1

Course Designer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Vistex Instructional Designer is responsible for creating engaging and effective training courses for the Vistex suite of products. This team member will work collaboratively with key stakeholders ...

Instructional Designer

Hoffman Estates, IL

$70K - $80K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Vistex Instructional Designer is responsible for creating engaging and effective training courses for the Vistex suite of products. This team member will work collaboratively with key stakeholders ...

Instructional Designer

Crystal Lake, IL ยท On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Position Summary The Instructional Designer serves as the subject matter expert in instructional ... This role collaborates with faculty on the design and development of high-quality courses and ...

Instructional Designer

Hoffman Estates, IL ยท On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Vistex Instructional Designer is responsible for creating engaging and effective training courses for the Vistex suite of products. This team member will work collaboratively with key stakeholders ...

Technical Instructional Designer

Hoffman Estates, IL

$70K - $80K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Vistex Technical Instructional Designer is responsible for creating engaging and effective training courses for the Vistex suite of products. This team member will work collaboratively with key ...

Technical Instructional Designer

Hoffman Estates, IL ยท On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Vistex Technical Instructional Designer is responsible for creating engaging and effective training courses for the Vistex suite of products. This team member will work collaboratively with key ...

Technical Instructional Designer

Hoffman Estates, IL

$70K - $80K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Vistex Technical Instructional Designer is responsible for creating engaging and effective training courses for the Vistex suite of products. This team member will work collaboratively with key ...

Technical Instructional Designer

Hoffman Estates, IL ยท On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Vistex Technical Instructional Designer is responsible for creating engaging and effective training courses for the Vistex suite of products. This team member will work collaboratively with key ...

Instructional Designers

Campus, IL

$60K - $72K/yr

  • Retirement

... Designer of the University of Utah's David Eccles School of Business Online Development will work closely with faculty and staff to update and improve online and hybrid courses. The incumbent will ...

Instructional Designers

Campus, IL

$60K - $72K/yr

  • Retirement

... Designer of the University of Utah's David Eccles School of Business Online Development will work closely with faculty and staff to update and improve online and hybrid courses. The incumbent will ...

Instructional Designers

Campus, IL ยท On-site

$60K - $72K/yr

  • Retirement

... Designer of the University of Utah's David Eccles School of Business Online Development will work closely with faculty and staff to update and improve online and hybrid courses. The incumbent will ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Course Designer information

See Illinois salary details

$23

$55

$99

How much do course designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for course designer in Illinois is $55.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.96 and $88.51 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 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 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.

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 Illinois?

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

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

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

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Course Designer jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Course Designer job openings:

Infographic showing various Course Designer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,294 per year, or $55.4 per hour.

Instructional Designer II

FGCU Florida Gulf Coast University

Campus, IL โ€ข Hybrid

$63K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Job Summary

The Instructional Designer II works directly with faculty to identify and implement pedagogical approaches and digital learning technologies to enhance student learning. Supports course design efforts for digital and online modalities. Creates and delivers professional development related to digital and online learning topics.
FGCU is building a culture of curiosity, commitment and collaboration. We value employees who successfully work with others and drive positive change through critical thinking and decisive action. If you thrive in an environment of innovation, accountability and mutual respect, you will find a good home here.

Job Description

Typical duties may include but are not limited to:

  • Works directly with faculty to design/redesign online and hybrid courses and their learning activities. Identifies and develops appropriate learning activities and materials that directly support the learning outcomes.
  • Supports faculty in the use of LMS features specific to the course design.
  • Collaborates with faculty and Instructional Technology staff to select and integrate appropriate instructional technology.
  • May lead projects related to course design and faculty development.
  • Participates in gathering and analyzing data related to department projects and initiatives.
  • May lead a review of online and hybrid courses.
  • Develops new or revises training focused on online and digital learning teaching and learning.
  • Participates in the evaluation of training and recommends revisions.
  • Collaborates in building Communities of Practice focused on improving teaching and learning in the online and digital learning environment.
  • Assists/trains student workers as required.
  • Develops new techniques and procedures to enhance university instructional design.
  • Reviews progress, evaluates results, recommends new processes, and promotes best practices.

Other Duties:

  • Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Additional Job Description

Required Qualifications:

  • This position requires either six years of directly related full-time experience or, as an alternative, a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Education, Educational Technology, Instructional Design, or closely related field and two years of full-time experience directly related to the job functions.
  • Experience as an Instructional Designer designing or developing courses and learning activities for courses delivered via a Learning Management System and support faculty in the use of a Learning Management System.
  • Any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience, and/or certifications may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master's Degree from an accredited institution in Education, Education Technology, Instructional Design, or closely related field.
  • Three years professional full-time experience designing and developing courses and learning activities for courses delivered via a Learning Management System and supporting faculty in the use of a Learning Management System.
  • Experience designing and delivering professional development training.
  • Experience with action research and/or teaching an online course in a higher education setting.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

  • Knowledge of instructional design principles and effective online pedagogy.
  • Knowledge of course development and Learning Management System support.
  • Knowledge of software tools used for developing instructional content.
  • Knowledge of adult education principles and practices.
  • Skill in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
  • Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to collaborate with faculty to complete an online course quality review.
  • Ability to present effectively to small and large groups.
  • Ability to take initiative to plan, organize, coordinate, and perform work in various situations when numerous and competing demands are involved.
  • Ability to collaborate and work effectively within the community and willing to contribute to a team effort.
  • Ability to work independently and follow through on assignments.
  • Ability to develop and conduct workshops on a variety of topics related to online and digital learning.
  • Ability to identify and learn new software tools for the creation of learning materials used in online, hybrid, and web-enhanced courses.
  • Proven ability to think strategically and approach challenges with creativity.
  • Demonstrated track record of reliability, meeting goals, and holding oneself accountable.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and experience working effectively across teams.

Institutional Values & Behavioral Expectations:
In this role, the successful candidate will be expected to:

  • Curiosity: Seek out new approaches to improve outcomes; remain open to feedback and new ideas.
  • Commitment: Lead with integrity; consistently produce high-quality work; persevere to overcome obstacles to meet deadlines and achieve deliverables.
  • Collaboration: Share information and insights thoughtfully; build partnerships across departments; communicate respectfully; support colleagues to achieve common goals.

Salary Range: $55,000 to $64,000

FGCU is a State University System of Florida member and an Equal Opportunity and Equal Access employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.