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Course Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Anduril Industries

Instructional Designer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$69K - $94K/yr

You will collaborate with instructional designers, trainers, subject matter experts (SMEs), and ... Design and develop curriculum frameworks, course outlines, evaluation, and instructional materials ...

Anduril Industries

Instructional Designer

Costa Mesa, CA

$69K - $94K/yr

You will collaborate with instructional designers, trainers, subject matter experts (SMEs), and ... Design and develop curriculum frameworks, course outlines, evaluation, and instructional materials ...

Sidecar

Product Designer

San Francisco, CA

We're seeking an experienced product designer to join our efforts in pushing the bounds of how ... Regular events, happy hours and lunch; * (and of course,) Sidecar credits galore. Employment Type ...

HMC Architects

Designer I

San Jose, CA · Hybrid

$29.45 - $40.26/hr

Wellness : company paid wellness courses, on-site gyms (at select locations), access to financial ... Summary The Designer supports the architectural design team through all phases of a project, from ...

HMC Architects

Designer I

San Jose, CA · Hybrid

$29.45 - $40.26/hr

Wellness : company paid wellness courses, on-site gyms (at select locations), access to financial ... Summary The Designer supports the architectural design team through all phases of a project, from ...

HMC Architects

Designer I

San Jose, CA · On-site

$29.45 - $40.26/hr

Wellness : company paid wellness courses, on-site gyms (at select locations), access to financial ... Summary The Designer supports the architectural design team through all phases of a project, from ...

HMC Architects

Designer I

San Jose, CA · On-site

$29.45 - $40.26/hr

Wellness : company paid wellness courses, on-site gyms (at select locations), access to financial ... Summary The Designer supports the architectural design team through all phases of a project, from ...

HMC Architects

Designer I

San Jose, CA · Hybrid

$29.45 - $40.26/hr

Wellness : company paid wellness courses, on-site gyms (at select locations), access to financial ... Summary The Designer supports the architectural design team through all phases of a project, from ...

HMC Architects

Designer I

San Jose, CA · Hybrid

$29.45 - $40.26/hr

Wellness : company paid wellness courses, on-site gyms (at select locations), access to financial ... Summary The Designer supports the architectural design team through all phases of a project, from ...

RICK

Be Seen First

Associate Engineering Designer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$38.50 - $48.50/hr

At RICK you will find an abundance of opportunities for mentorship, growth, and (of course) fun ... designs and plans, and implementation.

RICK

Be Seen First

Assistant Engineering Designer

Riverside, CA · On-site

$36.50 - $41/hr

At RICK you will find an abundance of opportunities for mentorship, growth, and (of course) fun ... designs and plans, and implementation.

Nubank

Staff Product Designer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

Designers at Nubank must deal with complex problems and transform them into intuitive, accessible ... Nucleo - Our learning platform of courses * NuLanguage - Our language learning program * NuCare ...

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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 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
Temporary Microcredential Course Developer: Applied Problem-Solving Techniques for STEM Teams

Temporary Microcredential Course Developer: Applied Problem-Solving Techniques for STEM Teams

Brandeis University

Brandeis, CA • Remote

$1K/wk

Part-time

Posted 18 hours ago

Job description

Help STEM teams solve real-world problems-one framework at a time.

Brandeis University's Rabb School of Continuing Studies is seeking an experienced academic to design and build a 10-15 hour online asynchronous micro credential course leading to a microcredential in Applied Problem-Solving Techniques for STEM Teams.

In this fully remote, short-term contract, you'll create a dynamic, industry-relevant training program that equips professionals with practical methods to analyze, evaluate, and resolve complex challenges in cross-disciplinary STEM environments. Learners will gain mastery of frameworks, collaboration tools, and outcome-driven techniques they can apply immediately in technical workplaces.

What You Will Do

  • Develop structured, interactive content (10-15 hours) for self-paced online learning.

  • Design assessments and rubrics to measure applied problem-solving proficiency.

  • Build engaging materials including simulations, real-world case studies, and multimedia.

  • Incorporate WCAG accessibility standards for inclusive learning.

  • Collaborate with instructional designers to optimize delivery, interactivity, and clarity.

  • Recommend tools, readings, and resources aligned with current STEM team practices.

  • Use technology-enhanced learning elements-animations, avatars, adaptive platforms, gamification-where appropriate.

What You Bring:

  • Master's degree (Doctorate preferred) in engineering, mathematics, science, instructional design, or related field.

  • 2+ years of relevant professional experience in STEM collaboration, innovation, or project-based problem solving.

  • At least 1 year of teaching or training experience (preferably online/asynchronous).

  • Comfort with LMS platforms and digital authoring tools. Familiarity with analytical tools, collaborative platforms, and interdisciplinary teamwork.

  • Strong communication, organization, and independent work skills.

Preferred:

  • Experience designing online training programs or micro-credentials.

  • Familiarity with Moodle LMS.

  • Background in adaptive learning or simulation-based instruction.

Details:

  • Fully remote (U.S.-based applicants only, no visa sponsorships)

  • 6-week development timeline (~25 total hours)

  • Compensation: $1,000

Ready to help STEM professionals tackle challenges with precision and creativity?
Apply today and join Brandeis University in shaping the next generation of technical problem solvers.

Pay Range Disclosure

The University's pay ranges represent a good faith estimate of what Brandeis reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of posting. The pay offered to a selected candidate during hiring will be based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience and education/training, internal peer equity, and applicable legal requirements.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Brandeis University is an equal opportunity employer which does not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religious creed, gender identity and expression, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, genetic information, disability, caste, military or veteran status or any other category protected by law (also known as membership in a "protected class").

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