Computer Programmers vs Training and Development Specialists: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Computer Programmers professionals earn $32,820 more per year than Training and Development Specialists professionals — that's 49.8% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer Programmers earns $162,090 compared to $120,190 for Training and Development Specialists.
Salary Range Comparison
Computer Programmers$52,190 – $162,090
Training and Development Specialists$37,510 – $120,190
$37,510$162,090
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Computer Programmers | Training and Development Specialists | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $52,190 | $37,510 | +$14,680 |
| 25th Percentile | $71,860 | $48,900 | +$22,960 |
| Median (50th) | $98,670 | $65,850 | +$32,820 |
| 75th Percentile | $128,960 | $91,550 | +$37,410 |
| 90th Percentile | $162,090 | $120,190 | +$41,900 |
| Mean (Average) | $103,640 | $73,760 | +$29,880 |
Employment Numbers
Computer Programmers
109,870
employed nationwide
Training and Development Specialists
436,610
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Computer Programmers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $167,970 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $159,250 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $133,560 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | $122,580 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $122,000 |
Best Cities for Training and Development Specialists
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $97,530 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $92,710 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $92,390 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $82,330 |
| Hartford-East Hartford-Middletown, CT | $79,210 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Computer Programmers or Training and Development Specialists?
Computer Programmers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $32,820 (49.8% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Computer Programmers?
Computer Programmers salaries range from $52,190 (10th percentile) to $162,090 (90th percentile), with a median of $98,670.
What is the salary range for Training and Development Specialists?
Training and Development Specialists salaries range from $37,510 (10th percentile) to $120,190 (90th percentile), with a median of $65,850.
How many Computer Programmers and Training and Development Specialists jobs are there?
There are approximately 109,870 Computer Programmers positions and 436,610 Training and Development Specialists positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Training and Development Specialists to Computer Programmers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Computer Programmers has a median salary of $98,670 while Training and Development Specialists earns $65,850. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS