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Online Course Development Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Because we are simultaneously transitioning to a new LMS and expanding into online course development, this role carries expanded responsibility that goes beyond the classroom. Duties * Design and ...

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Online Course Development information

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How much do online course development jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for online course development in California is $40.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $68.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is online course development?

Online course development is the process of designing, creating, and organizing educational content for delivery over the internet. It involves identifying learning objectives, developing engaging materials such as videos, readings, and quizzes, and using digital tools or learning management systems to make the course accessible to students. The process may also include assessments, feedback mechanisms, and ongoing updates to ensure the course remains current and effective. Professionals in this field often collaborate with subject matter experts, instructional designers, and multimedia specialists to create high-quality learning experiences.

What is the difference between Online Course Development vs Instructional Designer?

AspectOnline Course DevelopmentInstructional Designer
CredentialsTypically requires expertise in e-learning tools, instructional design principles, and subject matter knowledgeRequires instructional design certifications, educational background, and familiarity with learning theories
Work EnvironmentOften involves collaboration with subject matter experts, multimedia developers, and online platformsWorks in educational institutions, corporate training, or e-learning companies, designing learning experiences
Industry UsageCommonly used in online education, corporate training, and e-learning content creationUsed across education, corporate training, and government sectors for curriculum development

Online Course Development focuses on creating and producing online courses, including content creation and platform integration. Instructional Designers plan and design effective learning experiences, often involving curriculum design and educational strategies. While overlapping, Online Course Development emphasizes content production, whereas Instructional Design emphasizes pedagogical planning and instructional strategies.

What are some common challenges faced when collaborating with subject matter experts (SMEs) during online course development?

One common challenge in online course development is ensuring clear and consistent communication with subject matter experts (SMEs), who may have limited availability due to other responsibilities. Aligning educational goals with the technical and pedagogical aspects of online learning can require careful negotiation and flexibility. Additionally, translating complex subject matter into engaging, learner-friendly content often involves iterative feedback and revision cycles with SMEs. Building strong collaborative relationships and setting clear expectations from the outset can help mitigate these challenges and ensure a smoother development process.

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

To excel in Online Course Development, you need strong instructional design knowledge, expertise in curriculum development, and familiarity with digital learning theories, often supported by a degree in education or instructional design. Proficiency with Learning Management Systems (LMS) like Moodle or Canvas, and authoring tools such as Articulate Storyline or Adobe Captivate, is typically required. Strong project management, creativity, and communication skills help in collaborating with subject matter experts and engaging learners effectively. These skills ensure that courses are pedagogically sound, user-friendly, and achieve desired learning outcomes in a digital environment.
What job categories do people searching Online Course Development jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Online Course Development jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Online Course Development jobs? Cities in California with the most Online Course Development job openings:
Infographic showing various Online Course Development job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 78% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,934 per year, or $40.4 per hour.
Temporary Online Course Developer - Capstone: Applied Analytics Project

Temporary Online Course Developer - Capstone: Applied Analytics Project

Brandeis University

Brandeis, CA โ€ข Remote

$3K/wk

Part-time

Posted yesterday


Job description

Online Course Developer - Capstone: Applied Analytics 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: Capstone: Applied Analytics 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 course consists of a team-based project synthesizing the entire data science lifecycle from data engineering to ethical AI deployment. Students produce a deployable solution for a partner organization or simulated client.

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 (Masters or Ph.D) in Computer Science, Data Science, or Software Engineering or related field.

  • Expertise across the full data science lifecycle, including data engineering, analytics, modeling, ethical AI practices, and deployment.

  • Experience advising or leading team based applied projects that deliver production-ready analytics or AI solutions.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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").