What Does it Take to Be an Instructional Designer or Technologist?
Position 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
- Analyze performance data to determine effectiveness of instructional systems, courses, or instructional materials.
- Provide technical advice on the use of current instructional technologies, including computer-based training, desktop videoconferencing, multimedia, and distance learning technologies.
- Recommend instructional methods, such as individual or group instruction, self-study, lectures, demonstrations, simulation exercises, and role-playing, appropriate for content and learner characteristics.
- Assess effectiveness and efficiency of instruction according to ease of instructional technology use and student learning, knowledge transfer, and satisfaction.
- Design learning products, including web-based aids or electronic performance support systems.
- Conduct needs assessments and strategic learning assessments to develop the basis for curriculum development or to update curricula.
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What Every Instructional Designer or Technologist Should Know
Below is a list of the skills most Instructional Designers and Technologists say are important on the job.
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
- Education Specialist
- Instructional Technology Resource Teacher
- Instructional Systems Designer
- Human Performance Technologist
- Instructional Technology Facilitator
What Kind of Instructional Designer or Technologist Job Opportunities Are There?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 163,200 jobs in the United States for Instructional Designer or Technologist. 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.
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.
How Much Does an Instructional Designer or Technologist Make?
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.
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?
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?
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
References:
Image Credit: Disarnot via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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