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Job outlook for professional development coordinators in the United States
Are professional development coordinator jobs in demand?
Professional development coordinator job and salary trends over time
Professional development coordinator jobs over time
Professional development coordinator job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 721 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 682 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 670 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 625 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 602 | 0.00% |
Average professional development coordinator salary over time
Professional development coordinator salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $77,943 | $37.47 | +2.4% |
| 2024 | $76,091 | $36.58 | +0.6% |
| 2023 | $75,668 | $36.38 | +0.8% |
| 2022 | $75,034 | $36.07 | +2.3% |
| 2021 | $73,368 | $35.27 | +1.4% |
Professional development coordinator jobs by state
Most common states for professional development coordinators
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 436 | 58% |
| 2 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 370 | 43% |
| 3 | Delaware | 961,939 | 403 | 42% |
| 4 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 2,231 | 40% |
| 5 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 1,142 | 39% |
| 6 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 799 | 38% |
| 7 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 345 | 33% |
| 8 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 231 | 33% |
| 9 | Alaska | 739,795 | 227 | 31% |
| 10 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 537 | 28% |
| 11 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 3,340 | 26% |
| 12 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 1,652 | 25% |
| 13 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 1,452 | 25% |
| 14 | Oklahoma | 3,930,864 | 990 | 25% |
| 15 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 794 | 25% |
| 16 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 1,183 | 24% |
| 17 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 399 | 23% |
| 18 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 2,273 | 22% |
| 19 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 1,510 | 22% |
| 20 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,430 | 21% |
Most common cities for professional development coordinators
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Braintree Town | 1 | 3% | $75,773 |
| 2 | Brookfield | 1 | 3% | $59,105 |
| 3 | Newark | 1 | 3% | $79,783 |
| 4 | Troy | 2 | 2% | $73,538 |
| 5 | Little Rock | 2 | 1% | $54,517 |
| 6 | Cambridge | 1 | 1% | $75,438 |
| 7 | Hartford | 1 | 1% | $83,749 |
| 8 | Kenosha | 1 | 1% | $59,331 |
| 9 | Naperville | 1 | 1% | $83,553 |
| 10 | Quincy | 1 | 1% | $75,655 |
| 11 | Houston | 2 | 0% | $72,378 |
| 12 | San Francisco | 2 | 0% | $89,687 |
| 13 | Chicago | 1 | 0% | $84,017 |
| 14 | Garland | 1 | 0% | $72,205 |
| 15 | New York | 1 | 0% | $93,872 |
| 16 | Philadelphia | 1 | 0% | $87,961 |
| 17 | Saint Paul | 1 | 0% | $67,776 |
| 18 | San Bernardino | 1 | 0% | $82,956 |
Professional Development Coordinator job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of professional development coordinator experts
Texas A&M University - Central Texas
Edgewood College
University of Alaska Fairbanks
University of Alabama at Huntsville
Calvin University
University of Nebraska - Omaha
Western Illinois University
Ohio University
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
The University of Tennessee - Knoxville
West Virginia State University
University of Houston-Downtown
American University
The University of Texas at Arlington
University of Redlands
What general advice would you give to a Professional Development Coordinator?
Dr. Terry McDaniel Professor Emeritus: If you are in educational leadership for the money, you are in the wrong career. Public school districts are governmental agencies dependent of tax dollars. Private schools often have even less fund at their disposal. So many options are limited. But a few things a candidate can do is to be sure to be familiar with what the last leader’ salary and benefits were. Also, do your homework. Look at surrounding school districts as well as districts comparable in size to see what their leaders are receiving. Be willing to start at a high number and negotiate to get the maximum package you can secure. One strategy I like to recommend is to ask what the district is paying in terms of the total salary and benefit package. What is the district paying for salary, insurances, allowances, retirement benefits, etc. Then study what is important to you. Suggest dividing the package differently. For instance, if your spouse has health insurance and you do not need this benefit, perhaps the district could offer this about in a different area such as retirement benefits, salary, or another allowance.
Daniella Varela Ed.D.
Assistant ProfessorWhat Professional Development Coordinator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Daniella Varela Ed.D.: First, let’s come to terms with the fact that educators don’t go into education for the money. Right? We know what the earning potential, and we know that pursuing advanced degrees can help in increasing that amount. So what will set you apart even more and possibly position you for being able to negotiate more pay are the additional skills, certifications, qualifications and areas of expertise. Seek out and complete trainings, licensing programs, professional development sessions, etc. so that you become the resident or in-house expert. Pursue training for example in emotional intelligence, mental health first aid, or even some of the more up and coming things like artificial intelligence. Add to and diversify your repertoire so that you are in demand.
