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Course Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

KemperSports

Starter

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$17/hr

The 6,294 yard championship course designed by William Park Bell Jr. features rolling tree-lined fairways, contoured greens and a setting that feels miles from civilization. Position Summary: This ...

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Course Designer information

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$23

$56

$101

How much do course designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for course designer in California is $56.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.54 and $90.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a course designer?

Course designers are professionals who create educational programs and learning materials for schools, universities, businesses, or online platforms. They work closely with subject matter experts to develop engaging content, structure lessons, and ensure that courses meet learning objectives and standards. Course designers also incorporate multimedia, assessments, and interactive elements to enhance the learning experience. Their goal is to make educational content accessible, effective, and enjoyable for diverse learners.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a course designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Course Designer, you need expertise in instructional design principles, curriculum development, and a background in education or a related field. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), authoring tools like Articulate Storyline or Adobe Captivate, and sometimes certifications such as ATD or IDOL are typically required. Strong communication, creativity, and project management skills help you collaborate effectively and create engaging learning experiences. These skills ensure that courses are pedagogically sound, technologically robust, and tailored to learner needs, resulting in effective education outcomes.

How do course designers typically collaborate with subject matter experts during the development of new courses?

Course Designers work closely with subject matter experts (SMEs) to ensure course content is accurate, engaging, and aligned with learning objectives. This collaboration often involves conducting interviews, reviewing existing materials, and co-developing instructional strategies. Course Designers translate SME knowledge into clear, learner-friendly modules and frequently facilitate feedback loops to refine course components. Strong communication and project management skills are essential for balancing input from SMEs while maintaining instructional quality and timelines.

What is the difference between Course Designer vs Instructional Designer?

AspectCourse DesignerInstructional Designer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in education, instructional design, or related fieldSimilar credentials, often with certifications in instructional design or e-learning
Work EnvironmentDesigns courses for online, in-person, or blended learning environmentsDevelops instructional materials and strategies across various educational settings
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, corporate training, e-learning companiesEducational institutions, corporate training, government agencies
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for designing specific courses or curriculaCompared for broader instructional strategies and learning solutions

While both roles involve designing educational content, a Course Designer primarily focuses on creating specific courses or curricula, often with a focus on content structure. An Instructional Designer takes a broader approach, developing comprehensive instructional strategies and materials to enhance learning outcomes across multiple courses or programs.

How to be a course designer?

To become a course designer, develop expertise in instructional design, curriculum development, and subject matter knowledge. Gain experience with e-learning tools and learning management systems, and consider earning certifications such as the Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP). Strong communication, creativity, and understanding of educational technology are essential for success in this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Course Designer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Course Designer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Course Designer jobs in California?

For Course Designer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Course Designer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Course Designer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Course Designer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Course Designer job openings:

Course Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Course Designer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,421 per year, or $56.5 per hour.

Part-time Course Instructor

Olivet Institute of Technology

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Company Description
Olivet Institute of Technology (OIT) is one of 8 schools of Olivet University, an accredited private institution of Biblical higher education based in California since 2004. OIT's aim is to educate and dispatch pioneering leaders to apply science and technology that will best advance Christian mission, community-building, and service in the 21st century.
We currently have a BA and a MA program in Information Technology. Our Master of Arts in Information Technology (MAIT) program is two-year graduate degree program, designed to equip ministry-bound men and women with a broad knowledge and experience of principles and theories underlying applied information technology, as well as emerging technologies and practices necessary for them to apply technologies to their ministry and businesses to solve complex problems.
The program is grounded in there components: 1) underlying computer science principles and systems, 2) software engineering, 3) network & security. Course work includes operating systems, database systems, networking, Object-Oriented programing and methodologies, security, software development and engineering, distributed system and data analysis, etc.
More information please visit our websites:
Olivet University Website - http://www.olivetuniversity.edu/
About Olivet - http://www.olivetuniversity.edu/aboutolivet/
OIT Website - http://oit.olivetuniversity.edu/
Job Description
Olivet Institute of Technology (OIT) is seeking a part-time adjunct faculty for a master level course - Cryptography and Information Security.
Job responsibilities include but not limited to: create course syllabus; prepare and give lectures; develop, distribute, and/or grade course materials, homework, quizzes; write, proctor, and grade examinations; maintain and timely submit class records, such as attendance and grade reports.
Current Teaching Period: 2016 Winter quarter (Jan.~Mar. 2016), 4 hours class for 10 weeks.Contract can be renewed if the student learning outcomes proves teaching effective.
Qualifications
• M.S. in Computer Science or relative fields with 5+ years of relevant professional experience
• College level teaching and/or training seminars experience preferred
• PhD in Computer Science or relative fields preferred
Additional Information
Work location: Downtown San Francisco, CA
Apply: Interested applicants should submit curriculum vitae and then an interview will be arranged at the university SF downtown site as soon as possible.

Apply