What Is the Projected Job Outlook

With the increased use of technology in education, the job outlook for instructional designers should remain favorable in future years. Employment for all instructional coordinators is forecasted to grow 6% from 2019 to 2029, a projected growth rate well above the average across all occupations.

Where Do Instructional Designers Work?

Instructional designers can work in a variety of different locations. Some instructional designers may be employed by government agencies or organizations to work directly with schools. In other cases, instructional designers are employed internally by educational institutions, where they inform a number of curriculum decisions. Instructional designers might work in the following locations: -Government agencies -Private education or curriculum creation companies -Nonprofit educational organizations -Elementary schools -High schools -Universities and other post-secondary institutions

EDUCATION CAREER GUIDES

Instructional Designer Career

Q: What Is an Instructional Designer?

An instructional designer is an individual responsible for identifying and implementing specific programs and technologies that benefit the teaching and learning experience. Instructional designers can improve the lives of both teachers and students, helping to implement processes that enhance the entire education process. Instructional designers typically need both an undergraduate and a master’s degree in education. In addition, employers sometimes prefer candidates with at least a few years of experience in a relevant academic field.

Q: What Does an Instructional Designer Do?

Instructional designers are responsible for several different job duties. On some days, you might communicate with school administrators or instructors about specific tools that could benefit student education. On other days, you might be responsible for installing those tools in a learning environment. The exact responsibilities of an instructional designer can include: Identifying new tools and technologies that can benefit a school’s learning process. Communicating with school representatives about new technologies and programs capable of improving student experiences. Integrating new academic resources into a learning environment. Troubleshooting issues with any new academic resources. Training school administrators and educators in the use of any newly installed tools or technologies. Installing new resources into current lesson plans without compromising the integrity of the curriculum. Researching new instructional design practices that benefit a student’s cognitive thinking and other learning theories. These and other responsibilities help instructional designers to advocate for quality educational practices, through the use of technologies that enhance a learning environment.

Q: What Education Does an Instructional Designer Need?

Before you can begin a career as an instructional designer, you’ll need to satisfy a few educational requirements. After obtaining an undergraduate degree, many instructional designers obtain a master’s degree in instructional design. A master’s program can help you take concrete steps toward a rewarding instructional design career. You'll develop enhanced skills in fields like measurement and evaluation, curriculum design, and design analysis, all immediately applicable once you begin a job as an instructional designer.

Q: How Much Does an Instructional Designer Make?

The exact income of an instructional designer can vary based on many factors, including your employer, employer’s location, years of experience, and education. The salary of an instructional designer can average $63,918, with a range of roughly $48,000 to $86,000 earned each year.

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OVERVIEW

What is an Instructional Designer?

At its core, instructional design is about creating educational programs and materials that are efficient, effective, and appealing. Instructional designers work to develop courses, workshops, e-learning modules, and other training materials that help learners achieve specific outcomes. They apply learning theories and systematic methodologies to craft educational experiences that make a real difference.

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RESPONSIBILITIES

What Does an Instructional Designer Do?

The daily responsibilities of an instructional designer can vary widely, but they often include:

Conducting needs assessments: Identifying the learning needs of a particular audience.
Designing curricula: Outlining the structure of a course or training program.
Developing content: Creating or curating educational materials.
Implementing technology: Choosing and using digital tools to enhance learning.
Evaluating outcomes: Assessing the effectiveness of educational programs and making improvements.

Where Does an Instructional Designer Work?

Instructional designers find employment in various settings, including public and private educational institutions, corporations, nonprofits, government agencies, and as independent consultants. The work environment can range from traditional office settings to remote positions, offering flexibility to suit different work-life balance preferences.

EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES

What Education Does an Instructional Designer Need?

Becoming an instructional designer involves a blend of formal education, practical experience, and ongoing professional development. Follow these steps to start your career in instructional design:

1. Obtain relevant education: Most instructional design positions require at least a bachelor's degree. Degrees in education, instructional design, instructional technology, or subject-matter areas paired with a teaching credential can be beneficial. Higher education, like a master's degree in instructional design or educational technology, can further enhance your prospects.

2. Gain practical experience: Hands-on experience is crucial. Seek opportunities to design learning materials or courses through internships, volunteer positions, or relevant employment. Experience with e-learning platforms and authoring tools is particularly valuable

3. Build a portfolio: Create a portfolio showcasing your instructional design projects. Include various materials to demonstrate your skills in curriculum development, multimedia design, and assessment creation. Your portfolio is a vital tool for illustrating your capabilities to potential employers.

