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The differences between curriculum writers and instructional systems specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a curriculum writer and an instructional systems specialist. Additionally, a curriculum writer has an average salary of $57,563, which is higher than the $53,853 average annual salary of an instructional systems specialist.
The top three skills for a curriculum writer include curriculum development, assessment items and student achievement. The most important skills for an instructional systems specialist are instructional materials, learning objectives, and training programs.
| Curriculum Writer | Instructional Systems Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $57,563 | $53,853 |
| Hourly rate | $27.67 | $25.89 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 11,540 | 65,859 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 58% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
Curriculum writers are professionals who are responsible for developing new academic instructional materials, lessons, and activities to be used by teachers or instructional staff from school districts, media companies, and other businesses. These writers are required to conduct professional development sessions for all staff about the design and changes in the new curriculum. They must produce instructional videos to help educators and coaches in preparing educational and instructional materials. Curriculum writers must also head a pilot project to evaluate potential opportunities for extended learning through virtual classroom and distance learning strategies.
An instructional systems specialist is responsible for creating instructional materials and coordinating educational content. Typical duties include developing educational and training programs, developing cooperative and constructive working relationships with others, and developing plans and goals to organize and prioritize your work. As an instructional systems specialist, you will guide, direct, and motivate your subordinates and set performance standards. You are also expected to assist students in achieving their academic goals and provide technical expertise on the application and interpretation of automation training standards.
Curriculum writers and instructional systems specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Curriculum Writer | Instructional Systems Specialist | |
| Average salary | $57,563 | $53,853 |
| Salary range | Between $35,000 And $94,000 | Between $38,000 And $74,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | - | Virginia |
| Best paying company | - | Department of Homeland Security |
| Best paying industry | - | Government |
There are a few differences between a curriculum writer and an instructional systems specialist in terms of educational background:
| Curriculum Writer | Instructional Systems Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 58% |
| Most common major | Elementary Education | Business |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between curriculum writers' and instructional systems specialists' demographics:
| Curriculum Writer | Instructional Systems Specialist | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 25.9% Female, 74.1% | Male, 54.0% Female, 46.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 12.3% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.3% Asian, 5.4% White, 61.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | Black or African American, 13.1% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 15.7% Asian, 5.3% White, 61.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 16% | 16% |