Instructional Designer Salaries: 5 Common Misconceptions That Instructional Designers Involved In The eLearning Industry Should Be Aware Of
Instructional Designer salaries may differ greatly, depending on the professional's experience level, training, specialty, and a number of other factors. As is the case with most professions, over the course of time, a variety of myths, exaggerations, and misconceptions surface about the pay involved. In this article, I'll shed some light on the most common misconceptions about Instructional Designer salaries that all professionals should be aware of, as well as the truths behind them.
Flying Solo Leads To A Higher Salary
One of the biggest misconceptions about the Instructional Design field is that doing everything on your own leads to a larger payout. Many Instructional Design freelancers try to tackle everything, becoming graphic designers and Subject Matter Experts all-in-one, thinking that saving on outsourcing costs increases their salary. However, enlisting the aid of an eLearning team is what can result in a higher salary. This is due to the fact that Instructional Designers can complete tasks more efficiently and effectively. That leads to more satisfied clients and faster turnaround times. If you work for an eLearning firm, managers commonly get paid more than their subordinates while exploring different facets of the eLearning industry. Also, bear in mind that becoming a freelancer has its fair share of trials and tribulations, as you will have to handle every aspect of the business. It's rewarding, but it requires some hard work to earn a sizable salary.
You Don't Need An Instructional Designer Degree To Earn More
Earning an Instructional Design degree may require an investment of both time and effort, but it may just pay off in the end. While Instructional Designer salaries can greatly vary based on a variety of different factors, eLearning professionals who do pursue higher education degrees typically earn more than those who do not. According to the 2015 Global eLearning Salary & Compensation Report released by The eLearning Guild, which featured the responses of 5,127 of their members [3], individuals who hold an Instructional Design doctorate degree have a salary that is almost 24% higher than the United States average [3]. There are even certain positions, such as those in the higher education sector, where eLearning professionals must hold an Instructional Design Master's or Doctorate degree to obtain a position.
Also, it's important to bear in mind that it's not just about the degree itself, but what you learn as you are pursuing that degree. Developing specific skill sets, learning about new technologies and eLearning authoring tools, as well as exploring different Instructional Design theories and principles, can all lead to a higher-paying position.
Location Has Nothing To Do With How Much You Make As An Instructional Designer
As most of your work is done online and even group collaboration can be done via project management platforms and video conferencing tools, many believe that it doesn't matter where you're located. However, even in this industry, it's all about location for an instructional designer. According to The eLearning Guild's 2015 Global eLearning Salary & Compensation Report, Australian eLearning professionals have the highest salary, with an average of $105,510 per year, while those in India earn the least, starting from $29,236. In the US, instructional designers in the San Francisco metro area have an average Instructional Designer salary of $101,410 a year, while those in Detroit earn an average base annual salary of $65,249. The number of hours you're expected to work also varies from location to location. For example, eLearning professionals in India work 45.88 full-time work hours per week, on average, while those in Canada work 42.63 hours a week.
Being A Jack-of-All-Trades Gets You A Higher eLearning Salary
While it's always a good idea to learn as much as possible about a variety of different Learning Management Systems, eLearning authoring tools, and Instructional Design models, being a jack-of-all-trades doesn't necessarily guarantee you a higher paycheck. In fact, choosing a specialty can often lead to a more substantial salary each year. For example, if you opt to work as an eLearning consultant for a healthcare company, you may have the potential to earn more than someone who has yet to identify their niche. Being a generalist when you first start out is often the best way to go, as it gives you the opportunity to determine your key strengths and interests, but it may be wise, and more lucrative, to choose a specialty once you find your footing.
Instructional Designers In The Private Sector Have The Highest Paying Positions
Instructional Designers who create and sell their own eLearning courses or work in the private sector can earn a great living. However, they usually aren't the highest paid in the eLearning industry. Instructional Designer salaries can differ significantly in any sector, as the employer, job duties, and the experience of the eLearning professional all help to determine the yearly pay. However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the highest-paid eLearning professionals are those who are in federal government settings, with average earnings of $87,790 per year [1]. Professionals who work in the consulting sector also earn about 23.9% more than the global average, while those who are in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries have salaries 26% higher than the average global instructional designer salaries [2]. eLearning freelancers can earn high salaries, as well, depending on their weekly work hours, marketing knowledge, and a number of other factors.
