What Do Instructional Designer or Technologist Do?
Occupation 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.
A Day in the Life of an Instructional Designer or Technologist
- Develop measurement tools to evaluate the effectiveness of instruction or training interventions.
- Recommend changes to curricula or delivery methods, based on information such as instructional effectiveness data, current or future performance requirements, feasibility, and costs.
- Develop master course documentation or manuals according to applicable accreditation, certification, or other requirements.
- Develop instructional materials and products for technology-based redesign of courses.
- Provide technical advice on the use of current instructional technologies, including computer-based training, desktop videoconferencing, multimedia, and distance learning technologies.
- Develop instruction or training roadmaps for online and blended learning programs.
Featured schools near , edit
Qualities of an Instructional Designer or Technologist
When polled, Instructional Designers and Technologists say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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.
Related Job Titles
- Education Specialist
- Senior Instructional Designer
- Technology Integration Specialist
- Instructional Technology Resource Teacher
- Human Performance Technologist
Instructional Designer or Technologist Employment Estimates
In the United States, there were 163,200 jobs for Instructional Designer or Technologist in 2016. 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. There will be an estimated 16,900 positions for Instructional Designer or Technologist per year.
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.
Salary for an Instructional Designer or Technologist
The typical yearly salary for Instructional Designers and Technologists is somewhere between $36,360 and $102,200.
Instructional Designers and Technologists who work in Connecticut, District of Columbia, or California, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Instructional Designers and Technologists 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 & Technology do Instructional Designers and Technologists Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Instructional Designers and Technologists may use on a daily basis:
- 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
Becoming an Instructional Designer or Technologist
What kind of Instructional Designer or Technologist requirements are there?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where do Instructional Designers and Technologists Work?
Instructional Designers and Technologists work in the following industries:
References:
Image Credit: Disarnot via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Course Advisor provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© Course Advisor – All Rights Reserved.