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Careers›Roles›Instructional Systems Specialist
Mid-Level

Instructional Systems Specialist

You coordinate technology instruction in schools. As an Instructional Technology Coordinator (ITC), you're managing resources, training teachers, and ensuring students learn 21st century skills.

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 Systems Specialists
Education · 81%Government · 7%Healthcare · 5%Consumer Services · 2%Professional Services · 1%Entertainment & Media · 1%
Job markets for Instructional Systems Specialists
Where Instructional Systems Specialist 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 Systems Specialist

Instructional systems specialists work with learning management systems, performance support tools, and broader learning technology ecosystems within organizations—managing platforms, supporting users, troubleshooting technical issues, and ensuring that learning systems are configured and used effectively.

The technical dimension requires ongoing investment as platforms evolve and organizational needs change. Staying current with LMS capabilities, SCORM/xAPI standards, and emerging learning technology tends to be an ongoing professional commitment rather than a one-time credential.

People who tend to do well are technically comfortable and understand learning contexts well enough to translate organizational learning needs into effective system configurations. If you enjoy the intersection of technical systems and educational purpose—and can support both the users of learning systems and the administrators who manage them—instructional systems specialist roles tend to offer stable, in-demand work in L&D organizations of most sizes.

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 Systems Specialists (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 Systems SpecialistEducation 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 Systems Specialist 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 Systems Specialist pay & employment are changing

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

Skills & Requirements

Learning StrategiesInstructingWritingSpeakingActive ListeningReading ComprehensionMonitoringCritical ThinkingActive LearningSocial Perceptiveness
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 Systems Specialist

What does an Instructional Systems Specialist do?

You coordinate technology instruction in schools. As an Instructional Technology Coordinator (ITC), you're managing resources, training teachers, and ensuring students learn 21st century skills.

How much does an Instructional Systems Specialist make?

Median pay for an Instructional Systems Specialist 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 Systems Specialist need?

Core skills for this role include Learning Strategies, Instructing, Writing, Speaking, and Active Listening.

What education do you need to be an Instructional Systems Specialist?

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

Is an Instructional Systems Specialist 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 Systems Specialist?

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.