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What is a program trainer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted expert
Jaunelle Celaire

Program trainers educate individuals on the use of computer programs. They teach individuals to use spreadsheets, desktop publishing programs, or computer network systems software. They present materials efficiently and at an appropriate level for those being trained, changing courses, and adapting to the needs of the students. Program trainers earn a median sum of $51,000 annually or $24 per hour.

Program trainers are passionate about what they do and perform lots of duties, including getting customer complaints and referring them to the director of client services. They also scan the knowledge base for solutions to customer issues and questions and demand attention from company team members when there is an emergency.

Program trainers typically hold a bachelor's degree in business, psychology, or other related fields. They are expected to have an in-depth knowledge of computer applications and experience in a similar role. Some employers prefer candidates who are willing to work for long hours and can meet deadlines.

What general advice would you give to a program trainer?

Jaunelle Celaire

Chair, Professor of Voice, University of Alaska Fairbanks

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.
ScoreProgram TrainerUS Average
Salary
3.4

Avg. Salary $43,846

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
5.5

Growth rate 8%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
5.7
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.51%

Asian 6.13%

Black or African American 9.72%

Hispanic or Latino 16.98%

Unknown 6.41%

White 60.25%

Gender

female 53.80%

male 46.20%

Age - 44
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 - 44
Stress level
5.5

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.0

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
6.0

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Program trainer career paths

Key steps to become a program trainer

  1. Explore program trainer education requirements

    Most common program trainer degrees

    Bachelor's

    61.6 %

    Associate

    12.3 %

    Master's

    11.9 %
  2. Start to develop specific program trainer skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Work Ethic14.76%
    PowerPoint14.21%
    On-The-Job Training11.70%
    Professional Development8.17%
    Training Classes7.25%
  3. Complete relevant program trainer training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New program trainers 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 a program trainer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real program trainer resumes.
  4. Research program trainer duties and responsibilities

    • Lead project management, curriculum writing and pilot facilitation in collaboration with advisory team.
    • Serve insurance members with complete and accurate information regarding Medicare, Medicaid and insurance coverage benefits.
    • Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of restaurant including all tables, floors, windows, and beverage station, restroom, etc
    • Deliver train-the-trainer curriculum to SME appoint trainers.
  5. Prepare your program trainer resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your program trainer 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 a program trainer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable program trainer resume templates

    Build a professional program trainer 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 program trainer resume.
    Program Trainer Resume
    Program Trainer Resume
    Program Trainer Resume
    Program Trainer Resume
    Program Trainer Resume
    Program Trainer Resume
    Program Trainer Resume
    Program Trainer Resume
    Program Trainer Resume
  6. Apply for program trainer jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a program trainer 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 program trainer job

Zippi

Are you a program trainer?

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Average program trainer salary

The average program trainer salary in the United States is $43,846 per year or $21 per hour. Program trainer salaries range between $30,000 and $63,000 per year.

Average program trainer salary
$43,846 Yearly
$21.08 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do program trainers rate their job?

-/5

5 stars

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1 star

Program trainer reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2020
Pros

What i like most for me being the trainer is to have capacity to teach and to meet NH every day. To be part of their successful and see them grow on their efficiency and their skills.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2019
Pros

Here we are working as a team and make others to work in team and make to grow with their own skills in the life and time management

Cons

simply wasting time


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A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2019
Pros

Presentation, speak for the product and share information with my audience. Able to see the information shared helps to groom my audience to success

Cons

Career path is niche. Trainers are not getting high pay and great attention


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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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