What are the Career Options and Salaries for a Master's in Instructional Design and Learning Technology?

You’ve been doing some research and think that becoming an instructional designer is the right fit for your skill set. 

You like that instructional design involves one part technology use, one part understanding of effective educational practice, and one part collaboration and project management. You also like the idea of developing educational and training content while using the latest technology applications to make teaching and learning engaging.

Those are great reasons to think about instructional design. Another reason to consider instructional design is that it’s a growing industry—one that is projected to continue growing over the next decade. 

The demand for instructional designers comes from the rapid adoption of remote learning accelerated by the Covid global pandemic. As a result, people who have the skills to create and deliver meaningful teaching, learning, and training experiences for businesses and schools of all types are needed.

Choosing a Master’s in Instructional Design and Learning Technology

If you like the idea of designing effective learning and training experiences, then getting Master’s in Instructional Design and Learning Technology is the next step. 

Instructional designers must be knowledgeable about instructional design theories and best practices, as well as the use of technology in education. They must also be able to work well with a team and have good communication and project management skills.

Overall, instructional designers play a critical role in developing and improving educational materials and programs to ensure that learners are able to acquire knowledge and skills in the most efficient and effective way.

So, what comes after you get your degree? What are the career opportunities for individuals with an MS in Instructional Design and Learning Technology?

What Can You Do with a Master’s in Instructional Design and Learning Technology?

What does the future look like for instructional designers? In a word: bright. 

The demand for Instructional Designers is high, and will only continue to expand in a post-pandemic world. That’s because the global pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote learning. And as acceptance grows, so too does the need for skilled professionals who can design and create engaging learning experiences.

There are lots of interesting jobs available for someone with an instructional design master’s degree. An instructional design degree can open the way to a career in nearly every sector, including:

  • K-12 education
  • Government
  • Business
  • Healthcare
  • Museums
  • Nonprofit organizations
  • And more!

Possible career paths/job titles for someone with an MS in Instructional Design and Learning Technology include:

  • Development Specialist
  • Instructional Coordinator
  • Training and Development Manager
  • Training Specialist
  • Curriculum Specialist
  • Directors of Instructional Technology
  • Education and Training Consultants
  • Instructional Coordinators
  • Instructional Technologists

Salaries and Outlooks for Master’s in Instructional Design and Learning Technology

The demand for Instructional Designers is high and will only continue to expand in a post-pandemic world. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the projected need for the following specialties between 2020 and 2029 are as follows: 

Development Specialist:

Demand for development specialists is expected to grow 8% from 2021-2031, faster than average for all occupations. The median annual wage was $61,570 as of May 2021, with the highest 10 percent earning more than $103,240.

Instructional Coordinator:

Demand for instructional coordinators is expected to grow 7% from 2021-2031, about average for all occupations. The median annual wage was $63,740 as of May 2021, with the highest 10 percent earning more than $101,090.

Training and Development Manager:

Demand for training and development managers is expected to grow 7% from 2021-2031, about average for all occupations. The median annual wage was $120,130 as of May 2021, with the highest 10 percent earning more than $207,420.

Earning a Master’s in Instructional Design and Learning Technology is a Smart Choice

Earning an MS in Instructional Design and Learning Technology will provide you with marketable skills that can open the door to most any industry. Just take a look at some of the industries that need instructional designers to develop effective training and educational programs: 

Corporate training:

Instructional designers work with companies to create training programs for employees on a wide range of topics, such as software applications, sales techniques, and leadership development.

E-learning:

Instructional designers use technology, such as online courses and mobile apps, to deliver education and training to students and employees in a flexible and convenient format.

Healthcare:

Instructional designers work with medical professionals to create educational materials and training programs on topics such as patient care, disease management, and medical procedures.

Government and military:

Instructional designers develop training programs for government agencies and the military on topics such as emergency response, security, and policy implementation.

K-12 and higher education:

instructional designers work with teachers and professors to create curriculum, assessments and lesson plans.

Museums and cultural institutions:

instructional designers work with museum staff and educators to create educational experiences and tours that engage visitors and enhance their understanding of the exhibits.

Non-profit organizations:

instructional designers work with non-profit organizations to design programs to help them achieve their goals, such as training volunteers or creating educational materials on important social issues.

Industrial and manufacturing:

instructional designers help to train employees on new equipment, processes, and procedures to help improve efficiency and reduce downtime.

Is Instructional Design & Learning Technology right for you?

Does Instructional Design & Learning Technology sound like something that’s right for you? If so, be sure to check out the 1-year MS in Instructional Design and Learning Technology at Albertus Magnus College. 30 Credits. 1.5 years. Career game changer.