Instructional Designer Salary in 2026
Instructional designers create effective educational and training materials using learning theories and multimedia tools. They develop curricula for corporate training, e-learning, and academic programs.
Median Salary
$81,000
$6,750/mo
Entry Level
$52,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$103,000
experienced
Job Growth
+11%
10-yr outlook
Instructional Designer Overview
Instructional designers create effective educational and training materials using learning theories and multimedia tools. They develop curricula for corporate training, e-learning, and academic programs.
Education
Master's Degree
Experience
2-4 years
Industry
Education
Total Jobs (US)
95K
5-Year Growth
+17%
Category
Education
Hourly Rate
$38.94/hr
Monthly Pay
$6,750
Instructional Designer Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Instructional Designer salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Instructional Designer Salary
$86,000
$7,167/month · $3,308/biweekly · $41.35/hr
Instructional Designer Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Instructional Designer field.
Entry-level Instructional Designers earn around $52,000, while the top 10% earn $116,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Instructional Designers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $96,000 | +$15,000 |
| New York | $93,000 | +$12,000 |
| Virginia | $86,000 | +$5,000 |
| Texas | $79,000 | $-2,000 |
| Florida | $79,000 | $-2,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Instructional Designers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $101,000 | +$20,000 |
| New York | $96,000 | +$15,000 |
| Washington DC | $93,000 | +$12,000 |
| Dallas | $81,000 | $0 |
| Orlando | $76,000 | $-5,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Instructional Designer Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Instructional Designer from entry level to expert.
$52,000
0-2 years
$78,000
3-7 years
$103,000
8-14 years
$130,000
15+ years
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Instructional Designer Salary FAQ
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