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Instructional Designer or Technologist

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Life As an Instructional Designer or Technologist

Instructional Designer or Technologist Example 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.

Instructional Designer or Technologist Responsibilities

  • Assess effectiveness and efficiency of instruction according to ease of instructional technology use and student learning, knowledge transfer, and satisfaction.
  • Develop instructional materials, such as lesson plans, handouts, or examinations.
  • Observe and provide feedback on instructional techniques, presentation methods, or instructional aids.
  • Analyze performance data to determine effectiveness of instructional systems, courses, or instructional materials.
  • Develop measurement tools to evaluate the effectiveness of instruction or training interventions.
  • Provide technical advice on the use of current instructional technologies, including computer-based training, desktop videoconferencing, multimedia, and distance learning technologies.

Instructional Designer or Technologist Required Skills

These are the skills Instructional Designers and Technologists say are the most useful in their careers:

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

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

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

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.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

  • Senior Instructional Designer
  • Learning Design Specialist
  • Instructional Design Technologist
  • Instructional Systems Designer
  • Instructional Technology Resource Teacher

Instructional Designer or Technologist Job Outlook

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. 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.

Do Instructional Designers and Technologists Make A Lot Of Money?

The average yearly salary of an Instructional Designer or Technologist ranges between $36,360 and $102,200.

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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 & 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

How do I Become an Instructional Designer or Technologist?

Are there Instructional Designers and Technologists education requirements?

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How many years of work experience do I need?

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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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