How Much Do Instructional Designers Make? Instructional Design Salary Explored

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Watch the full guide to becoming an instructional designer: • How to Become an Instr...
How much do instructional designers make?
If you’re thinking about working in instructional design, then it’s a good idea to know what type of salaries and hourly rates to expect.
In this video, we’ll dive into earnings data from a variety of instructional design reports. Learn how much money salaried or freelance designers can expect to earn.
We’ll look at instructional design earnings data from my 2021 Instructional Designer report, the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (2020) data, and the Learning Guild’s (2018) eLearning report.
I’ll also share my experience of working as a freelance instructional designer from 2018-2020.
This information gives you a better idea of what to expect when you enter the instructional design job market.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This is not financial advice and this video does not make any claims about how much you should or should not charge for your services.
As a new instructional designer, you can earn higher and lower amounts than the average salary data that we’ll look at today.
Feel free to ask any questions about instructional designer earnings in the comments.
Learn how to become an instructional designer here: • How to Become an Instr...
How to Land Your Dream Instructional Design Job: • How to Land your Dream...
How to Find Instructional Design Jobs: • How to Find Instructio...
How to Create an Instructional Design Resume: • How to Create an Instr...
Freelance Instructional Designer vs. Full-Time Employee: • Freelance Instructiona...
Devlinpeck.com Instructional Design Report (2021): www.devlinpeck.com/posts/inst...
Instructional Coordinators (BLS 2020): www.bls.gov/ooh/education-tra...
Training & Development Specialists (BLS 2020): www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-...
The Learning Guild Report (2018): www.learningguild.com/insight...
Using the affiliate links below will help support me and the content on this channel:
**Book Recommendations**
The Non-Designer's Design Book: amzn.to/3kP0reO
Map It: amzn.to/3f137mR
eLearning and the Science of Instruction: amzn.to/3kNuBiF
Design For How People Learn: amzn.to/3CLtrNM
Michael Allen's Guide to eLearning: amzn.to/31ZUbJB
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Full writeup: www.devlinpeck.com/posts/vide...
0:00 Intro
1:39 ID Compensation Data from the Devlinpeck.com Report (2021)
3:05 Instructional Coordinator Salary Data from the Dept. of Labour Statistics
4:33 Instructional Design Salary Data from the Learning Guild Report
5:06 Earnings Information for New and Prospective IDs
6:21 My Earnings as a Freelance Instructional Designer
9:19 Instructional Design Hourly Rates vs. Project Rates
12:40 Next Steps

Опубликовано:

8 авг 2024

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Комментарии : 123

@DevlinPeckYT 2 года назад

Learn how to design scenario-based eLearning with this in-depth RU-vid video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-k2nGe5xXugw.html

@linetediaz.807 2 года назад

Devlin, Thank you so much for all the thought, care and effort you not only put into your videos but in responding to all the comments and questions in your forums. You can truly see that your focused on helping others not only through your course but also through your free content. Thank you so very much!

@DevlinPeckYT 2 года назад

You’re so welcome! And yes, I am thankful to everyone who supports both the free and paid content. Even comments like this help a lot, and this is why I do what I do 😃. Really happy to help!!

@truthseeker318 Год назад

Thanks for all your content! It's really giving me clarity.

@susannschecker4370 2 года назад

I got very lucky to be offered a job in the public sector, which is unionized. Outside of 1.5 times my teaching salary, I get 24 PTO days (not including sick time) right out the gate, which is so important for me as a traveller. Also, I have learned that there is a very healthy culture around taking sick time, which was what I was most afraid of leaving my teaching position. I know it is often mentioned, that corporate jobs pay better, but it might be worthwhile to take a closer look at public-sector jobs for their benefits. Devlin, I am just so grateful for your work. Your video "How to become an instructional designer." was the kick off to my personal journey!

