A systems trainer is someone who educates and instructs employees of a company on how to use different computer programs, software and internal computer network systems. Those who work within this sector obviously have to have a strong background in information technology, and the type of systems they will teach will depend on the environment in which they are working.

Function

Systems trainers working within corporations will most likely train staff to be familiar with software that will used in the day-to-day running of the company. Programs like Microsoft and Excel are common examples. Those who teach in school or career centers will need to be able to instruct on a range of different software applications used throughout business, in addition to being knowledgeable on how the internet works and how to get the most out of it. The audience of a systems trainer will range from individuals within a company to large groups of people in a career center.

Qualifications

Those wanting to work in schools or career centers usually need to have completed a four-year degree program in a computer-related field. Some may also require that candidates have a teaching certificate as well. However, many systems trainers are self-taught, and those working as consultants or corporate trainers may not have a university education, relying on the experience they have gained using various software packages. An ability to communicate well with the public is also essential in this role.

Conditions

The working conditions of a systems trainer will vary depending on their employer. Those working for corporations will be based in offices, while those working for schools will be based in the classroom or computer labs. In these cases, the hours worked will correspond to the usual office hours of Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. In certain cases, consultants may be required to work in a client's home outside of office hours.

Prospects

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 328,700 systems trainers in the U.S. in 2020. It is expected that this sector will grow faster than the national average for all jobs up to 2030. This is due to the increasing use of computers and the Internet within companies and business across the U.S. Companies will need to hire systems trainers to keep an aging workforce up to speed with the latest technological advances in software.

Earnings

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average earnings of a systems trainer in 2020 was $62,700. The top 10 percent earned over $107,060 a year, while the lowest 10 percent earned less than $33,900 a year. The mean hourly wage in 2020 was $30.14.

Training and Development Specialists salary

• Top 10% Annual Salary: More than $107,060 ($51.47/hour)
• Median Annual Salary: $62,700 ($30.14/hour)
• Bottom 10% Annual Salary: Less than $33,900 ($16.30/hour)