Technical trainers prepare and teach classes to help workers learn new skills. Their key responsibilities include assessing training needs, creating training materials, and teaching classes. Technical trainers need to have excellent presentation and communication skills, along with a calm and patient demeanor.
Sample job description
Technical trainers prepare, maintain, teach technical training programs that educate people and help develop their technical skills. Technical trainers should have in-depth knowledge and technical aptitude in their field of expertise. They must be excellent communicators and they have exceptional organizational and time management skills. [Your Company Name] is hiring an experienced technical trainer to take our business to new heights. If you have experience developing and evaluating technical training materials and presenting those programs in a classroom or virtual setting, you might be an ideal candidate for this role.
Typical duties and responsibilities
- Assess training needs
- Develop training manuals and class materials
- Teach new skills to employees
- Conduct surveys and evaluate training
- Set up training systems and equipment
- Schedule classes
Education and experience
Technical trainers need to earn a high school diploma or equivalent. They should receive a bachelor’s degree, ideally in a field such as education or training and development. Candidates with experience in the industry, preferably with a knowledge of technology tools and mobile training, get a boost in the job marketplace.
Required skills and qualifications
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel)
- Advanced technical skills in e-learning and mobile training
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well with others
- Specialized knowledge of specific industries
- Teaching ability and a calm, caring demeanor
- Keen attention to detail
Preferred qualifications
- Must have a strong technical background and experience in a technical training role
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, technical, education or another related field
Average salary and compensation
The average salary for technical trainer is $77,350 in the United States. Position salary will vary based on experience, education, company size, industry, and market.
| Location | Salary Low | Salary High |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix, Arizona | $76,950 | $104,050 |
| Los Angeles, California | $86,750 | $117,400 |
| Denver, Colorado | $72,300 | $97,850 |
| Washington, DC | $88,100 | $119,150 |
| Miami, Florida | $71,950 | $97,400 |
| Orlando, Florida | $66,400 | $89,850 |
| Tampa, Florida | $67,050 | $90,750 |
| Atlanta, Georgia | $70,350 | $95,150 |
| Chicago, Illinois | $80,850 | $109,400 |
| Boston, Massachusetts | $87,450 | $118,300 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota | $69,650 | $94,250 |
| New York City, New York | $92,050 | $124,550 |
| Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | $74,950 | $101,400 |
| Dallas, Texas | $72,950 | $98,750 |
| Houston, Texas | $72,650 | $98,250 |
| Seattle, Washington | $84,150 | $113,850 |
| National Average | $65,750 | $88,950 |
Typical work environment
Technical trainers can work during business hours, but they also might work nights and weekends as the needs of the company dictates. Technical trainers may be required to travel to conduct classes in different locations.
Typical hours
Technical trainers usually work regular weekday office hours, from 9 AM to 5 PM. They may need to travel, depending on the employer.
Available certifications
Technical trainers work in a variety of industries, and there are a number of certification programs available for them to enhance their skills. Here are some of the top certifications for technical trainers:
- CompTIA Certified Technical Trainer (CTT+). The CTT+ certification proves your exceptional skills as a technical trainer in your field. The comprehensive training program validates that you have the necessary skills to prepare, present, facilitate and evaluate a training session, whether in a traditional or a virtual classroom environment. There are no formal requirements, but it is recommended that you have 6 to 12 months of experience as a trainer. The CompTIA CTT+ certification is valid for life and does not need to be renewed.
- Certified Technical Training Specialist (CTTS). The Training Clinic offers this 5-day workshop to help trainers become experts at developing and presenting training programs. The CTTS includes classroom training, a written test, a design plan review, and a video recorded session and critique. You’ll learn how to help adults learn, plan for training, organize your material, use proven training methods, and how to evaluate training.
Career path
Technical trainers must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Then students should earn a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline, such as education or human resources. A master’s degree is not required, although it can broaden a trainer’s career opportunities. Some employers prefer to hire candidates with certifications from organizations such as the Association for Talent Development or the International Society for Performance Improvement.
US, Bureau of Labor Statistics’ job outlook
SOC Code: 13-1151**
| 2020 Employment | 328,700 |
| Projected Employment in 2030 | 364,200 |
| Projected 2020-2030 Percentage Shift | 11% increase |
| Projected 2020-2030 Numeric Shift | 35,500 increase |
Position trends
The need for technical trainers should continue to grow as companies introduce new technology. Social media and mobile learning will become more popular methods of training. Some employers require continuing education and skills development classes, which will drive the need for technical trainers.
Some companies decide to outsource their training needs, which presents opportunities for travel for those who work at training and development firms.
Sample interview questions
- How would you successfully communicate the value of a training program?
- What are your greatest strengths as a technical trainer?
- How do you handle a trainee who displays less technical ability than the rest of the group?
- What steps would you take to design a technical training workshop or webinar?
- What are your career goals?
- How do you handle different types of learners in a class?
- Explain a time you used a practical demo to teach something.
- Have you ever helped a company enhance its technological efficiency?
- Have you ever had a conflict with a manager/trainer about a training program?
- How do you cope with negative feedback?
- How would you identify and plan for the organization’s training needs?
- What training techniques do you find are the most effective?
- How does technical training differ from non-technical training?
- What specific technical topic are you most comfortable teaching? Can you briefly explain it?
- How would you measure the success of a training program?
- How do you keep up-to-date with technical training trends?
- Can you give an example of a time your training helped a company enhance its technological efficiency?
- How do you deal with management when you have a conflict over a training program?
- How do you handle negative feedback?
- Have you ever had a conflict with a manager/trainer about a training program?
