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Instructional Systems Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Instructional Systems Designer (ISD) will analyze, design, develop, and evaluate courses and ... Minimum of three (3) years' experience as an instructional designer or curriculum developer

Partnering with instructional systems designers to convert technical systems engineering concepts into effective learning objectives, lesson plans, exercises, assessments, and instructional materials

Partnering with instructional systems designers to convert technical systems engineering concepts into effective learning objectives, lesson plans, exercises, assessments, and instructional materials

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Instructional Systems Developer information

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$16

$41

$92

How much do instructional systems developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for instructional systems developer in the United States is $41.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.36 and $56.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Instructional Systems Developers when working with subject matter experts (SMEs)?

Instructional Systems Developers often collaborate closely with subject matter experts to ensure training materials are accurate and effective. A common challenge is translating complex or highly technical information into clear, engaging, and accessible learning content for diverse audiences. Balancing the SME's depth of knowledge with instructional best practices may require strong communication and negotiation skills. Building mutual understanding and maintaining open lines of feedback can help overcome these challenges and result in high-quality instructional products.

What is the difference between Instructional Systems Developer vs Instructional Designer?

AspectInstructional Systems DeveloperInstructional Designer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in Education, Instructional Design, or related field; certifications like CPT or ATDBachelor's or Master's in Education, Instructional Design, or related area; similar certifications
Work EnvironmentDevelops and implements learning systems, often using e-learning platforms and softwareDesigns course content, curriculum, and learning experiences, often collaborating with subject matter experts
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in corporate, government, and educational sectors focusing on system-based learning solutionsCommonly employed in educational institutions, corporate training, and e-learning companies

While both roles focus on creating effective learning experiences, Instructional Systems Developers typically focus on developing and implementing comprehensive learning systems using technology, whereas Instructional Designers primarily design course content and curricula. Both roles often require similar credentials and work in overlapping environments, but their core responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Instructional Systems Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Instructional Systems Developer, you need a solid grounding in instructional design principles, curriculum development, and often a degree in education, instructional technology, or a related field. Familiarity with e-learning authoring tools (like Articulate Storyline or Adobe Captivate), Learning Management Systems (LMS), and sometimes certifications such as CPLP or ATD are typical requirements. Strong project management, collaboration, and communication skills help you work effectively with subject matter experts and stakeholders. These abilities are crucial for creating engaging, effective learning experiences that meet organizational objectives and learner needs.

What are Instructional Systems Developers?

Instructional Systems Developers are professionals who design, develop, and evaluate educational and training programs using systematic instructional design methodologies. They analyze learning needs, create instructional materials, and integrate technology to enhance educational effectiveness. Their work often involves collaborating with subject matter experts and using tools such as learning management systems to deliver and assess training. Instructional Systems Developers play a crucial role in ensuring that instructional content is engaging, effective, and aligned with organizational or educational goals.
More about Instructional Systems Developer jobs
What states have the most Instructional Systems Developer jobs? States with the most job openings for Instructional Systems Developer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Instructional Systems Developer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Instructional Systems Developer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Instructional Systems Developer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 17% As Needed, 66% Full Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,019 per year, or $41.8 per hour.

Instructional System Developer

Oneida ESC Group

Fort George G Meade, MD โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

The Oneida ESC Group is a family of companies owned by the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin that delivers customer-focused engineering, science, and construction services worldwide.
Our family of companies include: Oneida ESC Group (OESC), Oneida Total Integrated Enterprises (OTIE), Mission Support Services (MS2), Sustainment & Restoration Services (SRS) and Oneida Engineering Solutions (OES). We integrate our staff for dedicated, cooperative, and business-like delivery of services to enhance our customers' missions.
Sustainment & Restoration Services (SRS) is an 8(a) firm that provides engineering, science, construction, munitions, and specialized professional services solutions for customers nationwide.
SRS has an immediate opening for a Principle Instructional System Developer at Fort Meade, MD.
The Defense Media Activity (DMA) established on October 1, 2008, is a consolidation of all media activities of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine, and American Forces Information Service (AFIS). The mission of the DMA is to provide a wide variety of information products to the entire DoD family (Active, Guard, and Reserve Military Service members, dependents, retirees, DoD civilians, and contract employees) and external audiences through all available media, including: motion and still imagery; print; radio; television; Web and related emerging Internet, mobile, and other communication technologies. The mission of the Defense Information School (DINFOS) is to train and sustain a corps of professional communicators for the Department of Defense and its partners. DINFOS goals include delivering total professional development support to organizational communicators throughout their careers, whenever and wherever needed, and becoming the DoD and interagency center of excellence for organizational communications. To accomplish its mission, DINFOS exploits information technology, especially through its knowledge management and educational technology initiatives to produce training for real-time, worldwide, joint-Service requirements. DINFOS provides entry level, intermediate, and advanced training in the principles, techniques, and applications of public affairs, journalism, photojournalism, broadcasting, digital multimedia illustration, broadcast systems maintenance, video production, and visual information management. Instruction is provided to officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian employees of all branches of the armed forces, other government organizations and our international partners to prepare them for worldwide assignments as professional communicators.
Position Description:
  • Carries out all phases of instructional systems development (ISD) and lifecycle maintenance of an assigned portfolio of DINFOS courses.

Minimum Requirements:
  • A well-qualified candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree in Instructional Systems Design, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Educational Psychology, or related field with three years of experience in performing all phases of instructional systems development. The candidate will have experience in the development of hands-on exercises, scenarios and performance-based assessments, conducting quality review of all training deliverables, managing course evaluation processes, and ensuring issues are identified and resolved. Experience in web-based instructional development preferred.
  • US Citizen