@DevlinPeckYT 2 года назад

Thanks Susann! We appreciate you sharing more about your journey here. Big congrats on landing this role…sounds like it is a great fit. And good point about there being good public sector roles out there ☺️

@sportyguy1 2 года назад

Thanks for being so open and honest about your own work. This and every other video has been incredibly useful. You are my go to coach at the moment and Google seems to know exactly the video I need to see next. I especially liked the one on costs involved in running a freelancing business.

@DevlinPeckYT 2 года назад

You're welcome, Chris. I am glad that you've been enjoying the content so much. Keep up the great work!

@pfabdull 2 года назад

Thanks for this Devlin! Really appreciate this info, and I also think it is a valuable contribution to the emerging culture of transparency around salary in many fields.

@DevlinPeckYT 2 года назад

Thanks Paul! I am definitely here for the pay transparency. Hopefully it doesn’t ruffle any feathers, haha

@kahlavoyles6921 2 года назад

Very insightful! Thanks so much for taking the time to collect all this and for sharing your findings and personal experiences with us.

@DevlinPeckYT 2 года назад

You're welcome! I wanted to pull it all together to make it easier for people to know what to expect :D

@LauraBunte 2 года назад

You're very generous to post this information -- and spot on with the research and outcomes. Thank you!

@DevlinPeckYT 2 года назад

You’re welcome! Thanks for checking out the video and supporting the content 😃

@gkaur1522 2 года назад

This couldn't be more timely! I'm about to start looking for contract/freelance work to get my foot in the door, and was wondering about hourly rates. Thanks for another insightful video, Devlin!

@DevlinPeckYT 2 года назад

Nice! I'm glad that this was helpful, Gia. I see that question a lot so made sure to cover hourly rates :D

@cynthiareid6416 2 года назад

Another valuable video Devlin. I have just sought similar information!! Thanks!!!

@DevlinPeckYT 2 года назад

You're welcome! I'm glad that this one is coming at the right time :D

@q.bea_ 2 года назад

Thank you so much for this! You consistently provide quality, informative content 🙏🏾 you’ve been a great deal of help on my journey to ID

@DevlinPeckYT 2 года назад

You’re welcome! Thanks for supporting the video. Where are you at in your journey?

@q.bea_ 2 года назад

@@DevlinPeckYT I'm currently in my 3rd year as a HS English teacher and I've confirmed and accepted that classroom teaching isn't for me. I discovered ID and realized it was the profession I always wanted but never knew existed! I'm currently learning how to navigate Articulate and I've applied to a master's program of which I hope to begin in Summer of 2022. I know it isn't necessary but I personally love school and having an opportunity to learn all of the fundamentals from the ground up in a scholastic setting.

@DevlinPeckYT 2 года назад

@@q.bea_ nice!! It’s always exciting when you learn that ID is an entire field…and even better when you realize the pay and work-life balance is pretty good. I remember feeling like it was too good to be true! And sounds good about the master’s degree. It definitely couldn’t hurt! I can definitely relate..loved the academic environment. I definitely considered working as an ID in higher ed for a bit.

@jolezene 2 года назад

Another outstanding video.....Well done...Your are definitely THE SOURCE hands down.....my complements ....Thank you

@DevlinPeckYT 2 года назад

Thank you so much for the support! Glad that you’re enjoying the content 😃

@deborah8607 Год назад

Everything Devlin does is professional and very informative. Thanks for all the great ID videos!

@maryarmstrong1892 2 года назад

Great info, thanks Devlin!

@DevlinPeckYT 2 года назад

You're welcome! Thanks for watching :)

@Jmcmusic30 2 года назад

Really helpful to see the figures for freelancing. Would love to go that route eventually, so definitely some great insight. Seems like that route can yield really high returns if you get a solid process developed.

@DevlinPeckYT 2 года назад

For sure…and the ceiling is much higher than where I made it. You’d be good at creating content & running a biz like the one I’m running now, too, so that’s maybe something else to consider 😃

@mortilaineriley1029 2 года назад

This is very helpful. Thank you!!!

