Training and Development Specialist Salary in Kentucky
Based on 6K+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$61,390
$29.51/hr
vs National Average
$68,663
-10.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$39K – $104K
6K employed in Kentucky
Training and Development Specialist salary in Kentucky averages $61,390 annually, according to current labor data. This figure reflects compensation for approximately 6,090 workers employed in this role across the state. However, Kentucky's median salary trails the national average by 11 percent, indicating regional variations in pay scales for this profession.
Several factors influence Training and Development Specialist salary in Kentucky, including years of experience, employer size, and industry sector. Geographic location within the state, educational credentials, and specialized certifications also impact earning potential. Workers in this field typically see salaries range from $38,700 to $103,690, demonstrating significant variation based on individual qualifications and employment circumstances.
Salary Distribution — Training and Development Specialist in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $38,700 |
| 25th percentile | $47,500 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $61,390 |
| 75th percentile | $77,680 |
| 90th percentile | $103,690 |
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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $59,990 |
| 2023 | $55,030 |
| 2024 | $58,650 |
| 2025 | $61,390 |
| 2026 (projected) | $64,258 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Kentucky Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $59,990 | $64,113 |
| 2023 | $55,030 | $65,126 |
| 2024 | $58,650 | $66,604 |
| 2025 | $61,390 | $68,663 |
| 2026 (projected) | $64,258 | $71,871 |
Training and Development Specialist Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $47,500 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $61,390 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $77,680 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $103,690 |
Training and Development Specialist Salary in Other States
Related Training and Development Specialist Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Training and Development Specialist ($61,390 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Training and Development Specialist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logistician in KY | $68,420 | +11.5% | $32.89/hr |
| Purchasing Agent in KY | $65,240 | +6.3% | $31.37/hr |
| Market Research Analyst in KY | $61,480 | +0.1% | $29.56/hr |
| Public Relations Specialist in KY | $60,150 | -2.0% | $28.92/hr |
| Editor in KY | $59,430 | -3.2% | $28.57/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in KY | $58,610 | -4.5% | $28.18/hr |
| Writer and Author in KY | $48,780 | -20.5% | $23.45/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in KY | $61,560 | +0.3% | $29.60/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in KY | $61,120 | -0.4% | $29.38/hr |
| Insurance Sales Agent in KY | $60,880 | -0.8% | $29.27/hr |
| Loan Officer in KY | $62,090 | +1.1% | $29.85/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in KY | $60,610 | -1.3% | $29.14/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do training and development specialists make in Kentucky?
- The median salary for a training and development specialist in Kentucky is $61,390 per year, or $30 per hour. This is approximately 10.6% below the national average for this position.
What is the salary range for training and development specialists in Kentucky?
- Training and development specialists in Kentucky earn between $38,700 and $103,690 annually, depending on experience, education, and employer. This wide range reflects different levels within the profession across the state.
Is the training and development specialist salary in Kentucky competitive?
- Kentucky's median salary of $61,390 for training and development specialists is slightly below the national average, placing it about 10.6% lower than comparable positions nationwide. However, the cost of living in Kentucky is often lower, which may offset the salary difference.
How many training and development specialists work in Kentucky?
- Approximately 6,090 training and development specialists are currently employed in Kentucky, indicating a stable job market for this profession in the state.