What Does an Instructional Designer Do?
An instructional designer develops engaging, effective learning experiences for employees, customers, or students. These professionals analyze learning needs, define performance outcomes, and design content that supports retention and real-world application. They use a range of tools and methods, including eLearning modules, instructor-led training, job aids, and assessments, to enhance understanding and skill development.
Instructional designers often work within HR, training, or L&D teams to support initiatives such as onboarding, compliance, technical training, and leadership development. Their work combines visual communication, curriculum development, and instructional theory. They collaborate with subject matter experts (SMEs), developers, and stakeholders to ensure learning content meets business goals and aligns with adult learning principles.
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Instructional Designer Core Responsibilities
- Conduct needs assessments and analyze performance gaps
- Design and develop eLearning courses, instructor-led training, and blended learning experiences
- Apply instructional design models such as ADDIE or SAM
- Develop multimedia assets including slides, videos, and simulations
- Use authoring tools like Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, or Rise
- Partner with SMEs and stakeholders to ensure technical accuracy and alignment
- Upload, test, and manage content in learning management systems (LMS)
- Evaluate training effectiveness through assessments, surveys, and data analysis
- Maintain learning content version control and update materials as needed
- Ensure compliance with accessibility standards and SCORM/xAPI requirements
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency in instructional authoring tools (Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, Camtasia)
- Familiarity with LMS platforms (e.g., Cornerstone, Moodle, Workday Learning)
- Knowledge of SCORM, xAPI, and accessibility guidelines (WCAG)
- Ability to storyboard, script, and design engaging learning content
- Basic data analysis for learner engagement and assessment outcomes
Soft skills
- Strong written and visual communication skills
- Attention to instructional clarity and learner usability
- Collaboration with cross-functional teams and SMEs
- Adaptability to shifting learning needs and priorities
- Creative problem-solving with learner-centric mindset
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in instructional design, education, instructional technology, or related field
Certifications
- ATD Instructional Design Certificate or eLearning Guild certifications (recommended)
- Google Instructional Designer Certification or similar industry-recognized programs are also beneficial
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience designing content for technical or compliance training
- Familiarity with adult learning theory, Bloom’s Taxonomy, and Kirkpatrick’s Evaluation Model
- Exposure to virtual instructor-led training (vILT) design and facilitation
- Background in graphic design, UX writing, or video editing for learning
National Average Salary
Instructional designer salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for an Instructional Designer is:
$68,750
Sample Job Description Templates for Instructional Designers
Junior Instructional Designer
Position Overview
The junior instructional designer supports the development of training materials and digital learning content. Working under the guidance of senior team members, this entry-level role contributes to course building, asset creation, and instructional documentation for onboarding, compliance, or internal education programs.
Responsibilities
- Assist with developing eLearning modules, job aids, and presentation decks
- Support course authoring using tools such as Articulate Rise or Storyline
- Format scripts, edit slides, and prepare instructional visuals
- Organize content provided by subject matter experts (SMEs)
- Upload and test courses in the learning management system (LMS)
- Review and revise training materials based on team feedback
Requirements
Hard skills
- Basic knowledge of instructional design principles (e.g., ADDIE)
- Familiarity with eLearning tools (Storyline, Rise, Canva, or similar)
- Proficiency with PowerPoint, Word, and Google Workspace
Soft skills
- Detail-oriented with strong editing skills
- Eagerness to learn and take feedback
- Organizational skills and deadline awareness
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in instructional design, education, or related field
Mid-Level Instructional Designer
Position Overview
The mid-level instructional designer designs and develops effective training content from start to finish. This role handles full-cycle instructional projects and collaborates with stakeholders to deliver programs aligned with business and learner needs.