The eLearning Salary Forecast: What eLearning Professionals Should Know
If only there were a crystal ball exclusively for eLearning professionals, where we could gaze into the future of the eLearning industry, spot upcoming trends, and find out what the eLearning salary might be like 5 years from now. Luckily, we don't need a fortune teller to predict the pay rate of tomorrow. Today's forecasting tools and overall career outlook can tell us what the future might hold for Instructional Designers.
To better understand where the eLearning industry is, we must take a closer look at where it stands today. According to the eLearning Guild's 2015 Global eLearning Salary & Compensation Report, the average global base salary for eLearning professionals is about $78,310, which is a 2.5% increase from 2013 [2]. In the United States, this number is around $81,079 per year, which is 2.7% higher than the average in 2013 [2]. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that 18,500 Instructional Design Coordinator jobs will be added to the eLearning industry between the years 2012 and 2022, which is a 13% increase over the course of the decade [5].
All of these numbers lead to one conclusion: the eLearning industry is growing at a rapid rate, and the salaries of qualified eLearning professionals are growing right along with it. This eLearning salary increase is expected to continue at the same pace (2.5%) over the course of the next five years [2]. There are, however, a few factors that may influence your personal eLearning salary forecast.
6 Factors That May Affect Your Future eLearning Salary
1. Location
Where you work as an Instructional Designer actually has a significant impact on how much you can expect to make 5 years from now. Based on the findings of The eLearning Guild's 2015 Global eLearning Salary & Compensation Report, the average salary of Instructional Designers in Australia was an average high of $105,610. eLearning pros in India, however, had an average low of $29,236 per year. Even the salaries within the United States vary greatly. For example, those in the San Francisco metro area may earn as much as $101,410 per year on average, while those in the Detroit area might expect to bring in about $65,249 annually.
2. Tech Knowledge
The tools and technologies of the trade are always changing and evolving. Those who stay on top of trends and learn about the newest eLearning tools are more likely to earn higher salaries now and in the future. For example, eLearning professionals who are familiar with HTML5 and cloud-based authoring tools are probably going to have the upper hand, as the eLearning industry is headed in this direction. This is why it's so essential for an Instructional Designer to learn about the newest trends and technologies. It not only gives you the opportunity to develop better learning experiences for your learners but also to negotiate a better average base salary.
3. Experience level
According to PayScale.com, which is an online salary database, Instructional Designers earned a median salary of $59,878 in 2015 [4]. They also note that entry-level Instructional Designers in the United States had a median salary of $53,295, but experienced Instructional Designers had a median annual salary of $68,727 [4]. Experience typically equals better pay, as employers are more likely to increase your salary if you have developed the necessary skill sets and have a proven track record in the field. For this very reason, it's always a good idea to seize every opportunity to gain experience. For example, you can attend workshops or volunteer for projects that develop specific skills.
4. Position
The position you hold is one of the most significant determinants of your future eLearning salary. If you're in a leadership role as an Instructional Designer, such as a dedicated project manager of an L&D team at a corporation, you typically earn more than those who don't. You do, however, also have more responsibilities to go along with your higher pay. The road to becoming a project manager does require advanced planning. For example, if you want to lead an eLearning team organized in your current organization, consider taking leadership classes or attending communication courses to prepare yourself for the corporate ladder climb. Many Instructional Designers aspire to become a dedicated project manager due to the higher average total compensation.
5. Education
Typically, eLearning professionals who have higher degrees in Instructional Design, such as a doctorate or master's degree, earn more than those who do not. Not only does the degree carry weight, but the experience and knowledge that come along with it add great value. Those who are willing to pursue degrees show that they are determined, focused, and ready to take the initiative. They want to learn everything they can about the eLearning industry, and employers usually pay more for their expertise.
