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Instructional Designer or Technologist

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What Do Instructional Designer or Technologist Do?

Career 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

  • Research and evaluate emerging instructional technologies or methods.
  • Design instructional aids for stand-alone or instructor-led classroom or online use.
  • Adapt instructional content or delivery methods for different levels or types of learners.
  • Assess effectiveness and efficiency of instruction according to ease of instructional technology use and student learning, knowledge transfer, and satisfaction.
  • Analyze performance data to determine effectiveness of instructional systems, courses, or instructional materials.
  • Interview subject matter experts or conduct other research to develop instructional content.

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.

Types of Instructional Designer or Technologist

  • Instructional Technology Site Technologist
  • Technology Integration Specialist
  • IT Senior Analyst (Instructional Technology Senior Analyst)
  • Instructional Technology Facilitator
  • Team Lead, Teacher Support and Student Intervention

Instructional Designer or Technologist Employment Estimates

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. There will be an estimated 16,900 positions for Instructional Designer or Technologist per year.

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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.

Do Instructional Designers and Technologists Make A Lot Of Money?

Instructional Designers and Technologists make between $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

Tools & Technologies Used by Instructional Designers and Technologists

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

Learn what Instructional Designer or Technologist education requirements there are.

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How many years of work experience do I need?

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Where Instructional Designers and Technologists Work

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Below are examples of industries where Instructional Designers and Technologists 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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