Instructional Designer: Career Overview

Official government data · Updated April 2026

Instructional Designers earn a national median of $74,720/yr with 1.3% projected employment growth over 2024–2034. The role draws on expertise in Education and Training, English Language, Administration and Management.

Median Salary

$74,720

National · 2024

10-Year Growth

1.3%

Slower than average

Employed Nationally

210,850

2024 data

Typical Education

Master's degree

Entry-level

What Employers Expect From a Instructional Designer

These are the competencies recruiters screen for in Instructional Designer candidates, ranked by importance. Your resume should demonstrate each one:

1 Learning Strategies 2 Writing 3 Speaking 4 Instructing 5 Reading Comprehension 6 Active Listening 7 Monitoring 8 Critical Thinking 9 Active Learning 10 Social Perceptiveness

Knowledge Areas

Core knowledge domains most important for Instructional Designer performance, based on verified occupational data.

Education and Training English Language Administration and Management Mathematics Computers and Electronics

Tools & Technologies

High-demand tools and technologies for Instructional Designer roles.

Learning management system LMS Adobe After Effects Adobe Creative Cloud software Adobe Illustrator Adobe InDesign

Job Outlook: 2024–2034

Employment is projected to grow 1.3% for Instructional Designer roles over the 2024–2034 decade. That's slower than average compared to the 4% average across all occupations.

Current Employment
210,850
Projected Growth
1.3%
Typical Education
Master's degree

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Instructional Designer do?
Instructional Designers apply expertise in Education and Training, English Language, Administration and Management to perform their core responsibilities. Key competencies include Learning Strategies, Writing, Speaking, Instructing.
How much does a Instructional Designer make?
The national median salary for a Instructional Designer is $74,720 per year based on official government wage survey data. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.
Is Instructional Designer a good career in 2026?
Employment for Instructional Designer roles is projected to grow 1.3% over the 2024–2034 decade — slower than average compared to all occupations. There are currently 210,850 workers in this occupation nationally.
What education do you need to become a Instructional Designer?
The typical entry-level education for a Instructional Designer is Master's degree. Requirements vary by employer and specialization.
What skills do Instructional Designers need?
The most important skills for Instructional Designer roles based on verified occupational data: Learning Strategies, Writing, Speaking, Instructing, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Monitoring, Critical Thinking, Active Learning, Social Perceptiveness. Key tools and technologies include: Learning management system LMS, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Creative Cloud software, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign.

Does Your Resume Cover These Skills?

Tap the skills that are currently on your resume.

Salary, employment, and skills figures sourced from official U.S. government records and occupational databases. Actual compensation and requirements vary by location, experience, and employer. Salary and employment figures from official U.S. government records. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.