As technologies continue to evolve at an unbelievable pace, the need for effective training and learning has never been greater.
Instructional designers play a crucial role in developing engaging learning experiences across various industries to ensure employees are well-equipped with the latest skills.
But what exactly does an instructional designer do and how much can you expect to earn as an instructional designer? Let’s dive deeper into the typical instructional designer salary.
The Role of an Instructional Designer
At its core, instructional design is the systematic process of analyzing learning needs and developing solutions to address those needs.
Some key responsibilities of instructional designers include:
- Conducting needs assessments to identify learning gaps
- Designing learning objectives and mapping out curriculum
- Developing digital and blended learning courses and materials
- Selecting appropriate instructional methods and delivery techniques
- Designing assessments and evaluation tools
- Piloting programs and collecting feedback
- Revising courses based on performance data
- Supporting learners and facilitating programs
- Applying learning theories and best practices
Instructional designers work across industries like healthcare, corporate, higher education, and more. They leverage various technical tools to develop engaging and effective online, virtual, and in-person training solutions. A degree in instructional design or related field is recommended though not always required. Strong communication, organization, and project management skills are essential.
National Average Instructional Designer Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for instructional designers in the United States is $67,977 as of May 2021<sup>[1]</sup>. However, salaries can vary significantly depending on several factors like:
Location: Instructional designers in major metro areas tend to earn more. For example, the average salary is ~$75k in San Francisco versus ~$65k in Detroit.
Industry: Healthcare and corporate instructional designers make higher salaries on average compared to those in education.
Educational Background: Positions requiring a master’s degree command higher pay than bachelor’s level roles.
Experience Level: Entry-level instructional designers earn in the $50k-$60k range while experienced professionals with 10+ years experience can make $90k+.
Project Type: Designing technical or compliance-focused training fetches higher compensation than developing informal learning materials.
Organization Size: Instructional designers at large enterprises get paid more than those at small companies or nonprofits.
So while the BLS figure of $67,977 provides a general sense, the true instructional designer salary range spans from $45,000 to over $120,000 depending on the above criteria. Those just starting out can expect closer to the low end while senior directors earn towards the high end. Let’s explore specific salaries by experience level.
Instructional Designer Salary by Experience
Entry Level (0-3 years experience): $45,000 – $60,000
New grads and juniors starting their instructional design careers commonly get paid in this bracket. Roles may include assisting leads with smaller projects.
Mid-Level (3-7 years experience): $60,000 – $80,000
With a few years under their belt, mid-career IDs take on more independent work and leadership of smaller initiatives. Income increases as responsibilities expand.
Senior/Expert Level (7-10 years experience): $75,000 – $95,000
Seasoned designers build an impressive portfolio and showcase more advanced skills. At this stage, salaries compensate for leadership of large projects and mentoring others.
Principal/Director (10+ years experience): $90,000 – $120,000+
The highest salaries are earned by veterans who take on C-level positions managing entire instructional design teams and multi-department initiatives. Some obtain earnings over $120k.
Keep in mind that earning potential also hinges on factors beyond just experience levels. Those working at top tech companies or Fortune 500 firms average higher pay than smaller organizations.
Training provided and certifications obtained can also influence compensation.
Instructional Designer Salary by Location
In addition to experience, where an instructional designer is based makes an enormous difference to their salary. Cost of living varies greatly between different parts of the country.
Let’s explore average salaries across some major metro areas:
Seattle, WA: $75,000 – $105,000
- Home to tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft, Seattle offers premium pay for instructional design talent.
San Francisco, CA: $80,000 – $110,000
- The high cost of living in San Fran is offset by above average salaries, especially for roles in edtech.
Washington D.C.: $70,000 – $100,000
- The nation’s capital attracts federal opportunities paying competitively for IDs supporting government initiatives.
New York City, NY: $75,000 – $105,000
- While housing is astronomically expensive, instructional designers in NYC reap financial benefits from jobs in media, financial sectors.
Chicago, IL: $65,000 – $90,000
- Though not as extreme as coastal cities, instructional design remains a well-paying career in Chicago.
Dallas, TX: $60,000 – $85,000
- Lower costs of living in Dallas make wages comparable to more expensive areas when factoring purchasing power.
Los Angeles, CA: $70,000 – $95,000
- Despite L.A.’s reputation as an entertainment hub, instructional design thrives in corporate, higher education settings here.
So in summary, major coastal cities like San Francisco and Seattle offer the most opportunities for high instructional designer salaries exceeding $100,000 on average.
But many mid-sized metros compensate well too when adjusting for price indexes. Remote opportunities also allow earning potential beyond physical locations.
