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What is an instructional systems specialist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted expert
Anthony Piña Ed.D.

The world of education has long progressed past the days of blackboards and chalk stains. Instead, many educators use curriculum development, educational theories, and the latest technologies to develop lessons. However, teachers can't do all this work alone. That's where an instructional systems specialist comes in.

The instructional systems specialist helps coordinate lessons and educational content by training professionals in the latest developments in the field, mastering technological tools such as eLearning platforms, and monitoring the development process. They usually work with a team of educators to develop this process.

Even though instructional systems specialists work in education, that doesn't mean they can only work in schools. They can work for private companies looking to keep their employees fresh or even for the government or military. Wherever people are learning, an instructional systems specialist helps make the process more efficient and effective.

What general advice would you give to an instructional systems specialist?

Anthony Piña Ed.D.Anthony Piña Ed.D. LinkedIn profile

Chief Online Learning Officer/Director of Online Education, Illinois State University

If you have not done so already, become active in professional associations that align to your career interests. Attend (and consider presenting at) their professional conferences. This will be a source of professional development, networking, and future employment opportunities. Look for opportunities to gain practical experience-even as a volunteer. For example, if you have an interest in instructional design, you may check out Designers for Learning (designersforlearning.org), which can match you with service-learning opportunities. You should become familiar with the instructional designer competencies from the International Board of Standards for Training, Performance and Instruction (ibstpi.org) and work on those in which you might have less training or experience.
ScoreInstructional Systems SpecialistUS Average
Salary
4.2

Avg. Salary $53,853

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
7.9

Growth rate 7%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.4
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.73%

Asian 5.31%

Black or African American 13.08%

Hispanic or Latino 15.75%

Unknown 4.15%

White 60.99%

Gender

female 46.04%

male 53.96%

Age - 44
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 44
Stress level
7.9

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
10.0

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
4.5

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Instructional systems specialist career paths

Key steps to become an instructional systems specialist

  1. Explore instructional systems specialist education requirements

    Most common instructional systems specialist degrees

    Bachelor's

    58.2 %

    Master's

    26.4 %

    Associate

    10.0 %
  2. Start to develop specific instructional systems specialist skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Instructional Materials13.37%
    Learning Objectives12.76%
    Training Programs12.00%
    Training Materials11.64%
    Instructional Design11.23%
  3. Complete relevant instructional systems specialist training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 2-4 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New instructional systems specialists 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 systems specialist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real instructional systems specialist resumes.
  4. Research instructional systems specialist duties and responsibilities

    • Develop groundbreaking innovative ways to accomplish the commands objectives, using eLearning tools to manage and track instructor training and development.
    • Manage the company SharePoint and information distribution program.
    • Provide technical expertise on interpretation and application of automation training standards from higher headquarters directives and DOD.
    • Implement goals and objectives for math course curricula using innovative, non-traditional, technology-base learning environment engaging learners both academically and socially
  5. Prepare your instructional systems specialist resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your instructional systems specialist 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 systems specialist 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 systems specialist resume templates

    Build a professional instructional systems specialist 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 systems specialist resume.
    Instructional Systems Specialist Resume
    Instructional Systems Specialist Resume
    Instructional Systems Specialist Resume
    Instructional Systems Specialist Resume
    Instructional Systems Specialist Resume
    Instructional Systems Specialist Resume
    Instructional Systems Specialist Resume
    Instructional Systems Specialist Resume
    Instructional Systems Specialist Resume
  6. Apply for instructional systems specialist jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an instructional systems specialist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first instructional systems specialist job

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Average instructional systems specialist salary

The average instructional systems specialist salary in the United States is $53,853 per year or $26 per hour. Instructional systems specialist salaries range between $38,000 and $74,000 per year.

Average instructional systems specialist salary
$53,853 Yearly
$25.89 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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