DISCOVER THE MANY PATHS IN L&D.

Learning and development (L&D) is more than a function — it’s a dynamic force that shapes the future of every organization. Whether you’re designing training experiences, managing learning technologies or aligning development strategies with business goals, every role in L&D contributes to growth, innovation and performance.

L&D roles can vary based on company size, structure and strategy. Responsibilities often overlap to meet organizational needs. Thus, flexibility and adaptability are key. Click the sections below to explore the diverse career paths that make up the world of L&D and how each role plays a part in transforming learning into impact.

Administration

Content Development

Training Delivery

Leadership

Specialized

SALARY DATA FROM TRAINING INDUSTRY’S ANNUAL L&D CAREER SURVEY


Figure 1. Career attributes by salary, from the Career and Salary Survey Report. View the full report below.

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ADMINISTRATION ROLES

Learning Administrator

Salary: $75k **

Responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the learning management system (LMS), including uploading courses, monitoring learner progress, and ensuring technical issues are resolved. Also, ensures accurate compliance documentation and prepares reports on training participation and program outcomes.

Relevant Courses: Managing Learning Technologies Certificate


Training Coordinator

Salary: $73k *

Organizes and schedules training programs, manages logistics, and ensures training materials are prepared and up to date. Also tracks attendance, supports facilitators and instructional designers, and helps maintain a smooth training experience from planning to delivery.

Relevant Courses: Managing Training Development and Delivery Certificate


LMS Administrator

Salary: $85k **

Oversees the configuration and upkeep of the LMS — handling content management, user permissions, troubleshooting, and routine system updates. Collaborates with information technology (IT) and instructional design teams to optimize platform performance and reporting capabilities.

Relevant Courses: Managing Learning Technologies Certificate

CONTENT DEVELOPMENT ROLES

INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGNER

Salary: $90k *

Designs and develops training programs, including eLearning modules, instructor-led materials and blended learning solutions. Aligns learning content with business goals, applies adult learning methodologies, and incorporates interactive elements to enhance engagement. Partners with subject matter experts to ensure content accuracy and relevance.

Relevant Courses: Managing Training Development and Delivery Certificate


Learning Experience Designer (LXD)

Salary: $107k **

Focuses on crafting seamless and engaging learning journeys by prioritizing accessibility, user experience, and interaction. Leverages tools like gamification, microlearning and interactive media for training solutions.

Relevant Courses: Agile Certification for HR and L&D, Design Thinking Workshop


Content Developer

Salary: $90k **

Produces and curates training content, integrating multimedia like videos, animations and infographics for engaging and interactive resources. Designs and adapts materials that support diverse learning styles and ensure accessibility for all learners.

Relevant Courses: Managing Training Development and Delivery Certificate, AI Essentials for Training Managers Certificate, Managing Remote Learning Workshop


Content Manager

Salary: $108k **

Leads learning content strategy to ensure clarity, consistency and relevance across the organization. Conducts regular audits to refresh outdated materials and maintain content quality in training resources.

Relevant Courses: Certified Professional in Training Management Certification (CPTM), Managing Training Development and Delivery Certificate, Measuring the Impact of L&D Certificate


 

eLearning Specialist

Salary: $95k **

Designs and develops interactive digital training assets — from simulations to full eLearning courses. Ensures content is mobile-optimized, SCORM-compliant, and smoothly integrated into LMS platforms. Works closely with LMS administrators.

Relevant Courses: AI Essentials for Training Managers Certificate, Managing Development and Delivery Certificate, Managing Remote Learning Workshop

TRAINING DELIVERY ROLES

Facilitator/Trainer

Salary: $84k *

Delivers training sessions virtually and/or in-person, guiding learners through structured materials while adapting to individual and group needs. Ensures programs are effective learning experience. Evaluates learner engagement and provides actionable feedback to maximize knowledge retention.

Relevant Courses: Managing Training Development and Delivery Certificate


 

Technical Trainer

Salary: $99k **

Specializes in training employees on software, systems, tools or other technical processes. Works closely with IT and product teams to ensure training materials remain updated as technologies evolve.

Relevant Courses: AI Adoption and Workforce Readiness Certificate


Onboarding Trainer

Salary: $76k **

Focuses on new employee orientation and onboarding programs. Guides them in company policies, values, and operational procedures to ensure a smooth transition into their roles.

Relevant Courses: Agile Certification for HR and L&D


Sales Trainer

Salary: $102k **

Develops and delivers training programs for sales teams, focusing on sales techniques, product mastery, and customer relationship strategies. Reinforces learning through real-world scenarios and coaching.

Relevant Courses: Certified Professional in Training Management Certification (CPTM), Managing Training Development and Delivery Certificate


Leadership Development Specialist

Salary: $91k **

Designs and facilitates programs that strengthen leadership skills and capabilities within different levels of the organization. Focuses on identifying, training and developing potential leaders through strategic thinking, communication and decision-making skills.

Relevant Courses: Leading Leadership Development Certificate

LEADERSHIP & STRATEGIC ROLES

Training Manager/Learning and Development Manager

Salary: $100k *

Oversees training operations and teams, which can include trainers, designers and coordinators. Aligns learning initiatives with organizational goals. Measures program effectiveness and implements continuous improvements to maximize learning outcomes.

Relevant Courses: Certified Professional in Training Management (CPTM™), L&D Executive Program: Your Pathway to CLO, Strategic Planning Certificate


Training Specialist

Salary: $82k **

Designs, implements and evaluates training programs within an organization. Assesses skill gaps, facilitates sessions and evaluates program success to ensure meaningful outcomes. Works closely with HR and leadership to align training with company objectives.

Relevant Courses: Certified Professional in Training Management (CPTM™), L&D Executive Program: Your Pathway to CLO, Training Needs Assessment Certificate


Learning and Development Director

Salary: $121k *

Drives and leads the organization’s talent development strategy, identifying future workforce needs and building programs that close skills gaps. Partners with senior leaders and stakeholders to ensure training efforts support long-term business goals.

Relevant Courses: Certified Professional in Training Management (CPTM™), L&D Executive Program: Your Pathway to CLO, Training Needs Assessment Certificate, Competency Modeling Certificate


Chief Learning Officer (CLO)

Salary: $160k *

Leads the learning function, champions a culture of continuous learning and integrates learning strategies with long-term business planning. Works closely with C-suite executives to ensure L&D aligns with overall business goals.

Relevant Courses: L&D Executive Program: Your Pathway to CLO, Certified Professional in Training Management (CPTM™), Leading Leadership Development Certificate

SPECIALIZED ROLES

Training Consultant/Performance Consultant

Salary: $96k *

Advises organizations on optimizing workforce performance through targeted learning interventions and analyzing business needs. Conducts in-depth needs analyses to pinpoint skill gaps and align training with business outcomes.

Relevant Courses: Certified Professional in Training Management (CPTM), Training Needs Assessment Certificate, Internal Consultant Certficate


L&D Data Analyst

Salary: $99K **

Applies data-driven insights to measure learning effectiveness, business impact and return on investment (ROI). Analyzes learner performance metrics and recommends adjustments to improve training design and delivery.

Relevant Courses: Learning Analytics Certificate, Measuring the Impact of L&D Certificate

Salary figures represent median estimates gathered from two sources: Training Industry’s Career and Salary Report (*) and Glassdoor (**) as of 2025. Actual salaries may vary based on experience, company size, and location.

 

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