What Is a Subject Matter Expert? A Career Guide

Key Takeaways

Many companies bring subject matter experts (SMEs) in to leverage their expertise and specialized skills. Those skills could include knowledge of particular technology, tools, and superior writing abilities, to name a few. Becoming an SME requires education and established credibility to help you demonstrate your competencies. Some important things to know are:

• An SME might work for a company that needs their help, or they might contract their services to a company and work as a consultant.

• Becoming an SME typically requires years of education and work experience.

• SMEs work with clients or companies to advise, solve problems, and assist with special projects or tasks.

Explore more about SMEs, including their jobs, duties, skills, salaries, and workplaces.

Read more: What Does a Consultant Do?

What is a subject matter expert?

These professionals offer clients or companies extensive knowledge in a specific field or area. Companies typically seek out an SME when they require assistance with a specialized task, project, or challenge. 

An SME might work for a company that needs their help, or they might contract their services to a company and work as a consultant. Becoming an SME typically requires years of education and work experience.

Qualities distinguishing good subject matter experts from exceptional ones include a reputation built on respect and integrity. They can solve problems within the scope of their expertise and explain complex information simply, helping others understand the details and concepts.

What does a subject matter expert do?

SMEs work with clients or companies to advise, solve problems, and assist with special projects or tasks. Some examples of the duties and responsibilities of an SME include the following:

• Gathering information relative to the task and reviewing it for accuracy

• Reviewing and analyzing reports, charts, graphs, and other relevant documents

• Analyzing company activities related to the task

• Converting technical details into understandable forms for employees and stakeholders

• Providing recommendations regarding goals, policies, or procedures

• Resolving problems related to the project or task

• Creating new documents and other related materials

• Updating company stakeholders on task or project progress

• Instructing employees and stakeholders on new policies and procedures 

• Providing mentorship to company employees

• Documenting activities and processes involved in the task or project

Subject matter experts in project management

Many companies use SMEs to help manage projects. For instance, when a project manager has a new idea for a project, an SME can save the company time and money by verifying whether or not the idea has validity. An SME can also help define procedures and timelines, help with testing and quality control, and troubleshoot any problems that arise on a project. 

Subject matter experts in training and development

An SME also provides value for companies in training and development. Various duties an SME performs in this area include:

• Analyzing training needs

• Assisting a training and development manager with creating training content

• Providing instruction to a training and development manager

• Giving feedback to training participants

Skills you need to be a successful subject matter expert

Subject matter experts benefit from having particular skills and abilities, which in turn benefits the companies that hire them and their stakeholders. These skills and abilities include:

• Communication

• Deep knowledge of the industry

• Experience with research

• Leadership

• Organization

• Problem-solving

• Teamwork

• Time management

• Technical writing

Salary

Whether working for a company as a subject matter expert or consultant, you can expect to earn an average annual salary of $72,045 in the US [1]. Keep in mind that the range spans from $54,000 to $97,000, according to Glassdoor. With experience, that figure increases significantly. The base salary for an SME with 15 or more years of experience could average $97,861, with a likely salary range of up to $132,000. Your salary may be influenced by your location, years of experience, education level, and industry.

How do you become a subject matter expert?

If you have a passion for learning and sharing your knowledge with others, a career as a subject matter expert might be a good fit for you. Although the road to becoming a subject matter expert differs for everyone, you can begin the journey by considering these strategies.

• Choose a field you're passionate about.

• Get a job that allows you to accumulate knowledge and experience in your industry. 

• Find a mentor in your industry that can help you develop a robust knowledge base.

• Earn a master's degree or PhD in your field.

• Learn new professional skills and enhance the ones you have.

• Build your professional network by attending conferences and other work-related events.

• Get involved with podcasts or social media to build your profile and presence.

• Get certifications in your field, including certifications to train others.

Top industries for subject matter experts

Various industries benefit from the knowledge and skills a subject matter expert provides. Some of these industries include: 

• Accounting

• Architecture

• Customer relations

• Education

• Engineering

• Finance

• Health and wellness

• Human resources

• Information technology (IT)

• Law

• Marketing

• Public relations

• Software development

Subject matter expert jobs

A variety of professionals have job duties and responsibilities similar to those of a subject matter expert. Explore four related job titles and their average annual salaries.

1. Business analysts

Average annual salary (US): $84,223 [2]

Business analysts collaborate with companies to evaluate their existing processes and pinpoint areas for improvement, enabling them to overcome challenges and achieve their company goals. Some typical tasks include using SQL to analyze data, understanding business strategies, and using tools for data visualization.

Read more: What Is a Business Analyst? Career Guide

2. Management consultants

Average annual salary (US): $123,081 [3]

Management consultants assist organizations in enhancing their business performance by analyzing data, identifying potential risks, and resolving issues. They focus on three areas: project management, in-depth analysis of business goals, and expertise in business domains like talent management, marketing, and organization restructuring.

Read more: How to Become a Management Consultant (and What Is Consulting)

3. Project managers

Average annual salary (US): $87,434 [4]

Project managers plan, execute, manage, and complete projects for companies. They also manage all resources and team members associated with projects. In this role, you'll oversee a project's lifecycle: initiation, planning, execution, and end.

Learn more with our free resources.

Exploring a new career? Stay updated on the latest career trends with our LinkedIn newsletter, Career Chat! Or, browse our other free resources:

• Take the Quiz: Career Test: What Career is Right for Me Quiz?

• Watch on YouTube: Career Spotlight: Customer Service Representative or 10 Recession-Proof Jobs for Greater Career Stability

• Read a report: The 2025 Global Skills Report

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