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Job outlook for management development specialists in the United States
Are management development specialist jobs in demand?
Management development specialist job and salary trends over time
Management development specialist jobs over time
Management development specialist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 266 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 252 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 248 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 231 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 222 | 0.00% |
Average management development specialist salary over time
Management development specialist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $80,223 | $38.57 | +2.4% |
| 2024 | $78,316 | $37.65 | +0.6% |
| 2023 | $77,881 | $37.44 | +0.8% |
| 2022 | $77,229 | $37.13 | +2.3% |
| 2021 | $75,514 | $36.30 | +1.4% |
Management development specialist jobs by state
Most common states for management development specialists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 316 | 42% |
| 2 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 267 | 38% |
| 3 | Alaska | 739,795 | 271 | 37% |
| 4 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 308 | 35% |
| 5 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 641 | 33% |
| 6 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,811 | 32% |
| 7 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 596 | 29% |
| 8 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 896 | 28% |
| 9 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 451 | 26% |
| 10 | Delaware | 961,939 | 247 | 26% |
| 11 | Vermont | 623,657 | 164 | 26% |
| 12 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 3,010 | 24% |
| 13 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 2,489 | 24% |
| 14 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 2,029 | 24% |
| 15 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 1,718 | 24% |
| 16 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 732 | 24% |
| 17 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 713 | 24% |
| 18 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 1,332 | 23% |
| 19 | Texas | 28,304,596 | 6,119 | 22% |
| 20 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 229 | 22% |
Most common cities for management development specialists
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Annapolis | 1 | 3% | $77,696 |
| 2 | Bowling Green | 1 | 2% | $61,748 |
| 3 | Daytona Beach | 1 | 2% | $72,212 |
| 4 | Olathe | 2 | 1% | $80,789 |
| 5 | Tampa | 2 | 1% | $70,687 |
| 6 | Davenport | 1 | 1% | $71,713 |
| 7 | Fayetteville | 1 | 1% | $59,310 |
| 8 | Fort Lauderdale | 1 | 1% | $66,277 |
| 9 | Fort Smith | 1 | 1% | $60,163 |
| 10 | Frisco | 1 | 1% | $87,554 |
| 11 | Los Angeles | 2 | 0% | $93,591 |
| 12 | Seattle | 2 | 0% | $134,291 |
| 13 | Washington | 2 | 0% | $90,585 |
| 14 | Baton Rouge | 1 | 0% | $77,321 |
| 15 | Chicago | 1 | 0% | $100,595 |
| 16 | Denver | 1 | 0% | $80,443 |
| 17 | Fort Wayne | 1 | 0% | $81,514 |
| 18 | Fremont | 1 | 0% | $107,768 |
Management Development Specialist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of management development specialist experts
Texas A&M University - Central Texas
University of Alaska Fairbanks
University of Kansas
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
m3 Development
North Carolina Central University
Western Illinois University
American Public University System
Hotel Effectiveness
Forsyth County, Georgia
Rollins College
Allen Redmon Ph.D.
Dean, College of Arts and SciencesTexas A&M University - Central Texas
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
What Management Development Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Allen Redmon Ph.D.: One essential job trait that doesn’t get discussed enough is empathy, the ability to develop processes, statements, and objectives with the client, customer, or user in mind. Those employees or companies who start from a place of empathy will always outpace those who do not.
What general advice would you give to a Management Development 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 Management Development 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 Management Development 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.
What experience really stands out on Management Development 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.
Dr. Kate Seltzer Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorRowan University
Department of Language, Literacy and Sociocultural education
How would you rate the starting salaries for Management Development 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 Management Development 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 technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Management Development 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 Management Development 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.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Management Development Specialists in the next 3-5 years?
Matthew McConn: If this pandemic has shown us anything, it's that in-person teaching is an integral part of learning and our community.
How would you rate the starting salaries for Management Development 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 Management Development 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 Management Development 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.
What experience really stands out on Management Development Specialist resumes?
Michael Baker: For graduates entering the job market, we look at any prior employment (part-time or full-time); what internships they have had, both paid and unpaid; their volunteer activities; accomplishments (i.e., GPA, Cum Laude, Gold Award, Eagle Scout, ROTC, leadership roles, etc.); and extracurricular activities candidates have had (clubs, intramural sports, NCAA student-athletes, study abroad experiences, sororities and fraternities, etc.). It is a better gauge for interest in working in the non-profit sector when candidates have had an internship with a non-profit organization and an internship outside the non-profit sector. Having experience as an intern at both a for-profit business and non-profit business (yes, non-profits are a business) is a great indicator that the candidate has had different experiences in both sectors helping to shape interests, views, ideas, skills, and the impact they want to make on the world.
I cannot highlight enough that ethics is the number one quality candidates must have; resumes should be clear, briefly descriptive, and accurate.
