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Learning Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Project-level instructional design : * Review and improve project guidelines, rubrics, and ... Centralized learning academies : * Build centralized academy programs for complex data types ...

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Learning Design information

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$26

$40

$68

How much do learning design jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for learning design in California is $40.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.18 and $52.21 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is learning design?

Learning design is the process of planning, structuring, and creating educational experiences to help learners achieve specific outcomes. It involves analyzing learners' needs, defining objectives, developing instructional materials, and selecting appropriate teaching methods and technologies. Learning designers collaborate with subject matter experts and use evidence-based strategies to ensure content is engaging, accessible, and effective. Their work can be applied in schools, universities, corporate training, and online education environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a learning designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Learning Designer, you need expertise in instructional design principles, curriculum development, and adult learning theories, often supported by a degree in education or instructional design. Familiarity with e-learning authoring tools (such as Articulate Storyline or Adobe Captivate), learning management systems (LMS), and sometimes certifications like CPLP or ATD are common requirements. Strong communication, creativity, and collaboration skills enable you to translate complex content into engaging learning experiences and work effectively with subject matter experts. These capabilities are critical for designing impactful educational programs that drive learner engagement and measurable outcomes.

What are some common challenges learning designers face when collaborating with subject matter experts?

Learning Designers often work closely with subject matter experts (SMEs) to develop effective educational materials. A frequent challenge is balancing the SME's in-depth knowledge with the need to present information in a clear, engaging, and accessible way for learners. Differences in communication styles or expectations can occur, so strong interpersonal skills and the ability to translate complex content into learner-friendly formats are essential. Building trust and maintaining open, respectful communication helps ensure successful collaboration and high-quality learning experiences.

What is the difference between Learning Design vs Instructional Designer?

AspectLearning DesignInstructional Designer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in education, instructional design, or related fieldsOften requires similar degrees and certifications in instructional design or education technology
Work EnvironmentDesigns learning experiences across various platforms, including e-learning, classroom, and blended formatsDevelops instructional materials and courses, often collaborating with subject matter experts
Industry UsageUsed broadly in education, corporate training, and e-learning sectorsCommonly used in corporate training, higher education, and e-learning industries

Learning Design and Instructional Designer roles overlap significantly, focusing on creating effective learning experiences. Learning Design often emphasizes the overall planning and structure of learning programs, while Instructional Designers focus more on developing specific instructional materials. Both roles require similar qualifications and are integral to education and training sectors.

Are learning designers in demand?

Learning designers are in increasing demand as organizations focus on effective training and e-learning solutions. They utilize skills in instructional design, curriculum development, and tools like Articulate or Adobe Captivate, often requiring relevant certifications. The role is expected to grow with the expansion of online education and corporate training programs.

How do you become a learning designer?

To become a learning designer, typically one needs a bachelor's degree in education, instructional design, or a related field, along with experience in curriculum development and familiarity with e-learning tools like Articulate or Adobe Captivate. Gaining certifications such as the Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) can also enhance job prospects. Building a portfolio of instructional projects and staying updated on educational technology are important steps in the career path.

What are the most commonly searched types of Learning Design jobs in California?

The most popular types of Learning Design jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Learning Design jobs?

Cities in California with the most Learning Design job openings:

Infographic showing various Learning Design job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,540 per year, or $40.2 per hour.

Learning & Development Manager

Guitar Center

Westlake Village, CA • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Guitar Center rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 179 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

373rd of 734 rated retailers


Job description

*This role is hybrid. On-site Tuesday-Thursday, with work from home Monday and Friday.

The Learning & Development Manager is responsible for designing and delivering learning solutions that build the skills, knowledge, and behaviors employees need to perform, grow, and support the company's strategic priorities.

This role partners with business leaders, HR, cross-functional stakeholders and subject matter experts to identify performance gaps and development opportunities, design scalable learning solutions, and measure their impact on business outcomes. The ideal candidate combines expertise in learning design, facilitation, learning operations, and performance consulting to create practical solutions that drive measurable business impact.

Key Responsibilities

Learning Strategy

  • Identify skill gaps, performance challenges, and development priorities.
  • Translate business needs into scalable learning and development solutions that improve performance.
  • Consult with leaders on the appropriate mix of learning, coaching, and change interventions.
  • Evaluate and recommend innovative learning approaches and AI-enabled technologies that improve learner engagement, and operational efficiency.
  • Ensure learning initiatives align with organizational priorities and measurable business outcomes.

Program Design & Development

  • Design, develop, implement, and continuously improve enterprise learning experiences across instructor-led, virtual, self-paced, social and experiential learning modalities.
  • Create facilitator guides, participant materials, digital learning, videos, toolkits, and performance support resources and job aids.
  • Apply adult learning theory, instructional design methodologies, and learning science, and behavioral change principles to maximize engagement and retention.
  • Design learning that is scalable, accessible, and reinforces desired workplace behaviors.
  • Leverage AI tools to accelerate content development and improve learner experiences.

Facilitation & Learning Delivery

  • Facilitate all learning and development trainings including leadership programs, manager training, onboarding, and enterprise learning programs.
  • Design and facilitate train-the-trainer programs that prepare leaders to confidently deliver and reinforce learning.
  • Serve as a trusted facilitator for enterprise initiatives and organizational change efforts.