Christopher Rivera PhD
ProfessorWhat Professional Development Coordinator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Christopher Rivera PhD: While it's true that educators may not be amongst the highest in salary earnings, there are several things beginning teachers can do to maximize their salary potential. The first piece of advice would be to ask about what incentives each school/district is offering first year teachers. There are often several bonuses that are provided to educators, particularly to those in high needs areas (e.g., math, special education, science). Each district may offer different incentive packages, so it's important that beginning teachers do their homework and shop around. Many states also provide pay raises for teachers who receive their National Board Certification (https://www.nbpts.org/). I encourage all teachers to see what the requirements are and if their state will provide some sort of incentive for obtaining this certification. In North Carolina, teachers can get 12% pay increase as well as other incentives.
Allen Redmon Ph.D.
Dean, College of Arts and SciencesTexas A&M University - Central Texas
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
What Professional Development Coordinator 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.
Suzanne Otte Allen Ed.D. '14 (AHH-tee/she, her)
Associate Dean and Director of Ed. Leadership/Sr. LecturerEdgewood College
Educational Administration And Supervision
What will help Professional Development Coordinators increase their earning potential?
Suzanne Otte Allen Ed.D. '14 (AHH-tee/she, her): Look for positions that are hard to fill, build that skill set, and don't be afraid to negotiate.
What Professional Development Coordinator 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 Professional Development Coordinators 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 Professional Development Coordinator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Robert Moody Ph.D.: Looking ahead 3-5 years in virtually any field, adaptability will be crucial. The rapid pace of technological advancement demands that professionals stay abreast of new tools and methodologies. Data literacy will become increasingly important, as data-driven decision-making becomes the norm across industries. Additionally, soft skills such as emotional intelligence, cross-cultural communication, and collaborative problem-solving will be highly prized as the workforce becomes more diverse and team-oriented.
What will help Professional Development Coordinators increase their earning potential?
Robert Moody Ph.D.: As you embark upon your professional journey post-graduation, I would advise you to remain both curious and diligent. The world of work values those who are lifelong learners, always seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills. Networking is not to be underestimated; it is often through your professional connections that opportunities arise. Be proactive in seeking mentorship and do not shy away from challenges, as they are the crucibles in which your capabilities are refined. Maintain a balance between humility and confidence; recognize the value of others' contributions while also advocating for your own ideas and abilities.
Lisa Lopez
Instructor of M.Ed. Educational Leadership Programs Director of Principal Preparation and Outreach ProgramsWhat will help Professional Development Coordinators increase their earning potential?
Lisa Lopez: No one talks about this enough, although building strong relationships with leaders, teachers, students, parents and other school community leaders is imperative in becoming a successful school leader. Positive communication skills, appreciating those you serve in a school community, and having a relational style of leadership as opposed to a "rule with an iron fist" style of leadership are all skills that must be learned through various experiences. Leading by fear is NOT what gets results in the long term, which leads to the fact that focusing on true "servant leadership" is absolutely imperative to the success of a great school. Future school leaders must also know how to use data to drive great instruction in classrooms, which is not new, but THE most important skill in my opinion is to focus on the "human connections" within an organization and not just be concerned with numbers.
Beth Quick
Dean and ProfessorUniversity of Alabama at Huntsville
Education
What general advice would you give to a Professional Development Coordinator?
Beth Quick: It will be important to be adept in gathering and analyzing student learning data to inform instruction and being able to effectively differentiate instruction for the individual needs of students. A willingness to be flexible and willing to consider and embrace change will be necessary. Being able to clearly articulate evidence-based teaching strategies and approaches to policy makers and legislators and advocate for effective education is an increasingly important role for educators.
What Professional Development Coordinator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Beth Quick: One might consider earning a graduate degree or advanced certification to increase the base salary. Some educators take on extra responsibilities, such as coaching, extracurricular activities, or teaching in an extended school year or summer program. Other educators also offer private tutoring or test preparation services or provide professional development workshops or seminars for other educators, parents, or families.
What will help Professional Development Coordinators increase their earning potential?
Beth Quick: One might consider earning a graduate degree or advanced certification to increase the base salary. Some educators take on extra responsibilities, such as coaching, extracurricular activities, or teaching in an extended school year or summer program. Other educators also offer private tutoring or test preparation services or provide professional development workshops or seminars for other educators, parents, or families.