@DevlinPeckYT 2 года назад

You're welcome! Happy to hear that it's helpful :)

@PrplElephants Год назад

This was really helpful! I’ve been between becoming an ID or a web developer and knowing the salary is just one more factor

@DevlinPeckYT Год назад

You're welcome! And if you have web dev skills in the ID space, you can set yourself apart really well (the intersect between eLearning and web dev is one of my favorite types of work to do in this field)

@hamidsaffarian 2 года назад

You are very generous Devlin. Thanks :-)

@DevlinPeckYT 2 года назад

Of course! Thanks for the support :)

@oneilkush6806 2 года назад

Great content overall and very inspirational

@DevlinPeckYT 2 года назад

Thank you! Glad that you enjoyed it.

@SpeakingEnglishToday 2 года назад

Wow! This is super helpful.

@DevlinPeckYT 2 года назад

Glad to hear it! Thanks for watching, as always 😃

@heatherforbes8117 2 года назад

Devlin, thank you. You and the work you have shared have been instrumental in my transition to ID. I am so grateful to you and all the time you give to this community. I’m curious how you started your freelance journey. Did you simply keep adding to your portfolio so businesses continued to find/seek you out? Or did you seek out companies/contract roles?

@DevlinPeckYT 2 года назад

You’re welcome, Heather. I’m glad that the content has been helping 😃. And great question. When I got started, I built up a decent portfolio and optimized my LinkedIn profile. Then people would find me on LinkedIn, visit my portfolio, and then either email me or DM me on LinkedIn. I’ve tried cold outreach a couple of times just to see how it would go but never had much success with it. From there, creating content that people could find on Google and RU-vid helped clients find me 😃

@JessieCarty 2 года назад

I'm new to researching all of this but the numbers are impressive although a lot of the job postings I'm seeing right now are more like $35 an hour or starting at $55-$60K but it really seems to vary by the type of organization and the type of job they describe. I am hoping to make the leap and love the idea that your spouse helped you because mine has a really great artistic side. Thanks for sharing!

@DevlinPeckYT 2 года назад

Thanks Jessie, and welcome to instructional design! Are you looking at local job postings? Or considering remote roles as well? Location could have something to do with that, but with how much ID work is done remotely these days, you can definitely see higher numbers than what you mentioned. Creating a strong portfolio will really help you break through the noise and stand out in the market for those higher-paying corporate ID roles 😃

@JessieCarty 2 года назад

@@DevlinPeckYT thanks for your prompt reply! I've been focused on remote work but also lacking a little confidence since my portfolio is more teaching based than as strong on design but that's why I'm here! To learn ❤️

@DevlinPeckYT 2 года назад

@@JessieCarty nice! Sounds like you know where to focus your efforts 😃. Creating some eLearning deliverables (at least one with Storyline) that solve real-world knowledge / skill gaps (bonus points if in the workplace), then your portfolio will be in good shape 😃

@JessieCarty 2 года назад

@@DevlinPeckYT That's exactly what I was thinking!

@DevlinPeckYT 2 года назад

@@JessieCarty You've been doing your research! :D

@mariajosedominguez1647 11 месяцев назад

Hi Devlin, great content in ALL of your videos! I was contacted by a friend to help him turn all trainings (face to face) they currently do at a health care center into e-learning. He has asked for a proposal, but I am having a bit of trouble deciding on the format of the contract (watched your videos),.... I am wondering if you offer mentorship for this? Maybe paid 1:1 sessions that can guide me through this process? Thanks for all the content you are always adding!

@swboxing 2 года назад

Good info. Cheers. Interestingly I searched the average for an ID in the UK which comes in at just under £28k or $37.5k which is significantly lower than these estimates.

@DevlinPeckYT 2 года назад

Cheers, Steve! I just checked my salary survey for 2021…the 12 IDs who completed it from the UK earn an average of 38k GBP. Not a very big sample size…but it does seem possible to earn above the average for sure!

@byootay 2 года назад

Thanks for sharing this video and content Devlin, I appreciate it. I've personally been an ID fulltime for the last year and part-time for a few years prior. I am fairly certain my company is NOT competitive, although they're talking about doing a market analysis and giving some of us raises in 2022. My question is this, how much time in the role are these average salaries comprised from?

