Job Training Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Erin Duffy: If students take a gap year, we recommend that they work to build connections in areas of industry interest as well as gain any additional skills that might be helpful. For example, if they are interested in IT and tech, maybe work on learning coding or other tech platforms. If they are interested in finance, work on learning some accounting. If they are interested in sales and marketing, read some books on current sales techniques, write some articles, or start a blog.