Instructional Designer

Design and develop engaging, effective, and accessible learning content including e-learning modules, instructor-led training materials, job aids, and video-based learning using adult learning principles and instructional design methodology. Conduct needs assessments, develop learning objectives, create storyboards, and build interactive e-learning using authoring tools. Evaluate learning effectiveness and iterate on content based on learner feedback and performance data.

Median salary: $85,000. Projected growth to 2033: 8% (faster than average) - driven by e-learning adoption and AI upskilling needs. Typical education: Bachelor's Degree.

At a glance

Median salary: $85,000
Entry-level: $55,000 - $70,000
Senior: $125,000+
Growth by 2033: 8% (faster than average) - driven by e-learning adoption and AI upskilling needs
Demand: Growing
Remote: Mostly Remote
Hours per week: 40-50 hours/week
Stress: Low

What you'd do

People interaction: Moderate
Team vs solo: 45% Team / 55% Solo
Client facing: Sometimes
Impact visibility: Low

How to get there

Minimum education: Bachelor's Degree
Licensing: No
Years to mid-career: 2-4 years
Years to senior: 5-8 years
Career switching: Moderate
Typical student debt: $20,000 - $45,000

Skills you'll use

Hard skills

ADDIE & SAM Instructional Design Models
Articulate Storyline & Rise E-Learning Development
Video Production & Editing for Learning
Learning Objectives & Assessment Design
Accessibility Standards (WCAG / Section 508)
LMS Content Publishing (SCORM / xAPI)

Soft skills

Instructional Design
E-Learning Development
Visual Design
Written Communication
Attention to Detail

Technical complexity: Moderate

Typical career path