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How much does a Instructional Designer make?

The average salary for a Instructional Designer is $77,409 per year in the US.

Instructional designers create training programs and materials for businesses, schools, and other organizations. They earn a good salary for their work. The average yearly salary for an instructional designer is around $77,400. This means that most instructional designers make between $40,000 and $145,000 each year. The exact amount can change based on experience, education, and the industry.

The salary range for instructional designers shows how varied the field can be. The bottom 10% of earners make less than $40,000 a year. The top 10% make more than $135,000. Most instructional designers fall somewhere in the middle. This range offers a lot of opportunities for growth and advancement. With more experience, instructional designers can move up to higher-paying positions.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Instructional Designer?

Instructional designers can find some of the best pay in tech-heavy cities. San Jose, CA, leads with an average salary of $118,075. Following closely, San Francisco, CA, offers $100,248. These cities attract top talent with competitive wages. Other cities also provide strong salaries for instructional designers. Colorado Springs, CO, offers $92,428, while Boston, MA, pays $89,092. Seattle, WA, and Washington, DC, both hover around $88,000. These cities show a demand for skilled instructional designers.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Instructional Designer jobs, highlighting San Jose, CA with the highest at $118,075 and Pittsburgh, PA with the lowest at $83,117.
  1. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $118,075
    In San Jose, tech companies thrive, offering many opportunities for those designing learning programs. Companies like Google and Adobe seek skilled professionals to create engaging training materials. The tech-driven environment provides a dynamic and innovative workplace for instructional designers.
    Find Instructional Designer jobs in San Jose, CA


  2. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $100,248
    San Francisco is home to many startups and established tech giants. Instructional designers here work on cutting-edge projects, enhancing employee skills and knowledge. Companies like Salesforce and LinkedIn value creative and effective learning solutions.
    Find Instructional Designer jobs in San Francisco, CA


  3. Colorado Springs, CO
    Average Salary: $92,428
    Colorado Springs offers a mix of military and tech industries. Instructional designers here develop training programs that cater to both sectors. Organizations like the U.S. Air Force Academy and various tech firms provide diverse opportunities for growth.
    Find Instructional Designer jobs in Colorado Springs, CO


  4. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $89,092
    Boston's rich educational landscape offers many opportunities for instructional designers. Companies in the biotech and healthcare sectors, like Mass General Brigham and Biogen, need professionals to create impactful training programs. The city's vibrant academic environment fosters innovation and collaboration.
    Find Instructional Designer jobs in Boston, MA


  5. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $88,656
    Seattle's tech industry, led by companies like Microsoft and Amazon, offers exciting roles for instructional designers. They create training programs that enhance employee skills and drive company success. The city's innovative spirit provides a stimulating work environment.
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  6. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $86,574
    In Washington, DC, instructional designers work with government agencies and non-profits. They develop training programs that improve efficiency and effectiveness. Organizations like the U.S. Department of Education and various NGOs offer diverse and impactful projects.
    Find Instructional Designer jobs in Washington, DC


  7. Columbus, OH
    Average Salary: $86,540
    Columbus has a growing tech sector and established companies. Instructional designers here create training programs that meet the needs of diverse industries. Companies like Nationwide and Huntington Bank offer opportunities for professional growth and development.
    Find Instructional Designer jobs in Columbus, OH


  8. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $84,815
    Los Angeles offers a vibrant entertainment and tech industry. Instructional designers work on projects for companies like Disney and various tech startups. The city's diverse culture provides a dynamic and creative work environment.
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  9. Baltimore, MD
    Average Salary: $84,338
    Baltimore's healthcare and education sectors offer many opportunities for instructional designers. They develop training programs that improve skills and knowledge. Organizations like Johns Hopkins and various educational institutions provide a supportive and innovative workplace.
    Find Instructional Designer jobs in Baltimore, MD


  10. Pittsburgh, PA
    Average Salary: $83,117
    Pittsburgh's tech and healthcare industries offer diverse roles for instructional designers. They create training programs that enhance employee skills and drive company success. Companies like UPMC and various tech firms provide a collaborative and forward-thinking environment.
    Find Instructional Designer jobs in Pittsburgh, PA

What are the best companies a Instructional Designer can work for?

Apple, Clarity Consultants, and Leidos offer some of the highest salaries for Instructional Designer jobs. Apple pays an average of $180,581, Clarity Consultants pays $126,150, and Leidos pays $118,777. These companies value skilled instructional designers and provide competitive compensation packages. Other notable companies include Aptara, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Amazon.com, which offer average salaries ranging from $108,432 to $102,406. These companies also recognize the importance of instructional design and provide attractive pay for their employees.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Instructional Designer jobs, highlighting Apple with the highest at $180,581 and Chesterfield County Public Schools with the lowest at $85,860.
  1. Apple
    Average Salary: $180,581
    Apple offers exciting opportunities for Instructional Designers. They work on creating innovative learning experiences for employees. Apple operates globally, with major offices in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.


  2. Clarity Consultants
    Average Salary: $126,150
    Clarity Consultants provides top-notch roles for Instructional Designers. They focus on developing training programs for various industries. The company has offices in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.


  3. Leidos
    Average Salary: $118,777
    Leidos offers rewarding positions for Instructional Designers. They create training solutions for government and commercial clients. Leidos has locations across the U.S. and internationally.


  4. Aptara
    Average Salary: $108,432
    Aptara provides a dynamic environment for Instructional Designers. They work on educational content and e-learning projects. The company operates in the U.S., India, and the Philippines.


  5. Booz Allen Hamilton
    Average Salary: $102,983
    Booz Allen Hamilton offers competitive salaries for Instructional Designers. They develop training programs for government agencies. The company has offices in the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East.


  6. Amazon.com
    Average Salary: $102,406
    Amazon.com provides excellent opportunities for Instructional Designers. They create training programs for employees worldwide. Amazon has locations in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.


  7. SAIC
    Average Salary: $99,375
    SAIC offers rewarding positions for Instructional Designers. They focus on developing training solutions for government and commercial clients. The company operates in the U.S. and internationally.


  8. CACI International
    Average Salary: $93,768
    CACI International provides dynamic roles for Instructional Designers. They create training programs for government agencies. The company has offices in the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East.


  9. General Dynamics Information Technology
    Average Salary: $87,668
    General Dynamics Information Technology offers competitive salaries for Instructional Designers. They develop training programs for government and commercial clients. The company has locations in the U.S. and internationally.


  10. Chesterfield County Public Schools
    Average Salary: $85,860
    Chesterfield County Public Schools offers rewarding positions for Instructional Designers. They create training programs for educators and students. The school district operates in Virginia, U.S.

How to earn more as a Instructional Designer?

Instructional designers play a crucial role in creating effective learning experiences. They can increase their earnings by focusing on several key areas. One of the most effective ways is to gain specialized certifications. These credentials can demonstrate your expertise and dedication to the field. Another way is to expand your skill set. Learning new technologies and instructional methods can make you more valuable to employers. Networking with other professionals in the industry can also open up new job opportunities. Collaborating with subject matter experts can enhance the quality of your work. Finally, seeking out leadership roles can lead to higher salaries.

To maximize earnings, consider these factors:

  1. Obtain specialized certifications.
  2. Expand your skill set with new technologies and methods.
  3. Network with other professionals in the industry.
  4. Collaborate with subject matter experts.
  5. Seek out leadership roles.

Currently 419 Instructional Designer job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Instructional Designer in the US?

Learn what a Instructional Designer does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Instructional Designer today.
Position
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Instructional Designer
419 Job Openings