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Online Course Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Brown University

Learning Designer

Providence, RI · On-site

This position will collaborate with faculty to create inclusively designed online courses for new, online graduate degree programs. At the Sheridan Center for Teaching and Learning, the successful ...

Brown University

Learning Designer

Library, PA

This position will collaborate with faculty to create inclusively designed online courses for new, online graduate degree programs. At the Sheridan Center for Teaching and Learning, the successful ...

Syracuse University

Multimedia Designer

Syracuse, NY · On-site

$62K/yr

Develop user interface design standards and best practices for online courses that adhere to ... designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members ...

St. John's University

Instructional Designer

New York, NY

$71K - $96K/yr

The Instructional Designer contributes to the success of technology-enhanced, online course delivery by providing advice and experience in using innovative learning design, educational technology ...

St. John's University

Instructional Designer

Queens, NY · On-site

$67K - $91K/yr

The Instructional Designer contributes to the success of technology-enhanced, online course delivery by providing advice and experience in using innovative learning design, educational technology ...

St. John's University

Instructional Designer

Jamaica, NY

$67K - $91K/yr

The Instructional Designer contributes to the success of technology-enhanced, online course delivery by providing advice and experience in using innovative learning design, educational technology ...

COLUMBIA COLLEGE

Instructional Designer

Columbia, SC · On-site

$60K - $81K/yr

The Instructional Designer utilizes technical expertise, technology solutions, and pedagogical ... Works to create a consistent brand experience in Canvas for online courses. Training * Plan and ...

COLUMBIA COLLEGE

Instructional Designer

Columbia, SC

$60K - $81K/yr

The Instructional Designer utilizes technical expertise, technology solutions, and pedagogical ... Works to create a consistent brand experience in Canvas for online courses. Training * Plan and ...

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How much do online course designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for online course designer in the United States is $57.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.97 and $91.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Online Course Designer vs E-Learning Developer?

AspectOnline Course DesignerE-Learning Developer
CredentialsTypically requires instructional design or education certificationsOften requires technical certifications or multimedia skills
Work EnvironmentDesigns courses primarily for online platforms, often in educational or corporate settingsDevelops interactive e-learning content, including multimedia and software applications
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in educational institutions, corporate training, and e-learning companiesCommon in e-learning companies, corporate training, and educational tech firms

While both roles focus on online learning, the Online Course Designer primarily creates course structures and content, emphasizing instructional design. The E-Learning Developer often handles the technical development and multimedia integration of e-learning modules. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are some common challenges Online Course Designers face when working with subject matter experts (SMEs)?

Online Course Designers often collaborate closely with subject matter experts (SMEs) to ensure course content is accurate and engaging. A common challenge is translating complex, specialized knowledge into accessible and interactive online learning materials. Designers may also need to balance SME expectations with best practices in instructional design and technology constraints. Effective communication and project management skills are essential to align goals and create high-quality courses within deadlines.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Online Course Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Online Course Designer, you need a solid understanding of instructional design principles, curriculum development, and often a background in education or instructional technology. Familiarity with Learning Management Systems (LMS) like Canvas or Moodle, authoring tools such as Articulate Storyline or Adobe Captivate, and sometimes certification in instructional design are typically required. Strong communication, creativity, and project management skills are essential for collaborating with subject matter experts and engaging diverse learners. These skills and qualifications ensure the creation of effective, engaging, and accessible online learning experiences that meet both educational standards and learner needs.

How to become an eLearning designer?

To become an eLearning designer, you typically need a background in education, instructional design, or a related field, along with skills in multimedia tools such as Articulate or Adobe Captivate. Gaining experience through online courses, certifications like the Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP), and building a portfolio of sample projects are also important steps in establishing a career in eLearning design.

What does an Online Course Designer do?

An Online Course Designer is responsible for creating engaging and effective educational experiences delivered via the internet. They work with subject matter experts to develop course content, structure lessons, and choose appropriate multimedia elements. Their goal is to enhance learning by making online courses interactive, accessible, and aligned with learning objectives. They also often use learning management systems (LMS) to organize and deliver content, assess learner progress, and gather feedback for improvements.

How close is AI to replacing instructional designers?

AI tools are increasingly capable of automating certain tasks in online course design, such as content generation and assessment creation. However, instructional designers bring expertise in pedagogy, learner engagement, and contextual adaptation that AI cannot fully replicate, making complete replacement unlikely in the near future.

