| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $71,253 | $5,938 | $1,370 | $34 |
| Average | $64,843 | $5,404 | $1,247 | $31 |
| 25th Percentile | $57,583 | $4,799 | $1,107 | $28 |
An entry-level Instructional Designer I with less than 1 year of experience earns about $64,321. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $65,054. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $66,489. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $66,776, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $66,968.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Instructional Designer I | $64,321 |
| Intermediate Level Instructional Designer I | $65,054 |
| Senior Level Instructional Designer I | $66,489 |
| Specialist Level Instructional Designer I | $66,776 |
| Expert Level Instructional Designer I | $66,968 |
| Entry Level | 1% |
| Mid Level | 0% |
| Senior Level | 3% |
| Top Level | 3% |
| Experienced | 3% |
Salaries in the United States differ widely between states due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
What Am I Worth?
Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
As of May 01, 2025, our research reveals a significant shift in Instructional Designer I compensation over the past six years. For example, the median salary increased from $57,455 in 2023 to approximately $56,868 in 2024. (For a detailed analysis of Instructional Designer I salary trends, click here.)
Key factors like location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth significantly influence salary variations, making them important to consider.
Salary.com job board provides millions of Instructional Designer I information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see Instructional Designer I job openings or enter a new job title here.
Here are companies hiring for Instructional Designer I and their salaries, click below for more details.
| Core Compensation | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Base Salary | $64,843 | 64.2% | ||
| Bonus | $5,620 | 5.6% | ||
| Value of Benefits | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Social Security | $5,390 | 5.3% | ||
| 401K/403B | $2,959 | 2.9% | ||
| Disability | $1,409 | 1.4% | ||
| Healthcare | $8,352 | 8.3% | ||
| Pension | $3,805 | 3.8% | ||
| Time Off | $8,672 | 8.6% | ||
| Total Compensation | $101,052 | 100% | ||
It can be challenging to secure your first job as an instructional designer, especially without direct experience or formal credentials. However, with dedication to learning and skill development, it's achievable. Salaries in this field range from approximately $62,453 to $74,713, with a median around $68,323, reflecting the value of skilled professionals.
The highest paid design job can vary, but Instructional Designers earn between $62,453 and $74,713, with a median salary of $68,323. Other high-paying design roles include User Experience (UX) Designer, Product Designer, and Creative Director, which are also in demand and offer competitive salaries.
To increase your salary as an instructional designer, focus on gaining experience and building a strong portfolio. Taking on freelance or consulting projects can supplement your income, which typically ranges from $62,453 to $74,713, with a mid-salary of $68,323. Showcasing your skills and versatility will enhance your marketability and earning potential.
Most instructional designers employed by postsecondary institutions typically hold master's degrees, with some possessing doctoral degrees. The salary range for instructional designers varies, with a minimum of $62,453, a mid-range of $68,323, and a maximum of $74,713, reflecting their qualifications and experience in the field.
Instructional designers in the US typically earn between $62,453 and $74,713 annually, with a median salary of $68,323. This translates to an hourly wage ranging from approximately $30 to $36, depending on experience and specific job responsibilities.
There's a growing demand for instructional designers, often referred to as the hottest job in higher education. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 6% job growth through 2029 in education and government sectors. Salaries for instructional designers range from $62,453 to $74,713, with a median salary of $68,323, reflecting the increasing value of this role.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