Albert Boerema
Professor of EducationCalvin University
Educational Administration And Supervision
What Professional Development Coordinator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Albert Boerema: Key skills identified by educational leadership graduate students include managing the human element of leadership alongside systems and structures, prioritizing trust as a two-way street, focusing on equitable decision-making, maintaining an open door policy for communication, emphasizing teamwork over individual leadership, fostering gratefulness and celebration, creating meaningful connections among school community members, and navigating governance board dynamics with transparency and respect.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Professional Development Coordinator 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.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Professional Development Coordinators 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!
Hoyet Hemphill Ph.D.
IDT Program Coordinator and Graduate Advisor, Instructional Design and TechnologyWestern Illinois University
School of Engineering and Technology
What skills stand out on Professional Development Coordinator resumes?
Hoyet Hemphill Ph.D.: For K12 positions compiled so far in Illinois, Instructional coaches appeared mostly in all the searches. The skills required for this position include having basic computer skills required, familiarity with MS Office Suite or similar, familiarity with online form creation and basic use of cloud-based systems (One Drive, Google Drive, etc.), multilingual abilities and teaching experience, management, and leadership experience required, such as instructional coach, team leader, or school administration, ability to use student data to drive instruction, excellent communication and organization skills, knowledge in educational technology tools and Google Suite. The majority of the duties/responsibilities includes designing and facilitating high-quality science professional development, supporting the implementation of high-quality instructional materials in K-12, providing support for teachers to understand and implement the Next Generation Science Standards, providing classroom support to teachers in effective instructional practices through modeling, coaching, mentoring, and co-teaching. The coach must be able to travel to various school sites, collaborates with administrators, teachers, and with district leaders, help develop the necessary school infrastructure to support effective program implementation through grade-level meetings, peer observations, and vertical team meetings based upon the scheduling in the school. Facilitates planning of lessons and analysis of student work, works collaboratively with other project team members to design, and provide various high-quality professional development experiences for project teachers and administrators, promotes instructional approaches in K-12 science that support diversity, equity, and inclusion in the teaching and learning of science, collaborate well with Classroom Coaches, Academic Coaches, and other Elevate team members, etc.
Brian Collins Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Chair & Drs. Ram and Sushila Gawande Chair in Indian Religion and PhilosophyOhio University
College of Arts and Sciences
What soft skills should all Professional Development Coordinators possess?
Brian Collins Ph.D.: Intercultural competency and critical thinking are absolutely essential to dealing with our increasingly diverse and fragmented society.
What skills will help Professional Development Coordinators earn the most?
Brian Collins Ph.D.: The ability to deal with change, the only constant in life, is the product of a humanities education and is also what puts people in the running for promotion within an organization or allows them to get hired into new and often largely undefined positions that require someone who can navigate the shifting sands.
Dr. Margaret Scott Ph.D.
Senior Instructor, University SupervisorUniversity of Colorado Colorado Springs
Department of Leadership, Research, and Foundations
What skills stand out on Professional Development Coordinator resumes?
Dr. Margaret Scott Ph.D.: Some of the items I would expect to be included are experience designing and facilitating professional learning for educators, experience with leadership of others within the school, knowledge and facilitation of work with academic standards and assessment, and experience working with and providing feedback to colleagues.
What soft skills should all Professional Development Coordinators possess?
Dr. Margaret Scott Ph.D.: The instructional coach needs to have great people skills. Building trust and two-way respect are essential to a successful working relationship between the coach and educator. Also key is effective communication skills. The instructional coach must be a great listener, convey ideas clearly, and be willing to engage in conversations about instruction with the educators they support. They must also be able to craft good questions that provoke thought and reflection to help the educators they support become introspective. They need to be learners, constantly seeking out new ideas, research, and practices that we know to be effective with both students and adult learners. Effective instructional coaches also see themselves as partners with the educators they support.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Professional Development Coordinators?
Dr. Margaret Scott Ph.D.: The instructional coach will understand the curriculum, the materials, and the district expectations for an instructional coach and classroom teacher. They will need to be flexible with technology for communication, scheduling, and documenting professional learning and work with teachers. In addition, they will need to understand the available technology for teaching to coach others in its effective use. They need to know the most effective, high-impact instructional practices and model them for others. Additionally, they need to know how to engage in effective feedback conversations with others about planning, teaching, and effective use of data-both about teacher practice and student learning.
What skills will help Professional Development Coordinators earn the most?
Dr. Margaret Scott Ph.D.: In my experience, all of the skills mentioned previously will help them secure a position. Each district approaches the pay scale differently. Often, instructional coaches are paid on the teacher salary schedule but may receive an additional stipend. While the salary may not differ greatly from that of a teacher, it is seen as a beneficial experience to bridge the move from teaching to building leadership.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Professional Development Coordinators?
