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Course Designer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Mastech Digital

Be Seen First

Learning Designers

Evanston, IL · Remote

$38 - $42/hr

The Learning Designer (LD) applies knowledge of learning science and instructional design models to assist faculty in the design of online and blended courses. The LD collaborates with a team of ...

New

Troon Golf

Golf Course Superintendent

Lake Zurich, IL · On-site

A big, sprawling 1970s-style layout, it was designed by Ken Killian and Dick Nugent and currently ... Prepares and maintains the annual golf course maintenance budget and capital plans. * Plans ...

Troon

Golf Course Superintendent

Lake Zurich, IL

A big, sprawling 1970s-style layout, it was designed by Ken Killian and Dick Nugent and currently ... Prepares and maintains the annual golf course maintenance budget and capital plans. * Plans ...

Prescient Security

Instructional Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

You'll own course creation end-to-end from defining learning objectives to producing videos, slides, and assessments, working closely with subject-matter experts. This is a mid-level role with room ...

Prescient Security

Instructional Designer

Chicago, IL · Remote

$80K - $90K/yr

You'll own course creation end-to-end from defining learning objectives to producing videos, slides, and assessments, working closely with subject-matter experts. This is a mid-level role with room ...

Prescient Security

Instructional Designer

Chicago, IL · Remote

Think Outside the Box Summary Were looking for a tech-savvy Course Content Creator to design and ... Experience designing structured courses or learning paths * Familiarity with LMS platforms and SaaS ...

Performacentric

Figma Designer

Chicago, IL · Remote

Figma Designer (Website & LMS UX/UI Designer) Location: Remote Employment Type: Full-Time Company ... Course players * Quizzes and assessments * Certificates * Reporting dashboards * Administrative ...

New

acams

Lead Instructional Designer

Washington, DC · Remote

$73K - $99K/yr

... course products. With advanced expertise in instructional design and a deep understanding of the subject matter domain, the Lead Instructional Designer collaborates closely with Product Managers ...

acams

Lead Instructional Designer

Chicago, IL · Remote

$67K - $90K/yr

... course products. With advanced expertise in instructional design and a deep understanding of the subject matter domain, the Lead Instructional Designer collaborates closely with Product Managers ...

ULINE

Instructional Designer

Waukegan, IL

$61K - $83K/yr

Provide guidance on digital learning tools and virtual courses to drive strong performance. Minimum ... designing effective learning experiences. * Knowledgeable in eLearning tools such as Articulate ...

ULINE

Instructional Designer

Glenview, IL · On-site

$64K - $86K/yr

Provide guidance on digital learning tools and virtual courses to drive strong performance. Minimum ... designing effective learning experiences. * Knowledgeable in eLearning tools such as Articulate ...

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All JobsCourse Designer JobsCourse Designer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Course Designer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$24

$58

$106

How much do course designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for course designer in Chicago, IL is $58.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.93 and $94.09 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.
Course Designer jobs near you
Learning Designers

Learning Designers

Mastech Digital

Evanston, IL • Remote

$38 - $42/hr

Contractor

Posted 2 days ago

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Job description

The Learning Designer (LD) applies knowledge of learning science and instructional design models to assist faculty in the design of online and blended courses. The LD collaborates with a team of faculty developers (instructors), learning technologists, multimedia specialists, content editors, and interface designers to design and develop high quality learning experiences for NU School of Professional Studies (SPS) graduate and undergraduate students.


Principal Accountabilities:

1.      Collaborate with staff on the Distance Learning team in the School of Professional Studies (SPS) and other stakeholders at the University to design, develop, and support high quality online and blended courses.

2.      Communicate effectively with stakeholders to ensure a high degree of understanding and transparency of the online course design process.

3.      Support faculty with the integration of learning technologies in their instruction.

4.      Ensure that instructional material is ADA compliant.

5.      Review existing online courses to identify and suggest design revisions.


Minimum Qualifications:

1.      A master’s degree in instructional design, learning science, or related field or the equivalent combination of education and comparable skills.

2.      At least one year of formal or informal experience designing online and blended courses in a higher education context.

3.      Experience with project management.


Minimum Competencies:

1.      Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.

2.      Ability to be a team player.

3.      Experience and adeptness with current learning technology platforms and tools.

4.      Strong analytical skills to process complex information and translate, and incorporate the information into effective, engaging course designs.

5.      Experience with best practices of UDL (Universal Design for Learning) and making learning content accessible.

6.      Experience with open educational resources. 

7.      Excellent attention to detail, especially in grammar, punctuation, and proofreading.


Preferred Qualifications:

1.      Two or more years of experience working with faculty in a higher education environment to design courses in online and blended formats. 

2.      Online teaching experience in a higher education environment.

3.      Experience using a learning management system.  Knowledge of Canvas is preferred.