What does an Instructional Designer do?
As an Instructional Designer you will create learning environments and experiences. Perform analysis to perform the requirements and specifications. You may be asked to enable learning by creating supportive environments which includes online community management, promoting collaboration and discussion through social media technologies and teaching experts how to generate and share your own content.
The ideal candidate will have a bachelor's degree in educational technology or a related field and hold a state educator or administrator's license. You will have a minimum of 3 years using course authoring tools and proficiency with various LMS systems and experience teaching K-12. You will have excellent written and oral communication skills and an understanding of varied learning styles. You must have familiarity with website design, video technology and editing and knowledge of assessment and evaluation methods.
- Develop and edit online learning material and content
- Assess learning needs
- Analyze existing instructional material
- Develop and design online material and assessment tools
- Oversee implementation of online learning programs
- Train educators and students to use online learning system
- Troubleshoot technical problems via reported user issues
- Maintain currency in the field of online learning
- Master's degree in educational technology or related field, preferred
- State Educator or Administrator license, preferred
- 3+ years of experience using course authoring tools
- Proficiency with Blackboard, Canvas, Camtasia, Captivate, Moodle or proprietary LMS
- Experience teaching K-12
- Familiar with website design, video technology and editing
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Understanding of varied learning styles
- Knowledge of assessment and evaluation methods
Instructional Designer Salaries
Average Base Pay
Instructional Designer Career Path
Learn how to become an Instructional Designer, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Average Years of Experience
Instructional Designer Insights
Aptara“There's a good work life balance and they don't overload you with work.”
University of California Berkeley“With UCB I get the chance to work with many great individuals with similar career goals.”
Conduent“I was told not to expect any opportunities for pay increases any time in the near future.”
Origin Learning Solutions“Good people and fun to work with.”
University of Southern California“Great and respectable people to work with.”
Amazon“Lucky to work with some of the best and smartest coworkers that I ever have before.”
Palo Alto Networks“After getting a new manager I was given assignment and job duties that I was not trained to do.”
LanguageLine Solutions“I enjoy the people I get to work with and knowing I am helping my community in bridging communication.”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of instructional designers
The typical day of an instructional designer involves creating training courses, evaluating and reshaping learning processes, and developing curricula. These professionals follow the creation of a new learning environment from inception to fruition, including collaborating with clients or other employees about learning environment effectiveness.
An advantage of working as an instructional designer is the opportunity for a good work-life balance. The typical work environment for an instructional designer is an office during normal business days and hours. The profession includes opportunities to work both individually and on a team.
The average pay for an instructional designer in the U.S. is $3,600 per year. The salary range for an instructional designer is $2,500 per year to $5,825 per year. To earn a higher salary, look for lead positions in large corporations.
Instructional designers need to be able to manage their time effectively to meet deadlines and complete projects, which can be stressful when facing a high demand for new courses and revisions. Becoming an instructional designer means taking responsibility for the administrative duties associated with the courses they develop.