Dr. Marianne Wanamaker Ph.D.: Evidence suggests that graduating from college in a weak labor market has long-term impacts on labor market outcomes and may depress earnings for up to 10 years after graduation. One avenue for avoiding these effects that has typically been available is graduate school. But many students are finding graduate school unappetizing in the current higher education environment.
What experience really stands out on Professional Development Coordinator 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.
Dr. Mark Wilson
Associate Professor of EconomicsWest Virginia State University
Economics Department
What skills stand out on Professional Development Coordinator 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 Professional Development Coordinators?
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.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Professional Development Coordinator job market given the pandemic?
Evan Kraft Ph.D.: In the next few months, I am afraid that we will not see a lot of good economic news. If anything, we can expect more restrictions on people's movements and on business activities that require people to be in close proximity to each other. We probably will not see a lot of good news until the later spring/early summer, when larger numbers of people will have received the vaccines, and better weather allows for more outdoor activity.
Overall, unemployment insurance claims rose last week to 853,000, the highest level since October. To give you an idea of how big that is, in a good economy 200 to 250,000 would be a normal number. And this number represents an increase from recent numbers.
However, there are some companies expanding at the moment. AU grads may be well-equipped to cope with jobs that involve working remotely, using analytical and computer skills. Those parts of the economy that can operate online are chugging on, in some cases growing, while those parts of the economy that operate in-person are having difficulties.
What skills stand out on Professional Development Coordinator resumes?
Evan Kraft Ph.D.: In general, employers are usually looking for people who can take initiative and responsibility. Specific skills such as computer programming, knowledge of useful software are great, but a job candidate's ability to express themselves, their confidence and ability to communicate, and their interpersonal skills are still very important. The AU degree and specific knowledge students gathered at AU can be a big plus, along with these other qualities.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Professional Development Coordinator job market given the pandemic?
Michael Ward: The skills learned in most economics degree programs are becoming even more important. The most important are critical thinking, familiarity with data, and, believe it or not, storytelling. Economics courses train students to examine all the consequences of an action, especially the unintended consequences. Not all implications are equally important, so we have developed ways of analyzing information to weigh these consequences. Much of our reasoning is by analogy where we can show that a particular consequence "is just like" a familiar lesson from a shared story. These skills have extremely wide applicability across many industries and job titles.
The pandemic has reduced job opportunities for economists about as much as most business professionals but nowhere near as much as, say, those in entertainment or tourism. Our skills remain highly sought across a wide spectrum of employers. The economics major remains the highest compensated degree outside of engineering. For example, among people with the job title "Manager", compensation of economics majors exceeds that of management majors precisely because these skills allow them to address challenges more creatively.
What skills stand out on Professional Development Coordinator resumes?
Michael Ward: Doing well in coursework is great, but what sells a job candidate is the initiative in an activity that shows that you have synthesized and applied what you have learned across multiple courses. This is a big ask but, there are plenty of ways to do this. You can join an extra-curricular club, but better is providing the leadership to enhance the club experience. You can take a part-time job, but better is founding a small entrepreneurial business that fills an unmet need. You can write term papers for classes, but better is helping draft and implement action plans for, say, a non-profit. If you have an interest in a hobby, a sport, or an industry, show that you have developed it into an expertise. All resumes include coursework, but activities that demonstrate initiative will stand out.
Johannes Moenius Ph.D.
William R. and S. Sue Johnson Endowed Chair of Spatial Economic Analysis and Regional Planning and Director of the Institute for Spatial Economic Analysis (ISEA) at the University of Redlands School of BusinessUniversity of Redlands
School of Business
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Professional Development Coordinators?
Johannes Moenius Ph.D.: Almost surely, yes, and for several reasons:
1) There are fewer entry-level jobs where graduates can get basic training to complement their university education.
2) Fewer jobs means lower entry-level pay, so payment trajectories start out at lower levels. This has already been observed after the Great Recession. Those lower-level starts in terms of salaries are hard to ever make up for in the future.
3) Fewer jobs also mean many graduates will likely be forced to work in professions that they did not intend to work for or in and in which only part of their skills developed during their university education will be applicable. Getting back into the original job trajectory they had studied for gets harder with every year they work in a different type of job.
What experience really stands out on Professional Development Coordinator resumes?
Johannes Moenius Ph.D.: Employers I talked to always tell me as their number one item that they look for graduates who have demonstrated skills and experiences that make them productive from day one. So everything that indicates that a graduate can be gainfully employed right away without much extra training and explanations - things that reduce employers' efforts - is helpful. Complementary to that, our research shows that engagements that show dependability, integrity, and cooperation remain high on the list of signals that employers look for.