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L&D Salary in the United States

How much does a L&D make in the United States? As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a L&D in the United States is $65,124 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $31.

However, a L&D's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $81,024
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $57,075 to $73,447
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $49,747
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out L&D Job Openings in the United States

Key Factors That Influence L&D Salaries

A L&D's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects L&D Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a L&D's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $63,390
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $72,747
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $100,242
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $122,904
  • Expert (over 8 years): $143,559
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
L&D less than 1 year $63,390
Organizational Development Specialist II 1-2 years $72,747
Organizational Development Specialist III 2-4 years $100,242
Organizational Development Specialist IV 5-8 years $122,904
Organizational Development Specialist V over 8 years $143,559

How Do L&D Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract L&Ds. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $72,105.
  • California: $71,831.
  • Massachusetts: $70,874.

Top Paying Cities for L&D

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $82,141
  • San Francisco: $81,241
  • Oakland: $79,529

L&D Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For L&D roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 42% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 22% above the average. In contrast, L&D positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view L&D as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a L&D

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking $79,451 $38.0 22%
Internet $75,543 $36.0 16%
Biotechnology $72,939 $35.0 12%
Aerospace & Defense $72,287 $35.0 11%
Energy & Utilities $71,636 $34.0 10%

L&D Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a L&D's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Hourly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Yearly
  • Table View
Last Updated on October 01, 2026
$57,075
Average $65,124/year
$73,447
$4,756
Average $5,427/month
$6,121
$1,098
Average $1,252/week
$1,412
$27
Average $31/hour
$35
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $73,447 $6,121 $1,412 $35
Average $65,124 $5,427 $1,252 $31
25th Percentile $57,075 $4,756 $1,098 $27

Most common benefits for L&D

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for L&D

Here are companies hiring for L&D and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next L&D Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current L&D job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • OhioHealth | Columbus, OH

    Cardiac Nuclear Medicine Technologist

    OhioHealth | Columbus, OH

    We are more than a health system. We are a belief system. We believe wellness and sickness are both part of a lifelong partnership, and that everyone could... more

    6 Days Ago

  • OhioHealth | Columbus, OH

    Neuro Interventional Radiologic Technologist

    OhioHealth | Columbus, OH

    We are more than a health system. We are a belief system. We believe wellness and sickness are both part of a lifelong partnership, and that everyone could... more

    6 Days Ago

  • MyJobsCorner | Columbus, OH

    Animal Tech Jobs Immediately

    MyJobsCorner | Columbus, OH

    Find your next job here. Will train the right candidate. Average salaries from $20 - $37/Hr, full time and part time shifts available now. Hiring for: Anim... more

    10 Days Ago

  • C.R. England | Columbus, OH

    Local CDL

    C.R. England | Columbus, OH

    Job Description. C.R. England is Now Urgently Hiring Local Dedicated CDL-A Truck Drivers. Dedicated Local Fleet - Competitive Pay* - Full Benefits Package.... more

    13 Days Ago

  • OhioHealth | Columbus, OH

    Sr Radiology Tech

    OhioHealth | Columbus, OH

    We are more than a health system. We are a belief system. We believe wellness and sickness are both part of a lifelong partnership, and that everyone could... more

    13 Days Ago

  • MyJobsCorner | Columbus, OH

    Food Service Clerk Jobs Immediately

    MyJobsCorner | Columbus, OH

    Find your next job here. Will train the right candidate. Average salaries from $12 - $22/Hr, full time and part time shifts available now. Hiring for: Food... more

    18 Days Ago

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FAQ about L&D

1. What industry pays the highest salary for L&D?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for L&D roles, with salaries approximately 22% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

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