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Course Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Futuro Health

Instructional Designer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$78K - $88K/yr

Position: Instructional Designer Classification: Full-Time, Exempt Reports to: Director ... This role combines instructional design expertise, course development skills, and educational ...

New

SEDAA

Instructional Designer Lead

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$70K - $90K/yr

Sr. Instructional Designer Job Type: Contract Work Location: Livermore, CA HYBRID(90% REMOTE / 10% ... Archive course materials and complete project close-out activities. Required Qualifications:

SEDAA

Instructional Designer Lead

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$70K - $105K/yr

Sr. Instructional Designer Job Type: Contract Work Location: Livermore, CA HYBRID(90% REMOTE / 10% ... courses for Power Generation trades. • Conduct needs assessments and front-end analyses (FEA) to ...

Campos EPC

Designer III

San Diego, CA · On-site

$50 - $64/hr

Designers are responsible for design and drafting of industrial and utility electrical design ... Associate degree or completion of related technical trade school courses, or equivalent experience ...

Sedaa

Istructional Designer Lead

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

... courses for Power Generation trades. • Conduct needs assessments and front-end analyses (FEA) to ... Designers to determine learning strategies, create curriculum maps, and appropriate assessment ...

HMC Architects

Designer II

San Jose, CA · On-site

$31.77 - $44.66/hr

Wellness : company paid wellness courses, on-site gyms (at select locations), access to financial ... Summary The Designer II supports the design and development of architectural projects by producing ...

HMC Architects

Designer II

San Jose, CA · Hybrid

$31.77 - $44.66/hr

Wellness : company paid wellness courses, on-site gyms (at select locations), access to financial ... Summary The Designer II supports the design and development of architectural projects by producing ...

HMC Architects

Designer II

San Jose, CA · Hybrid

$31.77 - $44.66/hr

Wellness : company paid wellness courses, on-site gyms (at select locations), access to financial ... Summary The Designer II supports the design and development of architectural projects by producing ...

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All JobsCourse Designer JobsCourse Designer Jobs in California

Course Designer information

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$56

$101

How much do course designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 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 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.

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 close is AI to replacing instructional designers?

AI tools are increasingly used to assist instructional designers by automating tasks like content generation and data analysis, but they do not fully replace the need for human expertise in designing effective, engaging learning experiences. Instructional designers bring creativity, understanding of learner needs, and contextual judgment that AI currently cannot replicate. Therefore, AI is a complement rather than a replacement for instructional designers in most roles.

What does a course designer do?

A course designer develops educational programs and instructional materials for online or in-person learning environments. They analyze learning objectives, create curriculum content, and use tools like learning management systems to ensure effective delivery. Strong skills in instructional design, curriculum development, and technology are essential for this role.

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 job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A course designer can potentially earn $10,000 a month by creating and selling online courses, especially if they develop popular content in high-demand niches. Success depends on skills in curriculum development, marketing, and platform management, often without requiring a formal degree.

What are course designers?

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.

Do instructional designers make a lot of money?

Instructional designers typically earn a median salary ranging from $60,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and industry. Senior or specialized roles, such as e-learning developers or curriculum managers, can earn higher salaries, especially with proficiency in tools like Articulate or Adobe Captivate. Salary levels also vary based on geographic location and organization size.
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 cities in California are hiring for Course Designer jobs? Cities in California with the most Course Designer job openings:
Course Designer jobs near you
Instructional Designer ( onsite)

Instructional Designer ( onsite)

MKS2 Technologies

Monterey, CA • Hybrid

$120K - $130K/yr

Other

Posted yesterday

Job description

Instructional Designer (2 Openings)

Contract: IDIQ Naval Postgraduate School Research and Educational Support Service (RES) IDIQ
Task Order: NPS Extended Campus Support Services
Location: Monterey, CA (Onsite at NPS)
Clearance: Public Trust

Salary: $120,000-$130,000

Position Overview

We are seeking two experienced Instructional Designers to support the Naval Postgraduate School's Extended Campus programs. These positions play a key role in designing, developing, and evaluating highquality instructional materials for graduatelevel academic courses and distancelearning environments. The ideal candidates bring strong expertise in instructional design, learning technologies, and highereducation pedagogy, with the ability to collaborate effectively with faculty across diverse disciplines.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design, develop, and revise instructional materials for inperson, hybrid, and distancelearning courses.
  • Apply instructional design methodologies, adult learning principles, and evidencebased practices to support academic program goals.
  • Collaborate with faculty to translate subjectmatter expertise into engaging, effective learning experiences.
  • Conduct quality assurance reviews and assess instructional effectiveness.
  • Integrate instructional technologies, multimedia, and digital learning tools to enhance course delivery.
  • Support faculty in adopting best practices for online and remote teaching.
  • Ensure all instructional materials meet accessibility, usability, and academic standards.

Required Qualifications

  • 5 years of experience in instructional design, instructional technology, quality assurance, and effectiveness assessment in higher education.
  • MA/MS degree in education, instructional design, instructional technology, or a related professional discipline.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance.

Desired Qualifications

  • Experience partnering with faculty to design and deliver academic content for remote or distancelearning environments.
  • Strong understanding of adult learning theories, particularly as applied to STEM disciplines in higher education.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with faculty of varying teaching experience levels.
  • Strong communication, organization, and projectmanagement skills.

Additional Information

  • These positions require onsite work at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA.
  • U.S. Citizenship is required for clearance eligibility.

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