Training and Development Specialist Salary in District of Columbia
Based on 2K+ workers in District of Columbia
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$80,980
$38.93/hr
vs National Average
$68,663
+17.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$39K – $135K
2K employed in District of Columbia
Training and Development Specialist salary in District of Columbia averages $80,980 annually, positioning the role well above national benchmarks. With approximately 1,900 professionals working in this field throughout the district, the position represents a solid career path for those interested in workforce development and organizational learning initiatives.
Several factors influence Training and Development Specialist compensation in this region. Experience level, educational background, and specific industry sector significantly impact earning potential, with salaries ranging from $38,570 to $135,040. The district's concentration of government agencies, non-profits, and corporate headquarters creates diverse employment opportunities that can affect salary offers and career advancement prospects.
Salary Distribution — Training and Development Specialist in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $38,570 |
| 25th percentile | $47,890 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $80,980 |
| 75th percentile | $111,720 |
| 90th percentile | $135,040 |
Top-Paying Industries for Training and Development Specialist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Training and Development Specialists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Training and Development Specialists in District of Columbia tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $126,550 | 4K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $100,340 | 950 |
| Information | $82,170 | 14K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $82,110 | 54K |
| Wholesale Trade | $81,830 | 18K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Training and Development Specialist in District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (District of Columbia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $93,890 |
| 2023 | $87,270 |
| 2024 | $84,460 |
| 2025 | $80,980 |
| 2026 (projected) | $80,980 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | District of Columbia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $93,890 | $64,113 |
| 2023 | $87,270 | $65,126 |
| 2024 | $84,460 | $66,604 |
| 2025 | $80,980 | $68,663 |
| 2026 (projected) | $80,980 | $68,663 |
Training and Development Specialist Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $47,890 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $80,980 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $111,720 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $135,040 |
Training and Development Specialist Salary in Other States
Related Training and Development Specialist Salaries in District of Columbia
How other high-demand occupations in District of Columbia compare to Training and Development Specialist ($80,980 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Training and Development Specialist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Writer and Author in DC | $129,300 | +59.7% | $62.16/hr |
| Purchasing Agent in DC | $124,090 | +53.2% | $59.66/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in DC | $123,770 | +52.8% | $59.50/hr |
| Logistician in DC | $104,770 | +29.4% | $50.37/hr |
| Public Relations Specialist in DC | $102,740 | +26.9% | $49.39/hr |
| Market Research Analyst in DC | $98,090 | +21.1% | $47.16/hr |
| Editor in DC | $83,920 | +3.6% | $40.35/hr |
| Computer User Support Specialist in DC | $80,950 | -0.0% | $38.92/hr |
| School Counselor in DC | $80,470 | -0.6% | $38.69/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in DC | $81,500 | +0.6% | $39.18/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in DC | $79,900 | -1.3% | $38.41/hr |
| Dietitian and Nutritionist in DC | $82,150 | +1.4% | $39.50/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do training and development specialists make in Washington DC?
- Training and development specialists in District of Columbia earn a median salary of $80,980 per year, or approximately $39 per hour. This is 17.9% higher than the national average for this position.
What is the salary range for a training specialist in DC?
- Salaries for training and development specialists in District of Columbia range from $38,570 at the lower end to $135,040 at the upper end, providing significant earning potential based on experience and qualifications.
Is training and development specialist a well-paid job in District of Columbia?
- Yes, with a median salary of $80,980 annually and earnings that can reach $135,040, training and development specialists are well-compensated in District of Columbia, earning notably above the national average.
How many training and development specialists work in DC?
- There are approximately 1,900 training and development specialists currently employed in District of Columbia, indicating a stable job market for this profession in the region.