Do instructional designers make good money?

Instructional designers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $60,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in e-learning tools and multimedia may earn higher salaries, with some reaching over $100,000 annually.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

An online course designer can potentially earn $10,000 or more per month by creating and selling digital courses, especially if they build a large audience or work with high-paying clients. Success depends on skills in content creation, marketing, and platform management, often without requiring a formal degree.
More about Online Course Designer jobs
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What job categories do people searching Online Course Designer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Online Course Designer jobs are:
Online Course Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Online Course Designer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,979 per year, or $57.2 per hour.
Temporary Online Course Developer - RHIN XXX Capstone: Applied Digital Health Project

Temporary Online Course Developer - RHIN XXX Capstone: Applied Digital Health Project

Brandeis University

Brandeis, CA • Remote

$3K/wk

Part-time

Posted yesterday

Job description

Position: Online Course Developer - RHIN XXX Capstone: Applied Digital Health Project

Location: Remote (U.S.-based only)
Division: Rabb School of Continuing Studies, Brandeis University
Compensation: $3,000.00 (Approx. 65 hours over 12 weeks)

Brandeis University's Rabb School of Continuing Studies is seeking a skilled online course developer to design and build a new three credit asynchronous online course titled: RHIN XXX Capstone: Applied Digital Health Project.

This role is for an experienced academic and curriculum strategist to serve as an Online Course Developerwithin Brandeis Online's graduate program. The developer will design and build asynchronous, instructor-facilitated online courses aligned with institutional learning outcomes, accreditation standards, and workforce relevance. This is an applied project requiring the completion of a prototype or implementation plan including interoperability specifications, evaluation metrics, economic case, and adoption roadmap for a sponsoring organization or simulated client. The course will serve as a culminating experience for students to apply knowledge and skills they have acquired during the program.

Responsibilities:

The development of an online asynchronous course entails the creation and/or selection of elements as outlined in theBrandeis Online Course Standards. Required components include a Brandeis-compliant syllabus, instructor-created materials informed by current industry knowledge, learning objects, and applied assignments and assessments aligned to course and program outcomes.

The Developer is responsible for the substantive content and pedagogical strategies of the course and agrees to uphold Brandeis's academic standards and online course development guidelines.

Throughout the design process, the Developer will collaborate with Brandeis Online staff, adhere to technical requirements for LMS integration, and meet project milestones. Course drafts will be submitted at designated intervals for feedback, and final approval will be contingent upon a comprehensive design review by a Learning Designer, and Brandeis Online.

Qualifications:

  • Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in Health Informatics, Computer Science, or a related field.

  • Minimum of 5 years professional experience in health informatics.

  • Experience guiding students in designing and executing applied research or business projects.

  • Strong knowledge of health systems, programming languages, data analytics, project implementation, and healthcare regulatory standards.

  • At least 1 year of teaching or training experience (preferably online/asynchronous).

  • Minimum 1 year experience developing asynchronous online courses for adult learners in higher education or industry.

  • Proficiency with LMS platforms and digital authoring tools.

  • Familiarity with analytical tools, collaborative platforms, and interdisciplinary teamwork.

  • Strong communication, organization, and independent work skills.

  • Familiarity with curriculum design, accreditation standards, and graduate-level rigor.

  • Ability to translate interdisciplinary content into engaging, accessible learning pathways.

  • Strong writing and editing skills to produce cohesive, learner-centered experiences.

Preferred Experience:

  • Experience teaching or developing graduate-level online courses.

  • Knowledge of global learner personas and culturally responsive pedagogy.

  • Familiarity with Moodle LMS and digital authoring tools (e.g., H5P).

  • Familiarity with experiential learning models and employer-aligned curriculum.

  • 3-5 years of related professional experience.

Additional Details:

  • Fully remote (U.S.-based applicants only; no visa sponsorship)

  • 12-week development timeline (~65 total hours)

  • Compensation: $3,000.00

Pay Range Disclosure

The University's pay ranges represent a good faith estimate of what Brandeis reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of posting. The pay offered to a selected candidate during hiring will be based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience and education/training, internal peer equity, and applicable legal requirements.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Brandeis University is an equal opportunity employer which does not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religious creed, gender identity and expression, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, genetic information, disability, caste, military or veteran status or any other category protected by law (also known as membership in a "protected class").

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