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The differences between program trainers and program instructors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a program trainer and a program instructor. Additionally, a program trainer has an average salary of $43,846, which is higher than the $42,380 average annual salary of a program instructor.
The top three skills for a program trainer include work ethic, powerpoint and on-the-job training. The most important skills for a program instructor are patients, K-12, and math.
| Program Trainer | Program Instructor | |
| Yearly salary | $43,846 | $42,380 |
| Hourly rate | $21.08 | $20.38 |
| Growth rate | 8% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 96,858 | 92,369 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 58% |
| Average age | 44 | 46 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A program trainer is a training specialist or expert who teaches the use of computer programs or applications. Software trainers are expected to have the ability to effectively explain the technical aspects and complexities of computer software. They teach the basics of spreadsheets, word processors, advanced network systems software, and other computer applications. Knowledge in computer software, technical skills, teaching skills, and strong analytical thinking is a must in this job.
A program instructor is responsible for facilitating indoor and outdoor programs with various goals and objectives catering to different participants. Program instructors must have excellent communication skills, especially on gaining the participants' attention and engaging them to join the activities prepared for the day. They also maintain a safe and creative learning environment for everyone, observing each participant's behavior and interests, developing group cooperation, and fostering personal development. A program instructor reiterates safety procedures and regulations during the program for everyone's strict compliance and immediately addresses conflicts soon as they arise.
Program trainers and program instructors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Program Trainer | Program Instructor | |
| Average salary | $43,846 | $42,380 |
| Salary range | Between $30,000 And $63,000 | Between $29,000 And $60,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Antonio, TX | Urban Honolulu, HI |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Boston Public Schools | Los Alamos National Laboratory |
| Best paying industry | Hospitality | Education |
There are a few differences between a program trainer and a program instructor in terms of educational background:
| Program Trainer | Program Instructor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 58% |
| Most common major | Business | Psychology |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between program trainers' and program instructors' demographics:
| Program Trainer | Program Instructor | |
| Average age | 44 | 46 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 46.2% Female, 53.8% | Male, 39.7% Female, 60.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 6.4% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 6.1% White, 60.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% | Black or African American, 7.3% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 10.4% Asian, 11.2% White, 65.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 12% | 16% |