6. Specialty
Finding a specialty that ideally suits your interests and talents can significantly increase your eLearning salary over the course of the next five years and beyond. Specialists stand out from other instructional designers because they have mastered a particular platform or industry. These instructional designers are sought after by companies that are looking for a particular set of skills. Therefore, they can also charge more for their services and command a higher average Instructional Designer salary.
Careers For Instructional Designers
As an Instructional Designer, you can explore various career paths depending on your skills, desired average base salary, and learning experience. Here are some of the most popular Instructional Designer jobs to consider:
Training Specialist
A training specialist is one of the most lucrative roles in the corporate sector. Here, you'd mainly deliver training to upskill the organization's workforce and optimize their performance. Training specialists work closely with Instructional Designers to create effective learning experiences.
With the average total compensation often ranging between $50,000 and $70,000, it's a highly sought-after career, but it also requires intense work. You will develop training materials, suggest online courses, and keep yourself updated with the latest educational practices to facilitate eLearning. Most training specialists are also more likely to be deeply involved in managing learning, reviewing outcomes, and actively supporting the learner's experience. Training specialists often collaborate with Instructional Designers to ensure training programs meet organizational needs.
Instructional Learning Analyst
Instructional learning analysts typically assess training programs' effectiveness, combining learning design with data analysis. The average total compensation of a learning analyst is over $80,000 per year, as it entails various key functions that complement the work of an Instructional Designer.
Instructional learning analysts evaluate learner feedback, performance, and program completion metrics to determine if an eLearning course fulfills its established goals. Based on these insights, the analyst can suggest improvements on online delivery platforms and course content, allowing the organization to provide better training programs to upskill teams faster. They work closely with instructional designers to enhance the overall learning experience.
eLearning Instructional Designer
The role of an eLearning Instructional Designer is highly popular today, thanks to the growing norm of online learning. Numbers say the same, with the average total compensation for eLearning designers ranging from $70,000 to $90,000, making it one of the most attractive Instructional Designer jobs.
Having said that, this career is quite demanding too. eLearning Instructional Designers often have to be adept at developing training programs through Learning Management Systems (LMS) to ensure unhindered access and seamless course management. They can also use authoring tools like Adobe Captivate to build interactive programs that foster learner engagement and create exceptional learning experiences. These Instructional Designers must stay current with online delivery platforms to remain competitive.
Curriculum Designer
A curriculum designer is responsible for planning, designing, and delivering learning programs across courses, typically within an academic setting. Although they can also work for corporate training, curriculum designers are more common in educational institutions and often work alongside Instructional Designers.
The average total compensation of a curriculum designer varies significantly based on experience levels, but generally ranges from $50,000 to $90,000 per year. In this role, you will mostly work on aligning objectives with outcomes to ensure learners acquire the target skills or knowledge.
Curriculum designers frequently develop training materials and design online courses that enhance the learning experience, often collaborating with Instructional Designers to achieve these goals.
Conclusion
You have the power to write your own paycheck five years from now by planning your course of action today. Take these eLearning salary factors into consideration when creating your professional goals to ensure the success of your eLearning career.
If you're considering an Instructional Design career, it's wise to know exactly what to expect. Hopefully, the truth behind these common misconceptions can help you in your decision-making process and give you a clear picture of what you're getting into before pursuing this rewarding career path.
Earning an Instructional Design degree can help increase salary figures and lead to more job opportunities. Read the article Why Do You Need An Instructional Design Degree? to learn the many reasons why you may want to pursue a degree in this ever-evolving field.
Last, but not least, if you're new to the world of Instructional Design and would like to know more about how to get started, the article How To Get Started As An Instructional Designer delves into the necessary skills and hiring process for Instructional Design professionals.
References:
- The Average Salaries of Instructional Designers
- The eLearning Guild Releases 2015 Global eLearning Salary & Compensation Report
- 2015 Global eLearning Salary & Compensation Report Infographic
- Instructional Designer Salary (United States)
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Instructional Coordinators
