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What You Need to Know About Instructional Designer or Technologist

Instructional Designer or Technologist Job Description Develop instructional materials and products and assist in the technology-based redesign of courses. Assist faculty in learning about, becoming proficient in, and applying instructional technology.

List of Instructional Designer or Technologist Job Duties

  • Design instructional aids for stand-alone or instructor-led classroom or online use.
  • Develop instruction or training roadmaps for online and blended learning programs.
  • Adapt instructional content or delivery methods for different levels or types of learners.
  • Analyze performance data to determine effectiveness of instructional systems, courses, or instructional materials.
  • Edit instructional materials, such as books, simulation exercises, lesson plans, instructor guides, and tests.
  • Recommend changes to curricula or delivery methods, based on information such as instructional effectiveness data, current or future performance requirements, feasibility, and costs.

Things an Instructional Designer or Technologist Should Know How to Do

Below is a list of the skills most Instructional Designers and Technologists say are important on the job.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Learning Strategies: Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Instructing: Teaching others how to do something.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Types of Instructional Designer or Technologist Jobs

  • Learning Consultant
  • Human Performance Technologist
  • Learning Design Specialist
  • Team Lead, Teacher Support and Student Intervention
  • Technology Infusion Specialist

Job Opportunities for Instructional Designers and Technologists

There were about 163,200 jobs for Instructional Designer or Technologist in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 10.5% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 17,200 new jobs for Instructional Designer or Technologist by 2026. The BLS estimates 16,900 yearly job openings in this field.

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The states with the most job growth for Instructional Designer or Technologist are Utah, Nevada, and Washington. Watch out if you plan on working in Vermont, Wyoming, or Alaska. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Average Instructional Designers and Technologists Salary

The salary for Instructional Designers and Technologists ranges between about $36,360 and $102,200 a year.

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Instructional Designers and Technologists who work in Connecticut, District of Columbia, or California, make the highest salaries.

How much do Instructional Designers and Technologists make in different U.S. states?

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $72,270
Alaska $69,130
Arizona $52,310
Arkansas $58,380
California $80,860
Colorado $67,520
Connecticut $92,330
Delaware $67,640
District of Columbia $93,400
Florida $52,900
Georgia $66,820
Hawaii $68,880
Idaho $53,390
Illinois $67,540
Indiana $62,760
Iowa $69,450
Kansas $57,320
Kentucky $60,530
Louisiana $51,200
Maine $63,250
Maryland $73,430
Massachusetts $76,270
Michigan $66,750
Minnesota $69,070
Mississippi $58,730
Missouri $59,400
Montana $54,430
Nebraska $64,870
Nevada $65,740
New Hampshire $62,800
New Jersey $75,980
New Mexico $60,740
New York $71,440
North Carolina $56,480
North Dakota $63,030
Ohio $64,680
Oklahoma $55,800
Oregon $78,200
Pennsylvania $67,890
Rhode Island $59,090
South Carolina $58,040
South Dakota $62,150
Tennessee $56,220
Texas $66,060
Utah $57,530
Vermont $59,440
Virginia $75,710
Washington $68,480
West Virginia $55,880
Wisconsin $65,270
Wyoming $67,300

What Tools do Instructional Designers and Technologists Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Instructional Designers and Technologists:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Hypertext markup language HTML
  • JavaScript
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Web browser software
  • Microsoft Access
  • Email software
  • Microsoft Project
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
  • Microsoft Visio
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
  • SAS
  • Microsoft Publisher
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
  • Extensible markup language XML
  • Adobe Systems Adobe InDesign
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Dreamweaver

How do I Become an Instructional Designer or Technologist?

Individuals working as an Instructional Designer or Technologist have obtained the following education levels:

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What work experience do I need to become an Instructional Designer or Technologist?

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Where do Instructional Designers and Technologists Work?

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The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

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References:

Image Credit: Disarnot via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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