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Course Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Responsibilities The Instructor/Course Developer will serve as a subject matter expert in public health, supporting the development of lesson plans and instructional delivery using standardized Air ...

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How much do course development jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for course development in the United States is $40.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $69.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does the course development role typically collaborate with subject matter experts and instructional designers?

In a course development role, collaboration with subject matter experts (SMEs) and instructional designers is essential to create effective and engaging learning experiences. Course developers often facilitate meetings with SMEs to gather content, clarify complex concepts, and ensure accuracy, while working closely with instructional designers to structure content in a way that maximizes learner engagement and comprehension. Regular communication and feedback loops are common, ensuring that course materials align with both educational standards and organizational objectives. This collaborative environment fosters creativity and continuous improvement throughout the course creation process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Course Development, and why are they important?

To thrive in Course Development, you need expertise in instructional design, curriculum planning, and subject matter knowledge, often supported by a degree in education or a related field. Familiarity with Learning Management Systems (LMS), authoring tools like Articulate or Captivate, and knowledge of e-learning standards such as SCORM are typically required. Creativity, strong communication, and attention to detail help developers create engaging, learner-centered content. These skills ensure that courses are effective, accessible, and aligned with learning objectives, leading to successful educational outcomes.

What is course development?

Course development is the process of designing, organizing, and creating educational courses or training programs. It involves identifying learning objectives, developing instructional materials, structuring content, and assessing how learners will be evaluated. Course developers often collaborate with subject matter experts and use instructional design principles to ensure the course is engaging and effective. The goal is to deliver a meaningful learning experience that meets the needs of students or trainees.

What is the difference between Course Development vs Instructional Designer?

AspectCourse DevelopmentInstructional Designer
CredentialsTypically requires education in education, instructional design, or related fields; certifications like ATD or ISTD are commonSimilar credentials; often holds degrees in education, instructional design, or related areas; certifications like ATD or ISTD are also common
Work EnvironmentOften involved in creating courses for online, corporate, or educational settings; may work with subject matter expertsDesigns learning experiences across various platforms; collaborates with subject matter experts and multimedia teams
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in education, corporate training, e-learning companiesCommon in educational institutions, corporate training, e-learning development

While both roles focus on creating effective learning experiences, Course Development primarily involves building and producing courses, whereas Instructional Designers focus on designing the overall learning strategy and experience. Both roles often overlap and require similar skills and credentials, but their core responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What job pays $400,000 a year without a degree?

In course development, high-paying roles such as senior instructional designers or e-learning directors can reach or exceed $400,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and leadership responsibilities. These roles often require expertise in curriculum design, educational technology, and project management, but may not require a formal degree if complemented by a strong portfolio and industry reputation.
More about Course Development jobs
What cities are hiring for Course Development jobs? Cities with the most Course Development job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Course Development jobs? The most popular types of Course Development jobs are:
What states have the most Course Development jobs? States with the most job openings for Course Development jobs include:
Infographic showing various Course Development job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,047 per year, or $40.9 per hour.
Course Builder - College of Applied Human Sciences

Course Builder - College of Applied Human Sciences

West Virginia University

Morgantown, WV • On-site

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


West Virginia University rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 61 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

385th of 532 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Description
The College of Applied Human Sciences at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for Course Builders.
This role offers flexible work arrangements, including the option for remote work based on business needs and candidate location.
Position Overview:
The Course Builder serves as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) responsible for developing the core content and assessments for a specific online course within a designated area of study. (This content will be used across all sections of the course, regardless of the number of instructors or sections offered in a given term.) The Course Builder role is distinct from the Course Instructor role. Course Builders may or may not teach the courses they develop.
Working closely with an Instructional Designer, the Course Builder ensures that all course materials are accurate, relevant, and aligned with the established program-level learning outcomes and institutional standards. This is a project-based role that is critical to the creation of high-quality, engaging, and effective online courses. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the learning experience for current and future students.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year and reviewed as openings become available. Compensation is predetermined, with a flat rate per credit hour established for this course build.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Collaborate with the Instructional Designer to develop course materials that align with program goals, institutional outcomes, and proven practices in online teaching and learning.
  • Consider the online learning environment and the needs of both students and instructors in content development.
  • Provide original content and guidance for instructional materials, including readings, lectures, presentations, activities, and formative and summative assessments.
  • Ensure that all content is current, accurate, and relevant to the subject area, reflecting the latest developments and standards in the field.
  • Identify or recommend supporting multimedia, readings, and external resources as appropriate.
  • Respond to feedback from Instructional Designers, Academic Leadership, and program stakeholders to revise and refine course materials.
  • Adhere to established deadlines and project timelines to ensure timely course development and delivery.
  • Uphold standards for academic integrity, accessibility, and inclusivity in all course materials.

Qualifications
  • Degree or equivalent professional experience in the relevant subject area or a closely related field.
  • Demonstrated subject matter expertise and applied experience in the discipline.
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively in a team-based development process.
  • Comfortable using or learning digital tools and platforms associated with online course development.

Please submit via PDF file (a) your curriculum vitae, including professional certifications and professional experience, and (b) contact information for two individuals who can provide letters of recommendation.
West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.
From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.
At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.
Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.
West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.

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