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Instructional Designer I Salary in the United States

How much does an Instructional Designer I make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Instructional Designer I in the United States is $57,147 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.

However, an Instructional Designer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $74,626
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $47,259 to $66,296
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $38,256
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Instructional Designer I Salaries

An Instructional Designer I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Instructional Designer I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Instructional Designer I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $54,638
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $57,830
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $63,428
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $64,248
  • Expert (over 8 years): $64,657
Levels Salary
Entry Level Instructional Designer I$54,638
Intermediate Level Instructional Designer I$57,830
Senior Level Instructional Designer I$63,428
Specialist Level Instructional Designer I$64,248
Expert Level Instructional Designer I$64,657
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How Do Instructional Designer Is Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Instructional Designer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $63,273.
  • California: $63,033.
  • Massachusetts: $62,193.

Top Paying Cities for Instructional Designer I

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $72,080
  • San Francisco: $71,290
  • Oakland: $69,788

Instructional Designer I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Instructional Designer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $58,976. While startup companies pay approximate $50,393.

Instructional Designer I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $50,393
Growth Stage 51~500 $53,168
Established 501~5000 $57,093
Enterprise 5000+ $58,976

Instructional Designer I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Instructional Designer I roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 31% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Government, offers compensation 18% above the average. Conversely, Instructional Designer positions in Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Instructional Designer I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for an Instructional Designer I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Government$67,674$33.018%

Instructional Designer I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Instructional Designer I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$47,259
Average $57,147/year
$66,296
$3,938
Average $4,762/month
$5,525
$909
Average $1,099/week
$1,275
$23
Average $27/hour
$32
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $66,296 $5,525 $1,275 $32
Average $57,147 $4,762 $1,099 $27
25th Percentile $47,259 $3,938 $909 $23

Instructional Designer I Salary Growth & Career Path

Instructional Designer I

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Instructional Designer I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Instructional Designer II $59,596 4%
Associate Dean - Career Development $96,403 69%
Associate Dean - Computer and Information Systems $166,403 191%
Consultant - Education $114,779 101%

Most common benefits for Instructional Designer I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Instructional Designer I

Here are companies hiring for Instructional Designer I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Instructional Designer I

1. Where can an Instructional Designer I earn the most?

An Instructional Designer I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, an Instructional Designer I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Instructional Designer I is $72,080.

2. What is the highest pay for Instructional Designer I?

The highest pay for Instructional Designer I is $74,626.

3. What is the lowest pay for Instructional Designer I?

The lowest pay for Instructional Designer I is $38,256.

4. What are the responsibilities of Instructional Designer I?

Responsible for designing and developing online course content. Creates engaging and effective learning materials, including presentations, videos, and interactive exercises. Works with subject matter experts, educators, and stakeholders to ensure the quality and relevance of learning materials. Assesses the effectiveness of learning materials and makes improvements based on feedback and data analysis. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Instructional Designer I?

The Government industry offers the highest average compensation for Instructional Designer I roles, with salaries approximately 18% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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.

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