Learning & Development Specialist Jobs in Los Angeles, CA

Los Angeles, California$116,200 USD/yearFull-timeTech Hub
Updated: June 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About Learning & Development Specialist Jobs in Los Angeles

Looking for a Learning & Development Specialist job in Los Angeles? You're in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know about working as a Learning & Development Specialist in Los Angeles, CA.

We'll show you what you can expect to earn. We'll also share which companies are hiring. Plus, you'll learn about the cost of living and how to get started in your job search.

Los Angeles has a strong job market for Learning & Development Specialists. Many employers are actively looking for talent. Read on to learn how to land your next role.

Learning & Development Specialist Salary in Los Angeles

Entry Level
$77,605
Median
$116,200
Senior Level
$162,265

Learning & Development Specialist salaries in Los Angeles are 66% above the national average, reflecting the high cost of living.

Purchasing power in Los Angeles is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

Training DesignLMSInstructional DesignFacilitationNeeds Assessment

Learning & Development Specialist Job Market in Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA is one of America's premier job markets for Learning & Development Specialist professionals. With a population of 4.0 million, the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim metro area offers diverse opportunities across multiple industries. While Entertainment leads the local economy, there's growing demand for Learning & Development Specialist roles across various sectors. The market for Learning & Development Specialist positions remains growing, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Learning & Development Specialists in Los Angeles

City of Los AngelesLA MetroLADWPPort of Los Angeles

Major employers hiring Learning & Development Specialists in Los Angeles include City of Los Angeles, LA Metro, LADWP, Port of Los Angeles. Many companies offer competitive benefits including remote/hybrid work options, comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Learning & Development Specialists in Los Angeles

Living in Los Angeles as a Learning & Development Specialist means navigating a cost of living that's significantly above the national average (166% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $2,600/month (44% above the national average of $1,800). Housing costs are manageable for Learning & Development Specialist salaries in the area. Suburban apartments average $2,000/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

166
Cost Index (100=avg)
$2.6K
Avg Rent/Month
Yes
Tech Hub
Tier 1
Market Size

Commuting as a Learning & Development Specialist in Los Angeles

Los Angeles Expanding Metro Rail system, extensive bus network, but car-centric. The average commute time is 31 minutes. Metro Rail is expanding but doesn't reach everywhere yet. Living near your workplace drastically improves quality of life. Many Learning & Development Specialist positions offer remote or hybrid options, which can significantly reduce commute frequency. Remote work is highly valued in LA due to legendary traffic

Best neighborhoods for Learning & Development Specialists in Los Angeles: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Learning & Development Specialist professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in California

California has relatively high state income taxes. A Learning & Development Specialist earning $116,200 might pay approximately $9,296 in state income tax. However, California's strong job market and quality of life often offset the higher tax burden.

Career Outlook for Learning & Development Specialists

The job outlook for Learning & Development Specialists in Los Angeles is growing. Industry projections suggest 9% growth over the next decade, outpacing many other professions. As a Tier 1 market, Los Angeles typically has more openings but also more competition from experienced professionals. In-demand skills include Training Design, LMS, Instructional Design, Facilitation.

Relocating to Los Angeles

Los Angeles has a very high cost of living. Many Learning & Development Specialists negotiate relocation packages or sign-on bonuses to offset moving costs. California has higher state income taxes. Factor this into salary negotiations, as gross salary comparisons can be misleading. Many Learning & Development Specialist roles offer remote work. If relocating primarily for a job, confirm the remote policy - you may have more location flexibility than expected.

Remote Work for Learning & Development Specialists in Los Angeles

Learning & Development Specialist roles are highly suited for remote work, and many Los Angeles employers offer fully remote or hybrid positions. This flexibility can significantly impact your housing choices - you may be able to live in more affordable neighborhoods further from downtown. Los Angeles's tech-forward culture means remote work infrastructure (coworking spaces, remote-friendly cafes) is well-established.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Learning & Development Specialist salary in Los Angeles, CA?

The average Learning & Development Specialist salary in Los Angeles, CA is $116,200 per year. Entry-level Learning & Development Specialists typically start around $77,605, while experienced professionals can earn $162,265 or more. The national average for Learning & Development Specialist roles is $70,000.

How many Learning & Development Specialist jobs are available in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles has a robust job market with hundreds of openings for Learning & Development Specialist professionals. Major employers hiring Learning & Development Specialists include City of Los Angeles, LA Metro, LADWP, Port of Los Angeles. The Entertainment and Technology sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Los Angeles a good city for Learning & Development Specialists?

Los Angeles is an excellent choice for Learning & Development Specialists. As a major metro area, it offers abundant opportunities and competitive salaries. However, be aware of the higher cost of living when evaluating offers. The city's entertainment industry creates strong demand for business & operations professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Learning & Development Specialists in Los Angeles?

Top skills for Learning & Development Specialists in Los Angeles include Training Design, LMS, Instructional Design, Facilitation, Needs Assessment. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork. Relevant certifications like ATD or CPTD can strengthen your candidacy.

What is the cost of living for Learning & Development Specialists in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles's cost of living is significantly above the national average (166% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $2,600/month. Purchasing power in Los Angeles is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Learning & Development Specialists in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles Expanding Metro Rail system, extensive bus network, but car-centric. The average commute is 31 minutes. Metro Rail is expanding but doesn't reach everywhere yet. Many Learning & Development Specialist positions offer remote or hybrid work options, which can significantly reduce commute frequency.

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