Training and Development Specialists Salary in Chicago, IL-IN
BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Compare Training and Development Specialists salary & buying power
Type a city below to see how Chicago, IL-IN stacks up on salary and cost of living.
In Chicago and the surrounding Illinois-Indiana area, Training and Development Specialists earn a median annual salary of $65,030, which is slightly below the national median of $65,850. This local figure indicates that while these professionals earn a competitive wage, they fall short when compared to the regional median household income of $88,850. The discrepancy suggests that training and development specialists in this locale might not earn as much as other professions or may require additional sources of income for households to meet typical financial expectations.
Entry-level Training and Development Specialists can expect to earn around $35,170 annually, placing them at the 10th percentile, while those with more experience see earnings closer to $93,470 at the 75th percentile. The top earners in this field may reach an annual income of $119,820 at the 90th percentile. These variations are driven by factors such as years of experience, level of education, specific industry demands, and employer size. More experienced specialists typically have advanced skills, greater responsibilities, and potentially specialized knowledge that can command higher salaries compared to those just entering the field.
Salary percentile breakdown
Chicago economic context
Frequently asked questions
How much do Training and Development Specialists make per hour in Chicago?
The median hourly wage for Training and Development Specialists in Chicago, IL-IN is $31.27, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $59.67 or more per hour.
Is Chicago above or below average for Training and Development Specialists salaries?
The median Training and Development Specialists salary in Chicago, IL-IN is 1.2% below the national median of $65,850. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.
What is the entry-level salary for Training and Development Specialists in Chicago?
Entry-level Training and Development Specialists (10th percentile) earn around $35,170 per year in Chicago, IL-IN. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $47,560.