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Learning Development Specialist Jobs in California

Infant Development Specialist

Tracy, CA · On-site

$21.41 - $32.11/hr

Create, implement and maintain intentional, enriched and supportive learning environments connected ... Infant Development Specialists may be required to: * Visually inspect the environment for hazards ...

Infant Development Specialist

Elk Grove, CA · On-site

$21.41 - $32.11/hr

Create, implement and maintain intentional, enriched and supportive learning environments connected ... Infant Development Specialists may be required to: * Visually inspect the environment for hazards ...

Infant Development Specialist

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$21.41 - $32.11/hr

Create, implement and maintain intentional, enriched and supportive learning environments connected ... Infant Development Specialists may be required to: * Visually inspect the environement for hazards ...

Showing results 21-40

Learning Development Specialist information

See California salary details

$10.9K

$89K

$155.4K

How much do learning development specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for learning development specialist in California is $88,967.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,100.00 and $106,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a learning development specialist?

Learning Development Specialists are professionals who design, implement, and evaluate training programs to enhance employees’ skills and knowledge within an organization. They assess training needs, create instructional materials, and often facilitate workshops or e-learning sessions. Their primary goal is to ensure that staff have the necessary tools and knowledge to perform effectively and support organizational growth. These specialists may work in a variety of industries, including corporate, healthcare, education, and government.

How does a learning development specialist typically collaborate with subject matter experts (SMEs) when designing training programs?

Learning Development Specialists often work closely with subject matter experts to ensure that training materials are accurate, relevant, and aligned with organizational goals. This collaboration usually involves conducting interviews, reviewing existing content, and co-creating modules or activities that effectively transfer knowledge. Regular meetings and feedback sessions help to clarify learning objectives, address content gaps, and refine instructional strategies. Building strong partnerships with SMEs is key to developing impactful and engaging learning experiences.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a learning development specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Learning Development Specialist, you need expertise in instructional design, adult learning theories, and curriculum development, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in education, HR, or a related field. Familiarity with Learning Management Systems (LMS), e-learning authoring tools like Articulate or Captivate, and industry certifications such as CPLP or ATD are commonly required. Strong communication, creativity, and analytical skills help you engage learners and assess training effectiveness. These skills and qualifications are essential for designing impactful learning experiences that drive organizational growth and employee performance.

What is the difference between Learning Development Specialist vs Training Coordinator?

AspectLearning Development SpecialistTraining Coordinator
Primary FocusDesigning and developing learning programs and materialsOrganizing and scheduling training sessions
Required SkillsInstructional design, curriculum development, needs assessmentLogistics, communication, event coordination
Work EnvironmentCorporate training departments, educational institutionsCorporate, nonprofit, or government training settings
CertificationsOften requires instructional design or education certificationsLess formal certifications, focus on organizational skills

While both roles support employee development, Learning Development Specialists focus on creating and implementing learning programs, whereas Training Coordinators handle the logistics and organization of training sessions. Understanding these differences helps employers and job seekers target the right skills and responsibilities for each position.

How do I become a learning development specialist?

To become a learning development specialist, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in education, human resources, or a related field. Gaining experience in training, instructional design, or curriculum development, along with proficiency in learning management systems and relevant certifications like CPLP or ATD, can enhance job prospects.

What degree do you need to be a learning development specialist?

A learning development specialist typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in education, human resources, instructional design, or a related field. Advanced roles may require a master's degree or specialized certifications in training or instructional design. Strong communication skills and experience with learning management systems (LMS) are also important.

What is the career path for learning development specialists?

Learning development specialists typically start in entry-level training or instructional design roles, then progress to senior or managerial positions such as training manager or director of learning and development. Gaining certifications like CPLP or ATD credentials, along with experience in instructional design tools and adult learning principles, can support career advancement into specialized or leadership roles.

What job categories do people searching Learning Development Specialist jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Learning Development Specialist jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Learning Development Specialist jobs?

Cities in California with the most Learning Development Specialist job openings:

Infographic showing various Learning Development Specialist job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,967 per year, or $42.8 per hour.

Learning and Development Specialist

Volunteers of America

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$73K - $77K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 22 days ago


Volunteers Of America rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 129 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

370th of 786 rated non-profit organizations


Job description

About Us:
VOALA
Helping Our Most Vulnerable Change Their Life Stories

Volunteers of America is a non-profit human services organization committed to serving people in need, strengthening families, and building communities. VOALA provides a variety of social services to Los Angeles area communities such as Head Start programs, Upward Bound college prep programs, veterans� services, homeless shelters, low-income housing program as well as drug and alcohol rehabilitation. Learn more at www.voala.org .
PAY RATE: $73267.87 - $77124.08 Per Year
BENEFITS: VOALA offers competitive medical, dental, vision and retirement benefits.
JOB SUMMARY AND PURPOSE
As part of the Learning & Development team, the Learning & Development Specialist I conducts training sessions and also does development of training materials. The primary focus is on developing employee skills to improve the quality of client interaction and client outcomes.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Support Instructional Design Planning and Analysis
    • Assist the design of curricula and training materials to address identified needs
  • Design and Development Tasks
    • Develop instructional materials as directed
    • Evaluate and assess instruction and its impact.
  • Conduct training events and programs
    • Instructor-led training
    • Train-the-Trainer
  • Prepare Training materials, provides training logistics, prepare classroom or other training venues
  • Other tasks as may be required to support organization's learning and development

ESSENTIAL ABILITY ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Ability to work and deal with difficult, uncooperative, and potentially aggressive clients as VOALA serves the neediest of the needy in our programs, which may include clients with homelessness, mental illness, substance abuse, recently released from incarceration, and other challenges.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
  • An essential function of this position requires incumbents to report to the office.
  • Assist in Instructional Design of curricula and training materials.
  • Facilitate training, Train-the-Trainer, deliver training programs.
  • Evaluate training, seek and incorporate feedback
  • Support the learning management system
  • Executes and oversees logistics of training, such as scheduling, announcements, technology needs, etc. � including supporting Program's internal training
  • Other duties as required and is subject to change at any time.

MANDATED REPORTER
As service providers to the underprivileged and vulnerable in our community, all employees are considered Mandated Reporters, and must report any instance of physical or sexual abuse to proper authorities.
Qualifications
REQUIREMENTS:
  • Must be able to pass a fingerprint clearance, background check, including criminal history, personal references, employment and education verifications
  • Ability to perform under circumstances of possible emotional stress and conflicts dealing with difficult, uncooperative, and potentially aggressive clients as VOALA serves the neediest of the needy in our programs which may include clients with homelessness, mental-illness, substance abuse, recently released from incarceration and other challenges.

EDUCATION:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Instructional Design, Communication, Education, or similar discipline, or equivalent experience (4 years)

EXPERIENCE:
  • One year of experience designing training material/curricula or other similar role.
  • One-year experience as a trainer, corporate training specialist, or related position.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Experience working as a member of the HR team.
  • Familiarity with social services and related issues.
  • Experience working with learning management systems (LMS).
  • Bilingual (Spanish) preferred.

Volunteers of America is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
This employer participates in E-Verify as required by the federal government and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment.

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