MSIDT Your Career

Graduates of the Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology program can pursue diverse career paths across multiple industries, from corporate training to education technology, government roles, and UX design. Salary levels vary based on experience, industry, and location, but the demand for instructional designers and learning technology specialists continues to grow significantly due to the rise of online and blended learning environments.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts above-average job growth (8-10%) in instructional design and technology through 2031.

Career and Salary Information

Instructional Designer

Job Description:
Instructional Designers create, develop, and implement learning experiences, typically in digital or blended formats. They apply instructional design principles, learning theories, and technologies to develop courses, training programs, and educational materials.

Responsibilities:

• Analyze training and learning needs.
• Design and develop engaging e-learning content, instructional materials, and learning experiences.
• Work with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to ensure content accuracy.
• Utilize learning management systems (LMS) and e-learning tools like Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, or Camtasia.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of instructional materials.

Salary Range (US):

• Entry-Level: $55,000 – $70,000
• Mid-Level: $70,000 – $90,000
• Senior-Level: $90,000 – $120,000

Industries: Corporate, higher education, government, military, healthcare, K-12, non-profits

Corporate Trainer / Learning & Development (L&D) Specialist

Job Description:
Corporate Trainers or L&D Specialists develop and deliver employee training programs within organizations to improve performance, upskill employees, and support professional development.

Responsibilities:

• Assess training needs and identify learning objectives.
• Develop training programs, workshops, and materials.
• Deliver in-person and virtual training sessions.
• Monitor and assess the effectiveness of training programs.
• Use Learning Management Systems (LMS) to manage and track employee learning progress.

Salary Range (US):

• Entry-Level: $50,000 – $65,000
• Mid-Level: $65,000 – $85,000
• Senior-Level: $85,000 – $110,000

Industries: Corporate, technology, government, military, healthcare, retail, finance

E-Learning Developer

Job Description:
E-Learning Developers specialize in creating interactive digital learning experiences using technology, multimedia, and instructional design techniques.

Responsibilities:

• Design and develop e-learning modules using tools like Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, and Lectora.
• Create interactive multimedia content (animations, videos, simulations).
• Work with instructional designers and SMEs to develop content.
• Test and optimize e-learning courses for usability and accessibility.
• Maintain and troubleshoot Learning Management System (LMS) courses.

Salary Range (US):

• Entry-Level: $55,000 – $75,000
• Mid-Level: $75,000 – $95,000
• Senior-Level: $95,000 – $120,000

Industries: Corporate, higher education, government, military, healthcare, consulting

Human Performance Consultant

Job Description:
Human Performance Consultants analyze organizational challenges and develop solutions to improve workforce productivity, efficiency, and learning outcomes.

Responsibilities:

• Assess human performance gaps and identify training needs.
• Design solutions that may include training, process changes, or technology adoption.
• Apply learning analytics and data-driven evaluation methods.
• Implement and measure the effectiveness of performance improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with leadership to align solutions with business goals.

Salary Range (US):

• Entry-Level: $65,000 – $80,000
• Mid-Level: $80,000 – $105,000
• Senior-Level: $105,000 – $135,000

Industries: Corporate, military, government, consulting, healthcare, finance

UX Designer for Learning Technologies

Job Description:
A User Experience (UX) Designer for Learning Technologies focuses on designing intuitive, engaging, and effective learning interfaces and platforms.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct user research and usability testing to enhance learning platforms.
• Design wireframes, prototypes, and UI/UX components for learning tools.
• Optimize learning experiences for accessibility and engagement.
• Work with instructional designers, developers, and engineers.
• Implement user-centered design (UCD) principles to improve learning interactions.

Salary Range (US):

• Entry-Level: $70,000 – $85,000
• Mid-Level: $85,000 – $110,000
• Senior-Level: $110,000 – $140,000

Industries: EdTech, corporate learning, higher education, software development

Educational Technology Specialist

Job Description:
Educational Technology Specialists integrate and manage technology tools to support learning environments, often working in schools, universities, or training organizations.

Responsibilities:

• Train educators and instructors on technology tools and platforms.
• Implement and manage Learning Management Systems (LMS).
• Research and recommend new educational technologies.
• Develop instructional materials and digital resources.
• Provide tech support for online and blended learning environments.

