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Careers›Roles›Instructional Design Technologist
Mid-Level

Instructional Design Technologist

You mentor teachers on technology integration. As an Instructional Technology Mentor, you're coaching educators, demonstrating techniques, and helping teachers build confidence with classroom technology.

Career Level
Junior
Mid
Senior
Director
VP
Executive
Work Personality
S
E
C
I
A
R
Socialhelping, teaching
Enterprisingleading, persuading
Based on Holland Code framework
Industries that often hire Instructional Design Technologists
Education · 81%Government · 7%Healthcare · 5%Consumer Services · 2%Professional Services · 1%Entertainment & Media · 1%
Job markets for Instructional Design Technologists
Where Instructional Design Technologist jobs concentrate · ~358 metro areas
Based on employment in related occupations
Mapped SOC categories:
Education
BLS Occupational Employment Statistics
Jump to:What it's likeCareer pathsBy the numbers
What it's like

What it's like to be a Instructional Design Technologist

Instructional design technologists bridge instructional design and educational technology—designing learning experiences that are realized through digital tools, platforms, and media. The role requires both pedagogical knowledge and technical proficiency with authoring tools (Articulate, Captivate), LMS platforms, and multimedia production.

The technical dimension can expand or constrain the design. Knowing what a tool can do opens possibilities; not knowing its limitations can lead to designs that are technically infeasible or that compromise learning. Strong ID technologists develop genuine proficiency with their tools—not just surface familiarity.

People who tend to do well enjoy both the design and production sides of learning technology work—they're as comfortable in Storyline as they are in a design conversation about learning objectives. If you find the combination of pedagogical thinking and technical craft satisfying, and can stay curious about emerging tools and approaches without abandoning proven design principles, ID technologist roles tend to be varied, in-demand, and professionally engaging.

What people in this role value
RelationshipsHigh
IndependenceHigh
AchievementAbove avg
Working ConditionsModerate
RecognitionModerate
SupportLower
O*NET Work Values survey
✦ Editorial — written by Truest from industry research and career patterns
Career Paths

Where this role sits in the broader career landscape — and where it can take you.

Earning potential across this track
$239K$179K$119K$60K$0KLower paying387 metro areas, sorted by salary level
All experience levels1
This level's estimated range
INDUSTRIES PAYING ABOVE AVERAGE
Financial Services$96K+59%
Energy & Utilities$92K+53%
Professional Services$91K+50%
Technology & Information$87K+44%
Wholesale & Distribution$66K+10%
Compared to Education average across all industries
1 BLS OEWS May 2024 covers all Instructional Design Technologists (SOC 25-9031.00), not just this title · BEA RPP 2023
* Top salaries exceed this figure. BLS caps reported wages at ~$240K to protect individual privacy in high-earning roles.
Related rolesExplore Education →
Instructional Design TechnologistEducation CoordinatorCourse DeveloperCourseware DeveloperCurriculum DeveloperLearning SpecialistEducation SpecialistInstructional TechnologistInstructional Technology SpecialistLearning ConsultantLiteracy SpecialistCurriculum ManagerCurriculum DesignerInstructional CoachLiteracy ConsultantEducation ConsultantCurriculum SpecialistInstructional ManagerProgram AdministratorCurriculum CoordinatorCurriculum FacilitatorEducational SpecialistInstructional DesignerSchool Standards CoachEducational Technologist+1 more
Exploring the Instructional Design Technologist career path? Truest helps you figure out if it's the right fit — and plan your path forward.
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✦ Editorial — career progression and interview guidance based on industry patterns
The Broader Landscape

Roles like this one sit within a broader occupational category. The numbers below reflect that full landscape — helpful for context, but your specific experience will depend on level, specialty, and where you work.

$47K–$115K
Salary Range
10th – 90th percentile
211K
U.S. Employment
+1.3%
10yr Growth
22K
Annual Openings

How Instructional Design Technologist pay & employment are changing

$74K$72K$69K$67K$65K201920202021202220232024$65K$74K
BLS OEWS May 2024 · BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034

Skills & Requirements

Learning StrategiesSpeakingInstructingWritingReading ComprehensionActive ListeningMonitoringActive LearningCoordinationCritical Thinking
O*NET OnLine · Bureau of Labor Statistics
Mapped SOC Codes
25-9031.00

Explore related roles

Roles with similar work and overlapping career paths

directorInstructional Material Director$75KdirectorInstructional Materials Director$75KmidEducation Coordinator$65KmidCourse Developer$70KmidCourseware Developer$70KmidCurriculum Developer$70K
View all Education roles →

Common questions about what it's like to be an Instructional Design Technologist

What does an Instructional Design Technologist do?

You mentor teachers on technology integration. As an Instructional Technology Mentor, you're coaching educators, demonstrating techniques, and helping teachers build confidence with classroom technology.

How much does an Instructional Design Technologist make?

Median pay for an Instructional Design Technologist is about $75K nationally, with the field ranging roughly from $47K to $115K depending on experience, employer, and metro (BLS).

What skills does an Instructional Design Technologist need?

Core skills for this role include Learning Strategies, Speaking, Instructing, Writing, and Reading Comprehension.

What education do you need to be an Instructional Design Technologist?

Most people in this role hold a master's degree.

Is an Instructional Design Technologist in demand?

Employment in this field is projected to grow about 1.3% through 2034, with roughly 210,850 people working in it today (BLS).

What jobs are similar to an Instructional Design Technologist?

Closely related roles include Instructional Material Director, Instructional Materials Director, and Education Coordinator.

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Federal data: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics (May 2024) · BLS Employment Projections · O*NET OnLine
Truest editorial: Fit check, role profile, things that vary, advancement analysis, lateral moves, interview questions.