Learning and Development Specialists on Upwork cost $40–$80/hr.

A learning and development specialist plays a crucial role in organizations by designing, implementing, and managing training programs that help employees acquire new skills, improve performance, and achieve both personal and company-wide goals. These specialists assess training needs, design content, and monitor the effectiveness of training initiatives to ensure that an organization's workforce is continuously growing and adapting to new challenges. Understanding how much a learning and development specialist earns is essential for businesses looking to hire or for professionals entering this field. The salary depends on factors like years of experience, location, industry, and certifications.

Salary range

The average learning and development specialist salary in the United States typically ranges between $69,000 and $111,000 annually, with an average salary of about $87,000 according to Glassdoor. However, salaries vary significantly based on location, experience, and the industry. Specialists working in cities with a higher cost of living, such as New York, Los Angeles, or San Francisco, often command higher salaries. In these areas, professionals in the 75th percentile can earn over $85,000 annually, while top earners in more specialized roles might exceed $100,000.

For example, San Francisco and Los Angeles typically offer higher salaries for learning and development specialists due to the demand for skilled professionals and the higher cost of living in California. In contrast, salaries in Oklahoma, Virginia, or New Jersey may be closer to the national average. Washington, Boston, and Sacramento are also regions where salaries trend higher for this role.

The industry also plays a role in determining salary. Specialists in fields such as health care, technology, or finance may command higher wages due to the complexity of the training programs and the unique skills required. In these industries, learning and development specialists often focus on compliance training, technical skills development, or leadership programs, which require more tailored approaches.

Hourly pay

If you're hiring a learning and development specialist on an hourly basis—whether for short-term consulting projects or freelance assignments—the rates will vary based on the professional's experience and the nature of the project. Here's a general breakdown of hourly rates:

• Entry-level: $20 - $40/hr
• Intermediate: $40 - $80/hr
• Expert: $80 - $100/hr

Hourly rates can fluctuate based on several factors, including the location of the specialist and their level of expertise in using specific tools like learning management systems (LMS) or their familiarity with instructional design best practices. Specialists who are well-versed in project management or certified in widely-used platforms, such as Articulate, Captivate, or Cornerstone LMS, can command higher hourly rates due to their advanced skill sets.

In cities with a high cost of living, such as New York, San Francisco, or Boston, hourly rates tend to be on the higher end of the spectrum, as organizations in these areas often require more specialized talent. For larger or more complex projects, companies may need to hire a senior learning and development specialist, which can drive the hourly rate even higher.

Cost to hire a learning and development specialist

Hiring a learning and development specialist can be an investment in the growth and development of your company's workforce. The cost depends on whether you're hiring someone full-time or bringing them on for a temporary project as a freelancer or consultant. Full-time employees earn annual salaries, while freelance specialists typically charge by the hour or project. Many companies find that hiring freelance specialists through platforms like Upwork provides flexibility, especially for shorter-term projects or specific initiatives.

Learning and development cost factors

Many factors can influence the cost of hiring a learning and development specialist. These include:

• Years of experience. A specialist with more years of experience in project management, training needs analysis, and development programs will generally command a higher salary or hourly rate. Senior professionals bring a deeper understanding of how to design effective training strategies and often lead high-impact initiatives.
• Certifications. Certifications in learning management systems (LMS), instructional design, or project management can make a specialist more valuable. For example, certifications in platforms like Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, or Cornerstone LMS can significantly enhance a candidate's marketability and earning potential.
• Location. Where a specialist is based plays a significant role in salary. In areas like California, New York, or Washington, specialists are likely to earn more due to the cost of living and increased demand for skilled talent. Salaries and hourly rates in more affordable locations like Oklahoma or Virginia may be closer to the national average.
• Industry. Specialists working in industries like health care, technology, or finance typically earn more due to the complexity of the training required. In these industries, training initiatives may involve highly specialized content, such as technical compliance or leadership development programs, which can command higher rates.
• Project complexity. Projects that require the development of intricate training programs or the creation of custom training materials often cost more. If a project involves the integration of new learning management systems or the overhaul of an organization's training initiatives, the cost will likely be higher due to the complexity and the time commitment required.

Example learning and development specialist roles

The learning and development specialist role can vary greatly depending on the organization's specific needs, the specialist's professional experience level, and the role's focus. Here are some common variations of the learning and development specialist role:

• Junior learning and development specialist. This entry-level role typically involves assisting with basic training needs assessments, developing simple training materials, and supporting senior team members in implementing training programs. This role is ideal for someone just starting in the field who is eager to gain experience and grow their skills.
• Senior learning and development specialist. A senior learning and development specialist typically leads the design and execution of more complex training programs and development initiatives. They often manage a team, work closely with key stakeholders, and ensure that training efforts align with the organization's overall strategic goals.
• Training and development manager. This leadership role involves overseeing all training initiatives for an organization, from identifying training needs to measuring the success of development programs. A training and development manager may also manage budgets, direct teams of specialists, and ensure that training efforts contribute to broader business goals.
• Instructional designer. An instructional designer specializes in creating effective and engaging training materials and learning experiences. They work closely with subject matter experts to design instructional content that supports an organization's goals and helps employees develop the skills they need to succeed. Instructional designers often use LMS platforms to deliver and track the success of their training programs.
• Learning and development consultant. A consultant is typically hired on a freelance or contract basis to evaluate an organization's training needs and offer expert advice on improving training programs. Learning and development consultants provide short-term, specialized assistance and often work with a variety of companies across industries.

FAQs

When considering hiring a learning and development specialist, you may have questions about what the role entails and how much it costs. Below are five frequently asked questions that can help guide your decision.

What is the average learning and development specialist's salary?

The average salary for a learning and development specialist in the United States typically ranges between $69,000 and $111,000 annually, depending on location, years of experience, and industry. In high-demand cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York, salaries can be higher, especially for senior-level positions.

What qualifications are required for learning and development specialist jobs?

Most learning and development specialist jobs require at least a bachelor's degree in human resources, education, or a related field. Additional certifications in LMS, instructional design, or project management tools can enhance a candidate's qualifications. Experience in training needs assessments and the ability to design and deliver engaging training content are also essential.

What industries hire learning and development specialists?

Learning and development specialists are needed across a variety of industries, including health care, technology, finance, manufacturing, and education. Their ability to create and implement effective training programs makes them valuable in any organization looking to develop employee skills and improve performance.

How much do senior learning and development specialists make?

Senior learning and development specialists typically earn between $75,000 and $95,000 per year, depending on their years of experience, location, and the complexity of the training programs they manage. Senior specialists often oversee large-scale training initiatives and work closely with organizational leadership to align learning goals with business objectives.

How can I hire a learning and development specialist?

You can hire a learning and development specialist by posting job openings on platforms like Upwork or industry-specific job boards. When posting a job, specify the required years of experience, desired certifications, and the scope of the training programs. Upwork is an excellent platform for hiring freelance or contract-based specialists for temporary projects.

Hire learning and development specialists on Upwork

Hiring a learning and development specialist is a great way to improve your company's training programs and support employee growth. Upwork gives you access to a vast pool of skilled professionals who can design and implement effective training solutions tailored to your needs. Whether you need a full-time specialist or a consultant for a specific project, Upwork offers flexible hiring options. Sign up today to browse available learning and development specialists or post a job to start your hiring process.