Training and Development Specialists Salary in Chicago, IL-IN

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN

Median annual salary $65,030 -1.2% vs national
Median hourly $31.27
10th percentile $35,170
90th percentile $119,820
Employed locally 10,930
National median $65,850

Compare Training and Development Specialists salary & buying power

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Training and Development Specialists
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Chicago, IL-IN
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    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

    10th
    $35,170
    25th
    $47,560
    50th (median)
    $65,030
    75th
    $93,470
    90th
    $119,820

    Chicago economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.10% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $88,850 2023 • Census ACS
    Training and Development Specialists salary vs area income 73% Median Training and Development Specialists salary is 27% below the area median household income

    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.