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Course Designer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

ACAMS LLC

Lead Instructional Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$85K - $95K/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 ...

JS Consulting

Learning Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

... courses, uploading content, and supporting learner navigation • Experience designing learning solutions with LMS capabilities and constraints in mind • Ability to collaborate with LMS ...

Versiti, Inc.

Instructional Designer

Aurora, IL

$64K - $87K/yr

Designs, develops and deploys training content (scripts/storyboards) based on business needs to ... Collaborate with SME to develop high quality online, blended and instructor-led course materials

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CB&I

Instrumentation Designer

Plainfield, IL · On-site

Over the course of time, capabilities in instrumentation must increase as knowledge of product line ... Designers and Lead/Project Engineers. Responsibilities * Read and understand Process and Instrument ...

CB&I

Structures Designer

Plainfield, IL · On-site

Over the course of time, capabilities for detailing must increase as level of complexity of ... Structures Designers, Plates Structures Engineers and Managers. Responsibilities * Accurately ...

Zachry Group

Designer II Piping

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$94K - $133K/yr

JOB REQUIREMENTS High school diploma or associate's degree with drafting courses 5+ years of ... Benefits: This position, Designer I Piping, is eligible for participation in Zachry's Total ...

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Course Designer information

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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
Instructional Designer & Technologist

Instructional Designer & Technologist

Wheaton College

Wheaton, IL • On-site

$63K - $86K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Posting Details
Posting Details
Posting Number:
0601282
Position Title:
Instructional Designer & Technologist
FLSA:
Exempt
Job Type:
Full-Time
Staff Term:
12 Months
Staff Work Schedule (hours/dates):
35
Academic Year Schedule (dates):
Faculty Term:
Position Type:
Staff
Department:
Library
Job Summary/Basic Function:
Review of applications begins immediately. Applications will be reviewed until position is filled.
Job Summary:
Reporting to the Director of Research and Instruction within Library Services, the Instructional Designer and Technologist (ID&T) provides expertise and support for instructional design and instructional technology, with a particular focus on online course design and delivery. The ID&T will encourage meaningful adoption of the learning management system and other instructional technologies. They will assist in administration and configuration of the LMS and similar tools. The ID&T will consult with faculty, staff, and administrators on effective learning design practices, digital learning pedagogy, content creation and curation, traditional and digital assessments, and the use of technology to enhance teaching and learning. The ID&T will create training materials including workshops, self-help documents, online tutorials, and other materials to assist instructors in implementing best practices in their courses.
Essential Functions:
  • Provide leadership for instructional design. Coach faculty and subject matter experts through the course design, assessment, and review process. Provide expertise on process and design of compelling and innovative course elements and experiences. Support instructors in their creation of learning objects.
  • Serve as administrative and pedagogical support for current instructional technologies, including but not limited to Canvas, Canvas Studio, and Yuja Panorama. Collaborate with instructors and staff colleagues to implement best practices in the LMS and other instructional technologies.
  • Create and maintain standards for online course delivery, accessible content, documentation, policies and procedures, and assessment plans to ensure program quality.
  • Identify areas of need, develop, and offer professional development opportunities on instructional design principles and technologies.
  • Attend training, webinars, conferences, and other approved professional development activities to stay current and improve knowledge of instructional design, instructional technology, and related teaching and learning topics.
  • Other Duties: Performs all other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the supervisor. This may include attendance of and participation in required training.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Instructional design, education, or closely related subject area. Or relevant combination of work experience and education
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, to remain organized, and to drive initiatives forward with support.
  • Ability to engage with people at all skill levels.
  • Disposition as a creative problem solver with ability to suggest multiple solutions.
  • Hold an in-depth knowledge of instructional design principles and processes as demonstrated by employment application, education, work history, portfolio, and/or cover letter.
  • Demonstrated experience supporting others' teaching and learning in multiple modes: in person, online, hybrid, synchronous and asynchronous.
  • Ability to build and maintain relationships with campus stakeholders, including students, instructors, and staff.
  • Demonstrated experience creating spaces for discussion and exploration of best practices in online learning and providing expertise for use of technologies to achieve those goals.
  • Demonstrated experience implementing universal and inclusive design principles. Familiarity with web accessibility standards.
  • Aptitude for working effectively with students, instructors, staff, and colleagues; enthusiasm for delivering high quality and timely service to an academic community.
  • Applied experience with a variety of assessment methods.
  • Experience using Canvas or other learning management systems.
  • Ability to support Mac and Windows users.
  • Experience recording audio and video, working with audio/visual editors, and using Articulate or another web-based authoring tool.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's Degree is strongly preferred in instructional design, instructional technology, education, or closely related subject area. May substitute substantial experience in an instructional design role in higher education.
  • Formal teaching or training experience. Ability to create learning and training materials for instructors and students, in a higher education setting.
  • Demonstrated experience building and/or executing a program for continuous and cyclical review of courses.
  • Broad and comprehensive knowledge of digital pedagogy.
  • Ability to listen carefully and thoughtfully respond to disparate concerns of multiple constituencies.
  • Ability to communicate effectively about technical ideas and issues with non-technical audiences, orally and in writing.
  • Experience administering Canvas or other learning management systems.
  • Working knowledge of graphic design principles and/or experience working with Adobe or other design software.
  • Experience creating accessible content and using accessibility software tools and platforms.

Compensation and Benefits
To attract and retain the most talented individuals, Wheaton College maintains a flexible and competitive staff compensation and benefits program.
When determining and establishing hiring rates or recruitment ranges for a position, the College considers a number of factors including the budget for the position, the range of the grade, the external market for the position or similar positions, level and scope of responsibilities, required education, skills and relevant experience as well as internal equity. All salary offers must have the prior approval of the Office of Human Resources.
The anticipated hiring or recruitment range for this position is $75-78K. The actual salary offered will be commensurate with the qualifications, education and experience of the candidate hired.
Physical Demands
ADA Statement:
Individuals must possess these knowledges, skills and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.
Eeo Statement
Wheaton College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and does not discriminate against any individual or group on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, race, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, or disability. In a continuing effort to maintain and enrich an intellectually diverse learning environment, the Department and the College actively encourages applications from women and members of underrepresented groups.
Wheaton's core belief is that valuing diversity is pivotal to personal development, intellectual expansion, and societal equity. Our community is united by a shared dedication to equity and access that is essential to providing a transformative education in the Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Posting Date:
04/20/2026
Closing Date:
Open Until Filled
Yes
Contact(s):
Office of Human Resources
Contact Phone/Extension:
508-286-8206
Contact Email:
careers@wheatoncollege.edu

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