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Online Course Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Touro University

Instructional Designer

Manhattan, NY

$60K - $75K/yr

The Instructional Designer collaborates with faculty members to enhance and maintain asynchronous online courses. Rooted in prior teaching experience, this role focuses on creating engaging and ...

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$57

$103

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 states have the most Online Course Designer jobs? States with the most job openings for Online Course Designer jobs include:
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.
Instructional Designer II

Instructional Designer II

Florida Gulf Coast University

Fort Myers, FL • On-site

$57K - $77K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Job Summary
The Instructional Designer II works directly with faculty to identify and implement pedagogical approaches and digital learning technologies to enhance student learning. Supports course design efforts for digital and online modalities. Creates and delivers professional development related to digital and online learning topics.
FGCU is building a culture of curiosity, commitment and collaboration. We value employees who successfully work with others and drive positive change through critical thinking and decisive action. If you thrive in an environment of innovation, accountability and mutual respect, you will find a good home here.
Job Description
Typical duties may include but are not limited to:
  • Works directly with faculty to design/redesign online and hybrid courses and their learning activities. Identifies and develops appropriate learning activities and materials that directly support the learning outcomes.
  • Supports faculty in the use of LMS features specific to the course design.
  • Collaborates with faculty and Instructional Technology staff to select and integrate appropriate instructional technology.
  • May lead projects related to course design and faculty development.
  • Participates in gathering and analyzing data related to department projects and initiatives.
  • May lead a review of online and hybrid courses.
  • Develops new or revises training focused on online and digital learning teaching and learning.
  • Participates in the evaluation of training and recommends revisions.
  • Collaborates in building Communities of Practice focused on improving teaching and learning in the online and digital learning environment.
  • Assists/trains student workers as required.
  • Develops new techniques and procedures to enhance university instructional design.
  • Reviews progress, evaluates results, recommends new processes, and promotes best practices.

Other Duties:
  • Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Additional Job Description
Required Qualifications:
  • This position requires either six years of directly related full-time experience or, as an alternative, a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Education, Educational Technology, Instructional Design, or closely related field and two years of full-time experience directly related to the job functions.
  • Experience as an Instructional Designer designing or developing courses and learning activities for courses delivered via a Learning Management System and support faculty in the use of a Learning Management System.
  • Any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience, and/or certifications may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's Degree from an accredited institution in Education, Education Technology, Instructional Design, or closely related field.
  • Three years professional full-time experience designing and developing courses and learning activities for courses delivered via a Learning Management System and supporting faculty in the use of a Learning Management System.
  • Experience designing and delivering professional development training.
  • Experience with action research and/or teaching an online course in a higher education setting.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
  • Knowledge of instructional design principles and effective online pedagogy.
  • Knowledge of course development and Learning Management System support.
  • Knowledge of software tools used for developing instructional content.
  • Knowledge of adult education principles and practices.
  • Skill in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
  • Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to collaborate with faculty to complete an online course quality review.
  • Ability to present effectively to small and large groups.
  • Ability to take initiative to plan, organize, coordinate, and perform work in various situations when numerous and competing demands are involved.
  • Ability to collaborate and work effectively within the community and willing to contribute to a team effort.
  • Ability to work independently and follow through on assignments.
  • Ability to develop and conduct workshops on a variety of topics related to online and digital learning.
  • Ability to identify and learn new software tools for the creation of learning materials used in online, hybrid, and web-enhanced courses.
  • Proven ability to think strategically and approach challenges with creativity.
  • Demonstrated track record of reliability, meeting goals, and holding oneself accountable.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and experience working effectively across teams.

Institutional Values & Behavioral Expectations:
In this role, the successful candidate will be expected to:
  • Curiosity: Seek out new approaches to improve outcomes; remain open to feedback and new ideas.
  • Commitment: Lead with integrity; consistently produce high-quality work; persevere to overcome obstacles to meet deadlines and achieve deliverables.
  • Collaboration: Share information and insights thoughtfully; build partnerships across departments; communicate respectfully; support colleagues to achieve common goals.

Salary Range: $55,000 to $64,000
FGCU is a State University System of Florida member and an Equal Opportunity and Equal Access employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

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