@DevlinPeckYT 2 года назад

You’re welcome! Glad to hear that your company is going to make their salaries more competitive. And you can look at the reports for more info about the audience…in my report the biggest segment of the audience was IDs with 0-3 years of experience.

@heroesXpowerless Год назад

Hi Devlin, I was wondering how do you choose your price when "project princing"? Thanks!

@kristinameyer6291 2 года назад

Excellent information! Do you happen to have any resources on how you break down the rate for a project to show to the client?

@DevlinPeckYT 2 года назад

Thanks Kristina! And I don’t break down the rate unless it’s for optional add-ons. For example, $20k for a 10-question, text-only (no narration), scenario-based eLearning Project. And extra $5k for custom illustrations. Extra $5k for sound effects & sound design, etc. But I only propose add-ons if the client said it was something they may be interested in.

@kristinameyer6291 2 года назад

@@DevlinPeckYT thank you for the valuable information!!

@DevlinPeckYT 2 года назад

@@kristinameyer6291 you're very welcome! Any time :D

@mirzamohammedalibaig 2 года назад

Hi Devlin, please make a video on: How to communicate project through Excel?

@DevlinPeckYT 2 года назад

Thanks for the suggestion! And I have not used Excel for any eLearning projects...can you tell us more about how you are using it?

@markatanacio5881 Год назад

Thank you I learn more on your video, can I ask where can I apply for instructional design work from home

@DevlinPeckYT Год назад

You're welcome! I'm glad that the videos are helping :D. And there are plenty of remote ID jobs on job boards like Indeed. Check them out :D

@amyrojek8793 2 года назад

Hello, Devlin. I'm a teacher and interested in becoming an instructional designer. I'm hoping to get up and going this summer in order to do some freelance work. I'm taking an online course, but I will definitely take the time to watch your videos too. My question to you is, how did you get freelance work? Did you advertise somewhere?

@DevlinPeckYT 2 года назад

Thanks for asking, Amy! And that sounds like a good goal. I got freelance work by creating my portfolio, optimizing my LinkedIn profile, networking, and creating content. This brought clients to me organically instead of me having to go out and search for them. Creating a portfolio and optimizing your LI is a great place to start with this approach.

@ChillBrah_ 2 года назад

Patagonia sweater? That’s nice 🔥

@DevlinPeckYT 2 года назад

Haha thanks! Yes, had to get some new Patagonia gear moving out here to the PNW. The weather is a bit different than South Florida :D

@mzilg Год назад

Random but... I like your hair and beard in this video. 😅👍

@yam7993 2 года назад

Awesome video! Very comprehensive and informational. When you charge by the project, what is the average amount of time it takes you to complete the project? Do you set the projected end date of the project when you negotiate to the client about pricing? How often do you work with the same client? Complete ID Newbie btw

@DevlinPeckYT 2 года назад

Good questions and thank you! Happy to answer your questions: 1. The time that it takes me to complete a project really varies. Sometimes it was a $7.5k-10k project that took me 5 hours to complete for very specialized programming tasks (but thousands of hours learning how to do it over the years). Other full design & development projects would take 30-60 hours. The idea with project pricing is to make sure that you still come out ahead for when unforeseen delays or problems pop up. This way you can still provide great customer service and don't feel like you're working for free...and if everything goes super smoothly, then you see even more profit. 2. Yes, we always have an estimated end date when kicking off a project. I do make it clear though that we cannot guarantee that end date since we rely on collaboration from the client (and the biggest hold up is often SME availability / delayed feedback). 3. I worked with about half of my clients more than once. When I got into the higher-value project-priced projects, the clients were looking more for a one-off solution. When charging hourly, clients would give me steady work. I preferred the one-off projects because they were more profitable and gave me more time to work on my content for RU-vid & my site :)

@yam7993 2 года назад

@@DevlinPeckYT Awesome, thanks for the feedback!

