Training and Development Specialists

Training and Development Specialists score 55 out of 100, which is elevated exposure to AI. That ranks #136 of 923 US occupations, where #1 is the most exposed. Of the 20 tasks in this job, AI could speed up 2 on its own and 18 more with extra software built on top of it. In April–May 2026, 6 of these tasks showed up in real conversations with Claude, Anthropic's AI assistant.

55/ 100

Elevated

Rank: #136of 923 jobs
US workers: 458,300BLS, May 2025
Median pay: $69,280a year
In real AI use: 6 of 20tasks, April–May 2026

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Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

AI can speed this up on its own: 2 (10%)
AI can speed this up with extra software: 18 (90%)
Little or no AI speed-up: 0 (0%)

Obtain, organize, or develop training procedure manuals, guides, or course materials, such as handouts or visual materials.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
Evaluate training materials prepared by instructors, such as outlines, text, or handouts.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
Present information with a variety of instructional techniques or formats, such as role playing, simulations, team exercises, group discussions, videos, or lectures.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
Evaluate modes of training delivery, such as in-person or virtual, to optimize training effectiveness, training costs, or environmental impacts.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Offer specific training programs to help workers maintain or improve job skills.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
Assess training needs through surveys, interviews with employees, focus groups, or consultation with managers, instructors, or customer representatives.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Monitor, evaluate, or record training activities or program effectiveness.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
Design, plan, organize, or direct orientation and training programs for employees or customers.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
Develop alternative training methods if expected improvements are not seen.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Monitor training costs and prepare budget reports to justify expenditures.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Devise programs to develop executive potential among employees in lower-level positions.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Keep up with developments in area of expertise by reading current journals, books, or magazine articles.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Attend meetings or seminars to obtain information for use in training programs or to inform management of training program status.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Coordinate recruitment and placement of training program participants.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Select and assign instructors to conduct training.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Negotiate contracts with clients for desired training outcomes, fees, or expenses.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Supervise, evaluate, or refer instructors to skill development classes.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Schedule classes based on availability of classrooms, equipment, or instructors.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Refer trainees to employer relations representatives, to locations offering job placement assistance, or to appropriate social services agencies, if warranted.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
Develop or implement training programs related to efficiency, recycling, or other issues with environmental impacts.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task

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Questions about training and development specialists and AI

Will AI replace training and development specialists?

Not entirely. Parts of the job are likely to change as AI takes over routine tasks. Training and Development Specialists score 55 out of 100 (elevated exposure), #136 of 923 US jobs. AI could speed up 20 of the job's 20 tasks, 2 of them on its own. Exposure means the work is likely to change, not that the job will disappear.

Which training and development specialists tasks can AI do?

The most exposed tasks include "Obtain, organize, or develop training procedure manuals, guides, or course materials, such as handouts or visual materials"; "Evaluate training materials prepared by instructors, such as outlines, text, or handouts".

Which training and development specialists tasks are hardest for AI?

Every task in this job has some AI exposure, though 18 of them need extra software built around the AI.

Are people already using AI for this work?

Yes. In April–May 2026, 6 of the 20 tasks showed up in real conversations with Claude, according to the Anthropic Economic Index.

How many people work as training and development specialists, and what do they earn?

About 458,300 people in the US, with median pay of $69,280 a year (BLS, May 2025).

How to read this score. Exposure measures how much of the work AI could speed up, not whether the job will disappear. A highly exposed job can change shape, with people spending less time on routine tasks and more on the rest. The score counts tasks AI can speed up on its own in full, and tasks that need extra software at half weight.

The ratings come from published research based on GPT-4 (2023). To show what's happening now, each task is also checked against the latest Anthropic Economic Index, which records which tasks people actually use AI for. That data is refreshed automatically when Anthropic publishes a new release. Read the full method.