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Professional Development Specialist information

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$33.5K

$81.6K

$141K

How much do professional development specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional development specialist in the United States is $81,632.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $99,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a professional development specialist typically collaborate with educators and administrative staff to design effective training programs?

Professional Development Specialists regularly work alongside teachers, school leaders, and district administrators to assess professional learning needs and co-create tailored training initiatives. This collaboration often involves conducting needs assessments, gathering feedback on past sessions, and facilitating interactive workshops or coaching cycles. By maintaining open communication and aligning training goals with institutional priorities, specialists help ensure that professional development programs are relevant, practical, and lead to measurable improvements in teaching practices.

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

To thrive as a Professional Development Specialist, you need expertise in adult learning theory, curriculum design, and facilitation, often supported by a degree in education, human resources, or a related field. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), e-learning software, and relevant certifications such as CPLP or ATD are commonly required. Strong communication, collaboration, and analytical skills help you engage participants and tailor programs effectively. These skills ensure the delivery of impactful training initiatives that drive organizational growth and employee success.

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

AspectProfessional Development SpecialistTraining Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor’s degree in education, HR, or related field; certifications like CPTD or SHRM-CP are commonUsually requires a bachelor’s degree; certifications are less common but may include training or HR certifications
Work EnvironmentWorks in corporate, educational, or nonprofit settings focusing on employee growth and skill enhancementWorks in similar environments, organizing and coordinating training sessions and workshops
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by organizations aiming to develop employee skills and career pathsUsed by HR departments to manage training logistics and program delivery

While both roles focus on employee learning, a Professional Development Specialist designs and implements comprehensive development programs, whereas a Training Coordinator manages the logistics and delivery of specific training sessions.

What does a professional development specialist do?

A Professional Development Specialist designs, implements, and evaluates training programs to help employees and organizations improve their skills and performance. They assess training needs, develop educational materials, lead workshops or seminars, and track the effectiveness of professional development initiatives. These specialists work in a variety of settings, including schools, corporations, and non-profit organizations, and play a key role in supporting ongoing learning and career growth.
More about Professional Development Specialist jobs
What cities are hiring for Professional Development Specialist jobs? Cities with the most Professional Development Specialist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Development Specialist jobs? The most popular types of Development Specialist jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Professional Development Specialist jobs? The top employers for Professional Development Specialist jobs are:
What states have the most Professional Development Specialist jobs? States with the most job openings for Professional Development Specialist jobs include:
Professional Development Specialist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Professional Development Specialist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,632 per year, or $39.2 per hour.

Clinical Professional Development Specialist

UPMC Altoona

Altoona, PA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

UPMC Altoona is seeking a Clinical Professional Development Specialist to support excellence in patient care through high-quality clinical education. This role is ideal for a clinician who is passionate about teaching, mentoring, and supporting frontline staff while promoting the UPMC Patient Experience. This role will provide immediate, at the elbow support, for educating staff on Med/Surg and Behavioral Health Units.

*Candidate will be hired into the appropriate job title (Clinical Professional Development Specialist or Senior Clinical Professional Development Specialist) & salary grade based on experience and education*

Position Overview

The Clinical Professional Development Specialist is responsible for the delivery of orientation and ongoing clinical education for assigned clinical areas. This role ensures staff have the knowledge, skills, and support needed to provide safe, high-quality, patient-centered care. Working closely with frontline teams, this position serves as both educator and mentor, supporting professional growth and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Education & Onboarding

  • Lead unit-based onboarding and orientation for new clinical staff
  • Provide ongoing education to support patient assessment, care planning, implementation, evaluation, teaching, and discharge planning
  • Identify learning needs and design education strategies that support quality outcomes and patient experience
  • Deliver education across various formats and schedules, including non-traditional hours as needed

Staff Support, Coaching & Mentorship

  • Serve as a formal and informal mentor to new clinical staff and preceptors
  • Build strong working relationships through positive communication, coaching, and collaboration
  • Develop and deliver professional coaching and feedback aligned with UPMC Experience initiatives (e.g., Bedside Shift Report, Hourly Rounding, AIDET)

Clinical Resource & Collaboration

  • Act as a clinical resource and consultant for nursing staff, interdisciplinary teams, patients, and families within areas of specialty
  • Support patient education initiatives by ensuring frontline staff are well-prepared to meet patient learning needs
  • Communicate effectively with diverse audiences, ensuring clarity, engagement, and knowledge retention

Quality Improvement & Professional Engagement

  • Participate in department-based performance improvement initiatives
  • Engage in professional and community organizations to support ongoing development and best practices
  • Perform in accordance with system-wide competencies and organizational behaviors

Why Join UPMC Altoona?

At UPMC Altoona, education is a cornerstone of clinical excellence. This role offers the opportunity to make a direct impact on patient care, support staff success, and grow within a nationally recognized health system committed to quality, teamwork, and innovation.

Clinical Professional Development Specialist Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree required (BSN preferred); Master's degree preferred
  • Minimum of 2 years of clinical experience required
    • Med/Surg and Behavioral Health experience is preferred
  • Relevant teaching experience preferred

Senior Clinical Professional Development Qualifications:

  • MSN or Master's degree required
  • Minimum of 3 years of clinical experience required
    • Med/Surg and Behavioral Health experience is preferred

  • 2 years of teaching experience required


Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

  • CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hireUPMC approved certification preferred

  • Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

  • Act 33 with renewal
  • Act 34 with renewal
  • Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal


UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran

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