Responsibilities
- Analyze learning needs and develop clear performance objectives
- Create engaging eLearning, instructor-led, and blended learning solutions
- Work closely with SMEs to gather and validate content
- Develop quizzes, assessments, and interactive activities
- Ensure SCORM compliance and LMS functionality for all digital content
- Apply accessibility best practices and adult learning principles
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency in authoring tools (Articulate Storyline, Rise, Camtasia, Captivate)
- Working knowledge of LMS systems and SCORM/xAPI standards
- Ability to storyboard, script, and design self-paced modules
Soft skills
- Clear communication with stakeholders and SMEs
- Strong instructional writing and layout design skills
- Project ownership and time management
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in instructional design or related discipline
Certifications
- ATD Instructional Design Certificate or similar recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- 2–4 years of experience in instructional design or eLearning development
Senior Instructional Designer
Position Overview
The senior instructional designer leads the design and delivery of large-scale learning initiatives across teams or departments. This role drives content strategy, mentors junior designers, and ensures alignment between training materials and organizational goals.
Responsibilities
- Conduct complex needs assessments and recommend learning solutions
- Design, develop, and implement strategic learning programs
- Oversee course quality, instructional integrity, and visual consistency
- Lead workshops, focus groups, and review cycles with SMEs and stakeholders
- Evaluate learner performance and make data-driven improvements
- Mentor junior team members and support design standards
Requirements
Hard skills
- Advanced proficiency with instructional design tools and methods
- Expertise in learning theory, adult learning, and instructional strategy
- Familiarity with data analysis and course performance metrics
Soft skills
- Leadership and stakeholder management
- Critical thinking and instructional problem-solving
- Clear presentation and consultation skills
Education
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in instructional design, instructional technology, or education
Certifications
- ATD, Learning Guild, or Learning and Performance Institute credentials recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years of instructional design experience in corporate or academic settings
Lead Learning Designer
Position Overview
The lead learning designer sets the standard for instructional excellence, owning curriculum architecture and high-visibility learning solutions. This senior role blends expert-level design with strategic consulting to improve learning effectiveness and scalability.
Responsibilities
- Design curriculum frameworks and overarching learning journeys
- Serve as primary consultant to business leaders on training solutions
- Establish instructional design standards and best practices
- Lead design of flagship programs (e.g., leadership training, onboarding academies)
- Monitor effectiveness through learning analytics and adjust content accordingly
- Mentor and review work of instructional designers across teams
Requirements
Hard skills
- Mastery of instructional design models (e.g., SAM, ADDIE, Kirkpatrick)
- Advanced authoring and prototyping tool experience
- Understanding of learning analytics and data storytelling
Soft skills
- Strategic mindset with executive presence
- Thought leadership in instructional design and innovation
- Collaborative and persuasive communication
Education
- Master’s degree in instructional design, learning sciences, or a related field
Certifications
- Learning strategy or leadership credentials (e.g., CPTD, IDOL Academy) recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience designing enterprise-wide or global learning programs
- Background in learning experience platforms (LXPs) and adaptive learning
Instructional Design Manager
Position Overview
The instructional design manager leads a team of designers and drives the end-to-end development of organizational learning programs. This leadership role combines talent development, workflow oversight, and content quality assurance to meet evolving training needs.
Responsibilities
- Manage, coach, and develop a team of instructional designers
- Oversee project timelines, resources, and content quality standards
- Align learning initiatives with HR, compliance, and business strategy
- Partner with leadership to identify skill gaps and training opportunities
- Define and track learning KPIs and ROI metrics
- Champion innovation in learning delivery, tools, and methodologies
Requirements
Hard skills
- People management and performance coaching experience
- Strong project and resource planning skills
- Data fluency for analyzing training impact and learner performance
Soft skills
- Leadership and collaboration across departments
- Strategic decision-making and problem-solving
- Empathy for learners and team members alike
Education
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in instructional design, organizational development, or education
Certifications
- Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) or similar recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- 7+ years of instructional design experience, with at least 2 years in a leadership capacity
- Familiarity with change management and L&D strategy frameworks