What Management Development Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Michael Baker: I am a big fan of graduate's taking a gap year to help get themselves set-up for success in their career. I recommend finding what you're passionate about that is employable. For example, if you want to work in the non-profit sector and have a specific area that has impacted you in your life, find an organization you can volunteer with that aligns with your specific area of interest. Some organizations will offer internships to recent graduates; if you have an interest in the cause, go for it. Those internships will help you determine if this is the direction you want to go, or not, for your career. Also, take advantage of career counseling services offered by the institution you just graduated from. They can help you by providing guidance and assessment tools to help you identify your skills, interests, and areas you need to develop. Good assessment tests are the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, DISC Assessment, and others.
I also think those taking a gap year use the time wisely to develop relationships with fellow graduates, alumni, potential employers, friends, and family. Have an introductory networking conversation with someone in an interesting field you might want to work in. Taking the initiative shows you are resourceful and seeking others' advice. All should be on LinkedIn and take advantage of networking. Look for, and join, professional association young professional groups in your area of interest. When able to participate in webinars, Zooms, online conferences, professional development seminars, graduate test preparation courses, training, networking events, and other opportunities to learn and build your network. Gap year graduates should be focused on acquiring the skills you need for your next step, whether it is going to work or graduate school. For everyone, the skills needed are different. I always recommend graduates enhance their interpersonal communication abilities, learn to listen to others, develop writing skills, focus on developing task-oriented habits to actually get things done (For example: Making a to-do list for every day and sticking to it; repetition will build this habit and needed skill set), take the time to learn what the dress-code looks like in the professional environment you want to be in, be aware and knowledgeable of the latest in technology, and continue to ask questions. This is a great time in your life; take advantage of it.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Management Development Specialists in the next 3-5 years?
Michael Baker: The non-profit sector, like every sector, has been impacted greatly by technology. I believe innovation and disruption from technology is a key tool for making non-profits more efficient and effective. AI is already being used by the big non-profits and will become more common throughout our sector in mid-sized and small non-profit organizations when it is more cost-effective. The current, future and recent graduates are mostly Generation Z. This is the generation that was born into and has grown up with the internet and technology. The most important technology is and will continue to be online and mobile. Non-profits need to continue developing and investing in technology, tools, and support systems to meet the needs of their mission. Technology has brought us the internet, social media, the cloud, cashless forms of payments, automating work, evaluation tools creating dashboards that automatically monitor performance, electronic health records, and will continue to evolve. I believe machine-based learning and artificial intelligence are technology now and for the future. Technology that supports transparency, engagement, impact, and data analytics will be what is important in the next 3 to 5 years for non-profit organizations.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Management Development Specialists in the next 3-5 years?
Michael Baker: The non-profit sector, like every sector, has been impacted greatly by technology. I believe innovation and disruption from technology is a key tool for making non-profits more efficient and effective. AI is already being used by the big non-profits and will become more common throughout our sector in mid-sized and small non-profit organizations when it is more cost-effective. The current, future and recent graduates are mostly Generation Z. This is the generation that was born into and has grown up with the internet and technology. The most important technology is and will continue to be online and mobile. Non-profits need to continue developing and investing in technology, tools, and support systems to meet the needs of their mission. Technology has brought us the internet, social media, the cloud, cashless forms of payments, automating work, evaluation tools creating dashboards that automatically monitor performance, electronic health records, and will continue to evolve. I believe machine-based learning and artificial intelligence are technology now and for the future. Technology that supports transparency, engagement, impact, and data analytics will be what is important in the next 3 to 5 years for non-profit organizations.
What Management Development Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Michael Baker: I am a big fan of graduate’s taking a gap year to help get themselves set-up for success in their career. I recommend finding what you're passionate about that is employable. For example, if you want to work in the non-profit sector and have a specific area that has impacted you in your life, find an organization you can volunteer with that aligns with your specific area of interest. Some organizations will offer internships to recent graduates; if you have an interest in the cause, go for it. Those internships will help you determine if this is the direction you want to go, or not, for your career. Also, take advantage of career counseling services offered by the institution you just graduated from. They can help you by providing guidance and assessment tools to help you identify your skills, interests, and areas you need to develop. Good assessment tests are the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, DISC Assessment, and others.
I also think those taking a gap year use the time wisely to develop relationships with fellow graduates, alumni, potential employers, friends, and family. Have an introductory networking conversation with someone in an interesting field you might want to work in. Taking the initiative shows you are resourceful and seeking others' advice. All should be on LinkedIn and take advantage of networking. Look for, and join, professional association young professional groups in your area of interest. When able to participate in webinars, Zooms, online conferences, professional development seminars, graduate test preparation courses, training, networking events, and other opportunities to learn and build your network. Gap year graduates should be focused on acquiring the skills you need for your next step, whether it is going to work or graduate school. For everyone, the skills needed are different. I always recommend graduates enhance their interpersonal communication abilities, learn to listen to others, develop writing skills, focus on developing task-oriented habits to actually get things done (For example: Making a to-do list for every day and sticking to it; repetition will build this habit and needed skill set), take the time to learn what the dress-code looks like in the professional environment you want to be in, be aware and knowledgeable of the latest in technology, and continue to ask questions. This is a great time in your life; take advantage of it.
