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What is an instructional designer and trainer and how to become one
The Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) defines the responsibilities of instructional designers and trainers as "the theory and practice of design, development, utilization, management, and evaluation of processes and resources for learning". They are paramount in the process of learning. They are tasked with redesigning courses, developing entire courses or curriculums and creating training materials, such as teaching manuals and student guides.
Instructional designers and trainers design instructional management systems, evaluate new eLearning materials, and create educational podcasts, videos, and content. Moreover, they also design and revamp both new and established learning models, implement feedback from program reviews, train others on how to deliver learning materials, and research new innovations in both learning design and education. Given the high level of responsibility, many individuals in this role hold a master's degree.
The average hourly salary for the position is $31.57, which amounts to $65,658 annually. The occupation is likely to experience growth in the near future, which will result in more opportunities being created all over the United States.
What general advice would you give to an instructional designer and trainer?
Anthony Piña Ed.D.
Chief Online Learning Officer/Director of Online Education, Illinois State University
Avg. Salary $65,072
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 7%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.67%
Asian 5.54%
Black or African American 10.47%
Hispanic or Latino 17.42%
Unknown 3.80%
White 62.09%
Genderfemale 57.49%
male 42.51%
Age - 44American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 44Stress level is manageable
7.1 - high
Complexity level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work life balance is poor
6.4 - fair
Instructional designer and trainer career paths
Key steps to become an instructional designer and trainer
Explore instructional designer and trainer education requirements
Start to develop specific instructional designer and trainer skills
Skills Percentages Instructional Design 7.68% Subject Matter Experts 6.79% Blended Learning 5.33% Training Programs 5.18% Training Materials 4.98% Complete relevant instructional designer and trainer training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New instructional designer and trainers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an instructional designer and trainer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real instructional designer and trainer resumes.Research instructional designer and trainer duties and responsibilities
- Develop PowerPoint presentations to support instructor lead courses and other training documentation including job aids, and business process procedures.
- Work with clients through all ISD phases to ensure customer needs are met.
- Coordinate and execute changes to existing ISD products using analysis and change criteria.
- Utilize a variety of communication venues: email, SharePoint web portal pages, and hard copies.
Prepare your instructional designer and trainer resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your instructional designer and trainer resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an instructional designer and trainer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable instructional designer and trainer resume templates
Build a professional instructional designer and trainer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your instructional designer and trainer resume.
Apply for instructional designer and trainer jobs
Now it's time to start searching for an instructional designer and trainer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
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Average instructional designer and trainer salary
The average instructional designer and trainer salary in the United States is $65,072 per year or $31 per hour. Instructional designer and trainer salaries range between $48,000 and $87,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do instructional designer and trainers rate their job?
Instructional designer and trainer reviews
Sharing your experience for the benefit of others. Making the learners feel enriched with their take always from your session. Are able to execute and apply their learnings, successfully.
Updated January 8, 2025