4. Stay current with trends: Join professional associations, attend workshops and conferences, and participate in webinars. Following industry publications can help you stay updated on the latest e-learning, technology, and pedagogy trends.

Best Degree for an Instructional Designer

Education

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Education Technology and Instructional Design – M.Ed.

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The M.Ed. in Education Technology and Instructional Design from WGU is for...

The M.Ed. in Education Technology and Instructional Design from WGU is for instructional designers tasked with creating engaging and immersive virtual learning experiences that can substitute for on-ground instruction.

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No teaching license required.

Time: 62% of students finish this program in 10 months.
Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term
Courses: 12 total courses in this program.

This program includes two tracks for students to choose from:

The K-12 pathway
The Adult Learner pathway

Concepts included in this program:

Learning Experience Design
Assessment and Learning Analytics
Learning Technology
Research Methodology

Develop training and instruction expertise to help you in the classroom, in educational settings, or in corporate world.

Education

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Curriculum and Instruction – M.S.

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An online master's degree for those who have educational experience and...

An online master's degree for those who have educational experience and are looking to further their careers with a graduate program focused on curriculum development and design.

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Time: 62% of students earn this degree within 12 months.
Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
Courses: 10 total courses in this program.

Concepts included in this program:

Differentiated Instruction
Curriculum and Instruction Design
Educational Research
Assessment

Help schools create engaging, meaningful, and memorable learning experiences to improve learning outcomes for all students with this M.S. degree.

How Much Does an Instructional Designer Make?

$74,620

According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for instructional designers is $74,620. However, salaries vary depending on experience, geographic location, industry, and educational attainment. For example, instructional designers working for software publishers typically earn more than those in other industries such as education or healthcare. Additionally, instructional designers with advanced degrees or specialized certifications may command higher salaries.

What Is the Job Outlook?

The BLS reports that employment of instructional designers is projected to increase by 2% from 2022 to 2032. This increase is the average for all occupations as companies and educational institutions seek professionals who can design effective, engaging learning experiences in online and traditional classroom settings. As a result, instructional designers can expect promising job opportunities in various industries, including healthcare, finance, and technology.

SKILLS

What Skills Does an Instructional Designer Need?

Instructional designers depend on a variety of different skills, including:

Project management: One of the critical skills that an instructional designer must possess is project management. This involves developing a plan, executing that plan, tracking progress, and adjusting course as necessary. By using project management skills, an instructional designer helps ensure that all aspects of a project are accounted for and milestones are achieved promptly. As a result, instructional designers who are well versed in project management are better equipped to tackle complex projects and optimize the outcomes of their work.
Collaboration: Instructional designers work with subject matter experts, graphic designers, developers, project managers, and other stakeholders to create effective and engaging learning experiences. Collaborating with others helps instructional designers bring diverse perspectives and ideas to the table, leading to better problem-solving, needs analysis, and content development. They also work closely with clients to gather feedback and make necessary adjustments.
Analytical thinking: An instructional designer must be able to identify patterns, evaluate data, and draw conclusions based on evidence. Analytical thinking is necessary when creating effective learning programs. An instructional designer must analyze the learners' needs, the content, and the available resources to develop instruction that suits the situation. They must also be able to evaluate the effectiveness of their instruction and make adjustments as needed.
Adaptability and flexibility: In today's dynamic workplace, the only constant is change, and an instructional designer who can't adjust to changing circumstances will quickly find themselves left behind. Adaptability and flexibility allow instructional designers to tailor their approach to the unique needs of learners, adjusting on the fly to updated conditions and demands. Whether changing course materials, adapting to a new learning context, or integrating new technologies, versatility and patience are essential for success as an instructional designer.
User experience (UX) design: Understanding the principles of UX, including user-centeredness and usability, helps an instructional designer create compelling and engaging learning experiences. By incorporating UX techniques, an instructional designer can design for the learners' needs and preferences, resulting in a positive learning experience.
Cultural competency: Possessing cultural competency allows instructional designers to develop content that is sensitive to learners' diverse backgrounds. This includes considerations such as values, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. For example, an instructional designer may need to adjust course materials when working with learners from diverse backgrounds and varying skill levels and abilities. They may need to incorporate culturally relevant examples and alternative learning formats to engage their learners effectively.

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