Maximizing your Instructional Designer Salary
While factors outside your control impact pay, certain actions are within your power to increase earnings as an instructional designer over time. Here are some strategies to consider:
Gain additional qualifications: An advanced degree like a Master’s in instructional design or related field commands a 10-20% pay bump on average. Professional certifications also strengthen your credentials.
Develop specialized expertise: Specializing in hot areas like learning analytics, virtual/augmented reality increases value. Learning leadership and change management skills also make you a stronger candidate.
Build a portfolio: Showcase impactful work to highlight your capabilities. Potential employers assess aptitude based on real projects you can discuss vividly.
Gain management experience: As you take on lead and director-level roles overseeing instructional design teams, compensation scales up commensurately over time.
Consider contracting/consulting: Freelancing your services enables charging premium hourly rates, sometimes double what salaried jobs pay annually. Of course, come with less stability.
Stay on top of trends: Keep skills sharpened on emerging technologies. An adaptable, solutions-oriented expertise commands a premium in this dynamic field.
Leverage professional networks: Build relationships within the instructional design industry to explore new opportunities with greater pay potential. Volunteer work can also lead to paid gigs.
Consider high paying industries/locations: As mentioned before, certain industries and cities reward instructional designers moreso than others on average.
By continuously honing your craft and optimizing these factors, ambitious instructional designers have real potential to eventually earn six-figure salaries, especially as they rise into leadership positions later in their careers.
Regular self-improvement is key to maximizing earning power and job satisfaction long-term in this thriving profession.
Top Paying Companies for Instructional Designers
While location and experience impact salaries most, the employer also plays a role in compensation for instructional designers. Let’s look at some organizations known for rewarding IDs generously:
Amazon: Average pay $105,000. Lead roles directing L&D for this global company pay substantially more. Benefits also highly rated.
Google: $95,000 – $125,000. Revolutionary tech and focus on continuous learning culture translates to highly paid roles at Google.
Microsoft: $90,000 – $115,000. As a technological leader, Microsoft understands the value of well-designed training programs.
LinkedIn: $85,000 – $110,000. Leading professional network strongly invests in developing the very best online courses.
JP Morgan Chase: $80,000 – $105,000. Large financial institutions prioritize keeping employees compliant through learning.
Deloitte: $75,000 – $100,000+ for senior roles. Prestigious consulting firm pays top dollar for talent capable of enabling complex change.
Salesforce: $70,000 – $95,000. Leader in customer relationship management relies on IDs to support vast learning platforms.
Yale University: $70,000 – $90,000+. Demand for high-quality educational content extends to elite institutions like Yale too.
PwC: $75,000 – $100,000. Big Four accounting/consulting firm invests heavily in employee learning and development.
Apple: $85,000 – $110,000. Renowned for sleek design across products and training platforms. High standards mean top pay too.
Harvard University: $75,000 – $95,000. Prestigious Ivy League university values innovative learning strategies to engage students and faculty.
Kaiser Permanente: $70,000 – $95,000. Leading healthcare provider trains new/existing staff across locations internationally.
IBM: $75,000 – $100,000. Pioneer in enterprise technology sets the bar high for corporate learning experiences.
Intel: $80,000 – $105,000. Global semiconductor behemoth stays ahead through continual reskilling led by talented IDs.
Keep in mind these salary ranges represent national averages – total compensation packages with benefits at certain employers may exceed disclosed wages.
Further, senior and director-level roles at these top-paying companies could command six-figure salaries well into the $110,000-$150,000 bracket depending on the individual’s experience, profile, and job responsibilities overseeing larger projects and wider scope.
Regardless of company, instructional designers have the ability to earn very competitive salaries when pursuing opportunities at large, innovative organizations where learning is a strategic priority.
Instructional Designer Salary FAQs
Hopefully this salary guide offered valuable insights on factors impacting compensation as an instructional designer and answers some key questions. Here are some additional FAQs:
Q: Do salaries differ much between the private vs public sectors?
A: In general, private corporations tend to pay instructional designers slightly higher than government agencies and educational institutions on average due to different salary structures. However, public sector jobs provide excellent benefits and stability that’s valued too.
Q: How do freelance rates compare to staff rates?
A: Seasoned freelance instructional designers can charge $50-100 per hour on contract while independent consultants may earn $150+ per hour depending on expertise. However, full-time staff enjoy benefits which offset lower hourly earnings when calculated annually.
Q: Is it possible to earn six-figure salaries as an ID?
A: Yes, it’s definitely achievable – especially for those gaining advanced qualifications, building a strong portfolio through years of experience, or rising into leadership/director level roles at prestigious companies in expensive locations. Commitment to continuous learning is key.
Q: What can I do to maximize earning potential early on?
A: Gaining additional skills certification, seeking leadership opportunities, constantly honing your craft, optimizing your online presence, networking proactively are all effective strategies at any career stage to improve job/salary prospects. Specializing in emerging domains is valuable too.