Elisha Blankson
Program Director NCCU, Assistant ProfessorNorth Carolina Central University
Communication Disorders Department
What type of skills will young Management Development 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. Richard Filipink Ph.D.
ProfessorWestern Illinois University
History Department
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Management Development 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.
Dr. Elizabeth Keavney Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorAmerican Public University System
Public Administration Department
What type of skills will young Management Development Specialists need?
Dr. Elizabeth Keavney Ph.D.: The ability to examine all sides of an issue, to include long-term consequences and short-term consequences and unintended consequences and intended outcomes is vital. A focus on goals and objectives, instead of depending on an emotional response, will help lead to the best solutions. Public servants should be adaptable and able to work with people from various cultures. They need to have an understanding of how to work with and motivate individuals and groups. Those who can stay engaged and exercise good judgment will fare best in fluid and changing times.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Management Development Specialists to find work opportunities?
Dr. Elizabeth Keavney Ph.D.: Some areas are hiring public servants around the United States; however, many places are cutting back, since so many sites had experienced budget cuts, even before COVID-19 lockdowns caused further revenue reductions. If you can't find a full-time job right away, try taking a part-time job, an internship, or a position with a non-profit as a way to continue learning and to give yourself a chance to show the quality of your work.
How do you envision technology impacting Management Development Specialists in the next 5 years?
Dr. Elizabeth Keavney Ph.D.: COVID-19 has increased the number of people who are working at home. This means a solid basic knowledge of telecommuting, and the ability to work unsupervised will be necessary. The ability to use remote security protocols, the cloud, and various software platforms will be required.
What general advice would you give to a Management Development Specialist?
Del Ross: Embrace change. The only certainty about the future is that tomorrow's world will look much different than today's. This applies to the hotel and travel industries and to pretty much everything else. Guest expectations will change. Technology will change. The employer and employee experiences will vary - this may prove difficult, but much of it will be for the better. If you expect to change, you will be better prepared to handle it when it happens.
How would you rate the starting salaries for Management Development Specialists, as well as the prospects for salary advancement?
Del Ross: In 2019, the Assistant General Manager position was one of the highest turnover roles in every hotel. With low unemployment, tomorrow's industry leaders' best and brightest were routinely leaving the hotel business to pursue careers in other areas. As a result, there will be many opportunities for new graduates and increased competition for this talent as the economy and the hotel business recovers from COVID19. While starting salaries and wage rates for hotel staff will remain low, compared to other industries, new hires' growth potential will be unprecedented. We expect a modest increase in starting wages over the next 24 months, followed by an acceleration of the promotion cycle to fill the gap in management depth created before the pandemic even began.
What type of skills will young Management Development Specialists need?
Donna Kukarola: Without a doubt, the need for computer literacy will continue to expand, the ability to work with people, communication skills, being a team member/collaborative. So, in other words, many of the "soft" skills will need the skills they trained for their industry/vocation.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Management Development Specialists to find work opportunities?
Donna Kukarola: This one, not so sure of, the southeast continues to see options as well as mid-western states.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Management Development Specialists?
Donna Kukarola: The procurement field is an opportunity; each day will have its own set of challenges and opportunities. Obtaining the right item/service at the right time, at the right price, is not all that procurement does. They are strategic members, sourcing, timing, keeping up with trends, laws, best practices, and advising that the resource desired is already available!
This year, entering the workforce will be different for many interviews to be held electronically - even, perhaps, teleworking when they get the job. Training is a bit more of a challenge then, and it can be hard to get a real feel of the "attitude." Keeping an open mind and being flexible is a must; during this pandemic, we have all had to learn how to do our jobs differently and navigate our careers.
What experience really stands out on Management Development Specialist resumes?
Claire Strom Ph.D.: I don't read resumes, but I would argue that a graduate needs to narrate their college experiences effectively and talk about them in terms of skills gained.
What Management Development Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Claire Strom Ph.D.: Gaining more facility with computers will always be beneficial-as we have all found out during the pandemic. Generally, however, I encourage students to use a gap year to have adventures and do things out-of-the-ordinary. Students are focused on their trajectory for all their lives and a gap year provides an unusual opportunity to do something different. In my experience, such adventures always prove fruitful and helpful, although it is never clear how until they are over. Thus, I would suggest AmeriCorps, VISTA, teaching abroad, and other related activities.