@DevlinPeckYT 2 года назад

@@yam7993 you’re welcome! 😊

@directionone-oldchannel 2 года назад

@@DevlinPeckYT Thanks for the insight

@DevlinPeckYT 2 года назад

@@directionone-oldchannel you’re welcome!

@josephguillen5520 2 года назад

I’m curious in ways an ID can attract clients/secure clients. Or more aptly put, how can an ID transition into the freelance market? Thank you!

@DevlinPeckYT 2 года назад

Good question! You can check out this video to learn more about landing your first client: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-3Z4xkAz4yrI.html But, generally: 1. Create a strong portfolio 2. Optimize your LinkedIn profile 3. Create content that people in your intended audience may search for / find valuable

@joepiekl 2 года назад

A useful video Devlin, thanks. One quick question. What sort of initial outlay is there for a freelance instructional designer in terms of software and equipment? I've noticed for example that Articulate Storyline is $1k a year, for example. What would you estimate your costs of setting up in the first place?

@DevlinPeckYT 2 года назад

Good question, J. I actually recorded a video about that! Check it out here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-MapoDlomazY.html

@joepiekl 2 года назад

@@DevlinPeckYT Thanks for that. Watching it now.

@DiamondFlame45 2 года назад

If you have a coding background, can you use it as leverage to negotiate a higher ID salary?

@DevlinPeckYT 2 года назад

Of course! But only on teams / in roles that value it. If the team doesn’t need someone with that skillset, then it may not warrant a higher salary (because it may not add value).

@anna_saklakova Год назад

Do you think a legal status is important for freelancer? I mean, are there any problems for citizens of other countries to get U.S.A. freelance orders? Of course, ID is registered as an entrepreneur in another country. Do customers prefer Americans?

@paolafajardo6381 Год назад

Any latinoamerican living y South America working for the Usa remotely?

@gustavosoares7397 Год назад

Does my location impact a lot on my salary even if I'm working 100% home office? Btw: I'm in Brazil

@adamparr1987 2 года назад

Has anyone in the UK got any thoughts on the rates over this side of the pond? My experience is that a salary is around £35k?

@DevlinPeckYT 2 года назад

I hope that someone can chime in on this!

@thepurpleknithouse 2 года назад

What do the different ID level mean? ( I, II, and III). Also are university jobs historically low paying?

@DevlinPeckYT 2 года назад

Good questions! It really depends on the company (and not consistent across companies from what I can tell). But the general idea is that the higher the number, the more experienced the person is in that role. And yes, corporate typically pays higher than higher ed 😃

@thepurpleknithouse 2 года назад

Thank you, Devlin!

@DevlinPeckYT 2 года назад

@@thepurpleknithouse You're welcome!

@artismypassion 2 года назад

Could you say something about Canada salary range and hourly rate for freelancers?

@DevlinPeckYT 2 года назад

Sure thing. The average salary of the 31 people in Canada who completed my survey is 78,851 CAD. Freelance rates can vary a lot because it really depends on the client / freelancer (and you can work with international clients)

@lemonpoppyseeds 2 года назад

Unfortunately my experience is that Canadian Salaries often mirror or lag behind US salaries, but in Canadian dollars. I.e. the average in the USA is 80k USD but in Canada it's around 78K CAD which is actually only worth ~61k USD, so a 25% lower salary. That's why as a Canadian freelancer most of my clients are either USA or England, they pay better on average.

@tech_rn 2 года назад

Hi Devlin. Great content as always! I just bumped into ID recently. Just wondering how does charging a client per hour work? Sorry if I'm asking a stupid question but I just think that the amount of work done per hour is always relative.. Thanks!

@DevlinPeckYT 2 года назад

Thanks Cliff! Glad that you found ID. And people who charge hourly do exactly that…charge for their time instead of the deliverable. For newer people it isn’t the worst idea since it could protect them too (inaccurate estimates of how long the project will take, and if charging hourly, then you know you’ll be compensated for the time spent working). However, as you get more experience and scope projects better, then yes, hourly pricing punishes efficiency.

