ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Course Designer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Zachry Group

Principal Designer Piping

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$148K - $211K/yr

Zachry Group is currently accepting applications for a Principal Designer for our Downers Grove ... High school diploma or Associates Degrees with drafting courses; Bachelor's Degree preferred with ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

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 17, 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
Structural Designer 3 - Nuclear Power

Structural Designer 3 - Nuclear Power

Sargent & Lundy

Chicago, IL

$68K - $104K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Description
  • As a member of the structural design team, this position will offer you the opportunity to work with multi-disciplined engineering and design project teams in developing structural physical layout drawings in a 3-D model
  • Challenging assignments that include the design of structural supports and foundations, and investigating, trouble-shooting, and solving a wide variety of structural design issues
  • Utilize 3D modeling software tools to generate structural design schematics
  • Participate in the coordination of detailed design phases for all aspects of an integrated structural design model
  • Provide support to other designers and project team members in order to ensure a complete and timely design
  • Independently and as a member of a design team, plan and execute structural design deliverables
  • There may be the opportunity to accompany and assist senior designers and engineers in field walkdowns and data gathering at client facilities
  • Provide guidance to others in the use of drafting tools, and also as a mentor in the development of less experienced drafters and designers
Qualifications

We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.

Essential skills and experience:

  • An Associate's Degree in drafting, or a high school diploma and 1 or more years drafting course work or equivalent technical experience
  • Four or more years of detailed design experience in the development of structural steel design and reinforced concrete design drawings
  • Proficiency with design software tools in executing 3D plant layout models
  • Experience in the review of structural layout drawings involving steel frames, connections, concrete members, equipment and piping supports, foundations, and rebar detailing
  • Ability to interface with engineering and design teams of other disciplines in the power plant design process

Valued but not required experience:

  • Proficiency with MicroStation
Award-Winning Benefits

At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Health & WellnessFinancial BenefitsWork-Life Balance
  • Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Life & Accident Insurance
  • Disability Coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Back-Up Daycare
  • FSA & HSA
  • 401(k)
  • Pre-Tax Commuter Account
  • Merit Scholarship Program
  • Employee Discount Program
  • Corporate Charitable Giving Program
  • Tuition Assistance
  • First Professional Licensure Bonus
  • Employee Referral Bonus
  • Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Paid Bereavement Leave
  • Flexible Work Arrangements
Compensation Range$68,325 - $104,385Transparency StatementSargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges that comply with all local and state regulations. The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to rewarding performance and supporting the overall well-being of our employees. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.Awards & RecognitionEqual Opportunity

Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME
Sargent & Lundy logo

About Sargent & Lundy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sargent & Lundy is one of the most experienced full-service architect-engineering firms in the world. Founded in 1891, the firm is a global leader in power and energy with expertise in grid modernization, renewable energy, energy storage, nuclear power, and fossil fuels. Sargent & Lundy delivers comprehensive project services--from consulting, design and implementation to construction management, commissioning and operations/maintenance--with an emphasis on quality and safety. The firm serves public and private sector clients in the power and energy, gas distribution, industrial, and government sectors.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1891

Social media

Facebook

View All Sargent & Lundy Jobs

Apply