Program trainer vs training specialist

The differences between program trainers and training specialists 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 training specialist. Additionally, a training specialist has an average salary of $77,231, which is higher than the $43,846 average annual salary of a program trainer.

The top three skills for a program trainer include work ethic, powerpoint and on-the-job training. The most important skills for a training specialist are customer service, training programs, and training materials.

Program trainer vs training specialist overview

	Program Trainer	Training Specialist
Yearly salary	$43,846	$77,231
Hourly rate	$21.08	$37.13
Growth rate	8%	8%
Number of jobs	96,858	61,581
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 62%	Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	4	4

What does a program trainer do?

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.

What does a training specialist do?

As the name entails, training specialists are the ones who design and perform training programs that will foster employees' workplace performance and align with the core values of an organization. They have varied responsibilities, including identifying employee training needs, preparing teaching plans and developing an annual training program, and turning requirements into training to aid employees in their career development. They are also responsible for implementing training courses, staying up-to-date on the new tools and trends in employee development, and evaluating existing programs periodically.

Program trainer vs training specialist salary

Program trainers and training specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Program Trainer	Training Specialist
Average salary	$43,846	$77,231
Salary range	Between $30,000 And $63,000	Between $53,000 And $110,000
Highest paying City	San Antonio, TX	Dallas, TX
Highest paying state	New Jersey	New Jersey
Best paying company	Boston Public Schools	CoreLogic
Best paying industry	Hospitality	Technology

Differences between program trainer and training specialist education

There are a few differences between a program trainer and a training specialist in terms of educational background:

	Program Trainer	Training Specialist
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 62%	Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	Northwestern University	University of Pennsylvania

Program trainer vs training specialist demographics

Here are the differences between program trainers' and training specialists' demographics:

	Program Trainer	Training Specialist
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 46.2% Female, 53.8%	Male, 45.5% Female, 54.5%
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, 11.2% Unknown, 6.6% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 6.6% White, 59.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	12%	12%

Differences between program trainer and training specialist duties and responsibilities

Program trainer example 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.
Develop eLearning modules that simulate mainframe system.
Assist Medicare beneficiaries with eligibility questions, coverage and claim issues.

Training specialist example responsibilities.

Instruct representatives on how to maximize functionality of relational database to effectively manage their sales territories and expenses.
Develop training manuals and PowerPoint presentations for assign training projects using the ADDIE instructional design method.
Work as a technical trainer for undergraduate students for subjects such as JAVA, SQL, HTML and CSS.
Establish information technology help desk by developing reference tools and processes necessary to troubleshoot issues.
Train skilled operators to set-up, troubleshoot, and maintain several types of highly automate manufacturing equipment.
Develop corporate standards for software documentation, including standardization of job aids, PowerPoint presentations, and manuals.

Program trainer vs training specialist skills

Common program trainer skills

Work Ethic, 15%
PowerPoint, 14%
On-The-Job Training, 12%
Professional Development, 8%
Training Classes, 7%
Customer Service, 5%

Common training specialist skills

Customer Service, 10%
Training Programs, 9%
Training Materials, 7%
PowerPoint, 5%
Training Sessions, 5%
Subject Matter Experts, 5%

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Program Trainer
Program Trainer vs Training Specialist

Updated January 8, 2025

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