Learning Operations

  • Guide and execute operational and administrative responsibilities, and lead project management to support end-to-end learning and development initiatives, including training scheduling and coordination, communications, delivery through LMS, and ongoing maintenance of learning materials and resources.
  • Develop an understanding of organizational priorities to ensure learning and development efforts support business goals; leverage participant and stakeholder feedback, employee engagement data, LMS insights, and learning metrics to iterate, improve, and propose new programs and resources.
  • Manage enterprise learning projects from planning through execution, including timelines, budgets, stakeholders, and communications.
  • Maintain learning curricula, certification pathways, and governance standards.
  • Partner with LMS administrators to ensure learning assignments, reporting, and learner experience are optimized.

The Learning & Development Manager is responsible for designing and delivering learning solutions that build the skills, knowledge, and behaviors employees need to perform, grow, and support the company's strategic priorities.

This role partners with business leaders, HR, cross-functional stakeholders and subject matter experts to identify performance gaps and development opportunities, design scalable learning solutions, and measure their impact on business outcomes. The ideal candidate combines expertise in learning design, facilitation, learning operations, and performance consulting to create practical solutions that drive measurable business impact.

Key Responsibilities

Learning Strategy

  • Identify skill gaps, performance challenges, and development priorities.
  • Translate business needs into scalable learning and development solutions that improve performance.
  • Consult with leaders on the appropriate mix of learning, coaching, and change interventions.
  • Evaluate and recommend innovative learning approaches and AI-enabled technologies that improve learner engagement, and operational efficiency.
  • Ensure learning initiatives align with organizational priorities and measurable business outcomes.

Program Design & Development

  • Design, develop, implement, and continuously improve enterprise learning experiences across instructor-led, virtual, self-paced, social and experiential learning modalities.
  • Create facilitator guides, participant materials, digital learning, videos, toolkits, and performance support resources and job aids.
  • Apply adult learning theory, instructional design methodologies, and learning science, and behavioral change principles to maximize engagement and retention.
  • Design learning that is scalable, accessible, and reinforces desired workplace behaviors.
  • Leverage AI tools to accelerate content development and improve learner experiences.

Facilitation & Learning Delivery

  • Facilitate all learning and development trainings including leadership programs, manager training, onboarding, and enterprise learning programs.
  • Design and facilitate train-the-trainer programs that prepare leaders to confidently deliver and reinforce learning.
  • Serve as a trusted facilitator for enterprise initiatives and organizational change efforts.

Learning Operations

  • Guide and execute operational and administrative responsibilities, and lead project management to support end-to-end learning and development initiatives, including training scheduling and coordination, communications, delivery through LMS, and ongoing maintenance of learning materials and resources.
  • Develop an understanding of organizational priorities to ensure learning and development efforts support business goals; leverage participant and stakeholder feedback, employee engagement data, LMS insights, and learning metrics to iterate, improve, and propose new programs and resources.
  • Manage enterprise learning projects from planning through execution, including timelines, budgets, stakeholders, and communications.
  • Maintain learning curricula, certification pathways, and governance standards.
  • Partner with LMS administrators to ensure learning assignments, reporting, and learner experience are optimized.

Why Guitar Center Company? Here's just some of the rewards:

For our employees who are musicians we offer the unique opportunity of gig leave-take time off to share your music with the world and return to your job after your tour! Guitar Center offers robust benefits and perks, including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K plus company match, mental health support, paid sick/holiday/vacation time, employee discount program, and tuition reimbursement options.

Pay Rate: $115,000 - $130,000/yrdepending on background and experience. This position is eligible to participate in the Guitar Center Company bonus program based on Company performance.

The job posting is not necessarily reflective of actual compensation that may be earned, nor a promise of any specific pay for any specific employee, which is always dependent on actual experience, education, and other factors. The pay range(s) listed are provided in compliance with state specific laws. Pay ranges may be different in other locations.

Whyjoinus?

With a career at Guitar Center, you become part of the world's largest multichannel musical instrument retailer. Whether at our Stores, Contact Centers, Distribution Centers, or Support Center, Guitar Center employees have a common goal: to help people find their sound and fill the world with more music.

Lovethisgigandwanttoapply?

Send your resume and cover letter today along with salary expectations!

Guitar Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides fair and equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status prohibited under Federal, State, or local laws. All employment decisions are based on valid jobrelated requirements.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our website, you may request a reasonable accommodation to express interest in a specific opening. You can request a reasonable accommodation by sending an email torecruiting@guitarcenter.com.


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About Guitar Center

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Guitar Center Company embodies the world of creativity and music by encouraging our teammates to find their own individual sound. Our mission is to develop and nurture lifelong musicians and make a difference in the world by enabling musicians and non-musicians alike to experience the joy that comes from creating music. We believe in putting our customers first, engaging with respect and integrity and fulfilling our mission with passion. The Guitar Center Company operates through several business divisions. Guitar Center is the world's largest retailer of guitars, amplifiers, drums, keyboards, recording, live sound, DJ, and lighting equipment, with more than 290 stores across the United States. 2014 marked the milestone 50th anniversary of the Guitar Center Company as the organization continues to help people make music from coast to coast.

Industry

Retail

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Westlake Village, CA, US

Year founded

1964