Salary Range (US):

• Entry-Level: $55,000 – $70,000
• Mid-Level: $70,000 – $90,000
• Senior-Level: $90,000 – $110,000

Industries: K-12 education, higher education, corporate training, non-profits

K-12 School District Curriculum/Instructional Technology Director

Job Description:
This leadership position oversees the integration of instructional technology in a school district, ensuring that teachers and students have access to the best digital learning tools.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement technology-enhanced curriculum strategies.
• Train teachers on the use of instructional technology.
• Manage district-wide Learning Management Systems (LMS) and EdTech tools.
• Oversee compliance with educational technology policies and accessibility standards.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of instructional technology programs.

Salary Range (US):

• Entry-Level: $75,000 – $95,000
• Mid-Level: $95,000 – $120,000
• Senior-Level: $120,000 – $150,000

Industries: K-12 education, government, non-profits, educational consulting

Learning Experience Designer (LXD)

Job Description:
A Learning Experience Designer focuses on creating engaging and user-centered educational experiences. They blend instructional design with UX principles to enhance learner engagement.

Responsibilities:

• Develop interactive and immersive learning experiences.
• Use gamification, storytelling, and multimedia to enhance engagement.
• Collaborate with developers, SMEs, and stakeholders.
• Conduct learner experience research and usability testing.

Salary Range (US):

• Entry-Level: $60,000 – $75,000
• Mid-Level: $75,000 – $95,000
• Senior-Level: $95,000 – $120,000

Industries: EdTech, corporate training, higher education, software development

Learning and Development (L&D) Manager

Job Description:
L&D Managers oversee employee training programs within organizations, ensuring workforce skills align with business needs.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement company-wide training programs.
• Manage training budgets and resources.
• Oversee instructional designers and trainers.
• Assess learning program effectiveness using analytics.

Salary Range (US):

• Entry-Level: $75,000 – $95,000
• Mid-Level: $95,000 – $120,000
• Senior-Level: $120,000 – $150,000

Industries: Corporate, finance, healthcare, retail, government

Instructional Technology Coordinator

Job Description:
This role focuses on integrating educational technology in schools, universities, and training programs.

Responsibilities:

• Evaluate and implement digital learning tools.
• Train faculty and educators on using new technologies.
• Ensure compliance with accessibility and digital learning standards.
• Manage learning management systems (LMS).

Salary Range (US):

• Entry-Level: $60,000 – $75,000
• Mid-Level: $75,000 – $90,000
• Senior-Level: $90,000 – $115,000

Industries: Higher education, K-12, government, non-profits

Virtual Reality (VR) / Augmented Reality (AR) Learning Developer

Job Description:
This role involves designing immersive learning experiences using VR/AR for education and training.

Responsibilities:

• Develop VR/AR-based simulations for training programs.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts (SMEs) to create interactive content.
• Ensure accessibility and usability in immersive learning environments.

Salary Range (US):

• Entry-Level: $75,000 – $90,000
• Mid-Level: $90,000 – $120,000
• Senior-Level: $120,000 – $150,000

Industries: Corporate training, healthcare, military, EdTech

Digital Learning Consultant

Job Description:
Digital Learning Consultants advise organizations on best practices for online training and e-learning development.

Responsibilities:

• Assess client training needs and recommend solutions.
• Develop instructional strategies and training programs.
• Implement learning analytics to track effectiveness.
• Advise on the adoption of LMS and learning technologies.

Salary Range (US):

• Entry-Level: $70,000 – $85,000
• Mid-Level: $85,000 – $110,000
• Senior-Level: $110,000 – $140,000

Industries: Consulting firms, corporate, education, government

Gamification Designer for Learning

Job Description:
A gamification designer applies game-based learning strategies to training programs to boost engagement.

Responsibilities:

• Develop learning games and simulations.
• Use game mechanics like rewards, leaderboards, and challenges.
• Conduct research on the impact of gamification in education.

Salary Range (US):

• Entry-Level: $65,000 – $80,000
• Mid-Level: $80,000 – $100,000
• Senior-Level: $100,000 – $130,000

Industries: EdTech, corporate training, higher education

Academic Program Manager

Job Description:
This role oversees the development and implementation of online and hybrid academic programs in universities.

Responsibilities:

• Manage curriculum development for online programs.
• Ensure course quality and instructional design standards.
• Work with faculty to integrate technology into instruction.

Salary Range (US):

• Entry-Level: $70,000 – $90,000
• Mid-Level: $90,000 – $110,000
• Senior-Level: $110,000 – $140,000

Industries: Higher education, online universities