@felicial7628 2 года назад

Do you work alone on projects? Or do you hire others?

@DevlinPeckYT 2 года назад

Good question! It depends on the project. My wife has helped me on a handful of projects (especially those that used Vyond...she is great with that). I've also worked with a Storyline developer towards the end of 2020 and early 2021 so I would have more time for content. And I work with an illustrator for custom illustrations because I cannot create those on my own :D

@carlositoization 2 года назад

Thanks for the info Devlin! I just recently transitioned out of operations and into and ID/eLearning developer role. Just out of curiosity is the $85k average for people with specific academic credentials or really just anyone doing that type role? Thanks!

@DevlinPeckYT 2 года назад

Hi Carlos. In our latest survey, there was no clear correlation between education and earnings (bachelors and masters were pretty similar). This is the average for everyone who completed the survey. Check out the full data on my site if still interested 😃

@carlositoization 2 года назад

@@DevlinPeckYT gotcha! I appreciate you reaching back out. I’ll definitely be checking out your content as I get more into this role. Again, thanks.

@flagshipbuilds 2 года назад

What are your technical skills?

@DevlinPeckYT 2 года назад

Thanks for asking! In an eLearning context, I use Articulate Storyline, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. As well as the Adobe Suite for editing graphics & media.

@flagshipbuilds 2 года назад

@@DevlinPeckYT What Adobe software do you use? Do you ever use After Effects?

@DevlinPeckYT 2 года назад

@@flagshipbuilds in order from most often to least often: Illustrator, Premiere Pro, XD , Photoshop, InDesign, After Effects. Those are the main ones…def not a pro in the last 3 but enough to get by.

@flagshipbuilds 2 года назад

@@DevlinPeckYT Thank you! This is really helpful.

@flagshipbuilds 2 года назад

@@DevlinPeckYT Also, which should I learn first: Adobe software or JS? I only have time for one at a time due to school and work. It is worth noting that I do currently know HTML and CSS fluid box.

@icsc87 2 года назад

I WISH I could get clients that would pay me even just 45$ an hour to do instructional design..

@DevlinPeckYT 2 года назад

There’s plenty of opportunity out there at that right and above! Do you have a portfolio and optimized LinkedIn profile? Those two pieces make a huge difference 😃

@SOS-ct9mv Год назад

Wow they get paid less than public school teachers in San Francisco.

@DevlinPeckYT Год назад

The IDs I know in SF earn around 100-120k! Not sure if this is the average, but earnings definitely seem higher in SF across the board.

@Milan-mj4iv 2 года назад

My salary as an instructional designer is 750$...

@DevlinPeckYT 2 года назад

Thank you for sharing. Location can definitely impact salary. Do you know if that is typical for your area?

@Milan-mj4iv 2 года назад

@@DevlinPeckYT O yea that's true. So I'm just one of the phew in southeastern Europe (Bosnia and Herzegovina) where salaries are in that range for this position. For example in Serbia it can go up to 1100$ or perhaps 1600$ maximum.

@DevlinPeckYT 2 года назад

@@Milan-mj4iv Thank you for sharing. I have not seen much salary data from that region. And that is for the year? I wondering if freelancing would give you access to a wider market and higher rates?

@Milan-mj4iv 2 года назад

@@DevlinPeckYT You are welcome. You probably dont see too much data because here if we count two countries there are only 15 or maybe 20 IDs and that's maximum. No that's monthly salary and in my case it's 9000$ per year. I strongly beleive that freelance would give me much better experience and higher rates but its super hard to get any of the USA companies. I'm perfectly sure that I have a good CV and decent portfolio for the first interview but I guess USA companies are refusing to cooperate with people here.

@DevlinPeckYT 2 года назад

@@Milan-mj4iv oh wow, only 15-20 IDs? That is not very many at all. And for full-time work it may be very difficult, but perhaps freelance clients would be more okay with it. And maybe trying to work with clients throughout the rest of Europe will be easier than those in the US at first? Just some ideas 😃