Sign up for our newsletter

Join our newsletter to receive the latest updates and insights in online education. Get exclusive access to in-depth articles, expert advice, and special offers tailored for your educational journey.

Instructional Designer Career Guide

Job Description:

Develop instructional material, coordinate educational content, and incorporate current technology into instruction in order to provide guidelines to educators and instructors for developing curricula and conducting courses.
May train and coach teachers.
Includes educational consultants and specialists, and instructional material directors.

Instructional Designer Salary 2024

National Salary Data for Instructional Designers

This bar graph shows the annual salary for Instructional Designers.

U.S. Salary in 2024

Annual Median Salary: $66,490

Hourly Median Wage: $31.97

Data sourced from O*NET Online, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.

Projected Employment for Instructional Designers

Job Growth Projections

This line chart shows the projected job growth over 10 years for Instructional Designers.

Projected Job Openings for s by 2031

Projected Growth Rate in Job Openings by 2031: 7%

Data sourced from CareerOneStop, provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Typical Tasks for Instructional Designers

Interpret and enforce provisions of state education codes and rules and regulations of state education boards.
Observe work of teaching staff to evaluate performance and to recommend changes that could strengthen teaching skills.
Plan and conduct teacher training programs and conferences dealing with new classroom procedures, instructional materials and equipment, and teaching aids.

Technologies and Skills Used by Instructional Designers

Computer based training software

Moodle
Schoology

Video creation and editing software

Adobe After Effects
Flipgrid

Web platform development software

Cascading style sheets CSS
Drupal

Basic Skills

Talking to others
Using the best training or teaching strategies for learning new things

Problem Solving

Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Social

Changing what is done based on other people's actions
Teaching people how to do something

How To Become an Instructional Designer

If you're considering a career as an instructional designer, you're looking at a field that combines education and technology to create effective learning experiences. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to become an instructional designer:

Understand the Role of an Instructional Designer

Before you dive into this career path, it's important to understand what instructional designers do. They are professionals who design, develop, and deliver educational training materials and experiences. This can range from online courses and interactive learning modules to in-person workshops and educational programs. Their goal is to make learning more efficient, effective, and appealing.

Gain the Necessary Education

Bachelor’s Degree: Most instructional designer positions require at least a bachelor's degree. Relevant fields include education, instructional design, educational technology, or a related discipline.
Master’s Degree: Some employers prefer or require a master's degree in instructional design or technology. This advanced education can provide a deeper understanding of learning theory, digital tools, and design principles.

Develop Your Skills

Learning Theories: Familiarize yourself with various learning theories such as behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism.
Technical Proficiency: Gain proficiency in tools like Adobe Captivate, Articulate Storyline, and learning management systems (LMS) like Moodle or Blackboard.
Project Management: Strengthen your ability to manage projects from conception to completion within given timeframes and budgets.
Communication Skills: Hone your ability to communicate effectively with subject matter experts, stakeholders, and learners.

Gain Relevant Experience

Internships: Look for internships in educational technology or instructional design to gain practical experience.
Freelance Projects: Take on freelance projects to build your portfolio and showcase your skills.
Teaching or Training: Experience in teaching or corporate training can be extremely valuable as it gives you insight into how people learn.

Build a Strong Portfolio

A portfolio is crucial for demonstrating your instructional design skills to potential employers. Include samples of your work such as:

Storyboards
E-learning modules
Training manuals
Assessment tools

Ensure that your portfolio is accessible online and showcases a variety of projects that reflect your skills and experience.

Stay Current with Industry Trends

Instructional design is an ever-evolving field. Stay up-to-date with the latest trends by:

Attending webinars and conferences
Joining professional organizations such as the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) or the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE)
Reading industry publications and blogs

Network with Professionals

Networking can open doors to job opportunities and provide valuable insights into the instructional design field. Connect with other professionals by:

Joining LinkedIn groups dedicated to instructional design
Attending industry meetups and conferences
Participating in online forums and discussions

Consider Certification

While not always required, obtaining a certification can enhance your credibility as an instructional designer. Consider certifications such as:

Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) from the Association for Talent Development (ATD)
Certified Instructional Designer/Developer from the International Board of Certified Trainers (IBCT)

By following these steps and committing to continuous learning and networking, you can build a fulfilling career as an instructional designer. Remember that practical experience combined with formal education will set you apart in the job market. Keep improving your craft, stay adaptable, and leverage every opportunity to demonstrate your expertise.

Instructional Designer Career Path FAQ's

What education is required to become an Instructional Designer?

Most instructional designer roles require at least a bachelor's degree. Degrees in Education, Instructional Design, Educational Technology, or a related field are often preferred. However, candidates with degrees in other fields may also be considered if they have the necessary experience and skills. Additionally, many employers value advanced degrees or certificates in instructional design or technology.

What skills are essential for a career in Instructional Design?

To succeed as an Instructional Designer, you'll need a mix of technical, creative, and analytical skills:

Technical Skills: Proficiency in e-learning authoring tools like Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, and learning management systems (LMS) like Moodle or Blackboard.
Design Skills: Ability to apply design principles to create engaging and effective learning experiences.
Project Management: Experience managing projects from conception to delivery within the specified timelines.
Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication abilities to articulate ideas and collaborate with stakeholders.
Analytical Skills: Capability to assess training needs and evaluate the effectiveness of instructional materials.

Are there any certifications that can help my Instructional Design career?

Yes, several certifications can enhance your skills and credibility as an Instructional Designer:

Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) from the Association for Talent Development.
Certified Instructional Designer/Developer from the Training Clinic.
Master Trainer Certification from the International Board of Certified Trainers.

What industries hire Instructional Designers?

Instructional Designers can find employment opportunities across various industries, including:

Education
Corporate training
Government
Healthcare
Military
Nonprofit organizations
Technology companies

How can I gain experience in Instructional Design?

You can gain experience in Instructional Design through several avenues:

Internships with organizations that have training and development departments.
Volunteer work for nonprofits or educational institutions to create training materials.
Freelance projects designing courses or training programs.
Contributing to open-source e-learning projects.

What is the job outlook for Instructional Designers?

The job outlook for Instructional Designers is positive. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of training and development specialists, which includes instructional designers, is projected to grow 9 percent from 2019 to 2029, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. The growing emphasis on continuous education and training by organizations drives this demand.

Can I work remotely as an Instructional Designer?

Yes, many Instructional Designers work remotely. This role often lends itself well to telecommuting due to its digital nature. Remote work may depend on the employer's policy and the project's requirements.

What career advancement opportunities exist for Instructional Designers?

As an Instructional Designer, you can advance in various ways:

Specialize in a niche area of instructional design, such as mobile learning or gamification.
Move into leadership roles like managing a team of designers or becoming a Chief Learning Officer.
Transition into consulting to advise organizations on their learning strategies.
Pursue academia by conducting research or teaching at the university level.

Remember, continuous learning and networking are key factors that contribute to career advancement in the field of instructional design.