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Online Course Development Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

The Learning Designer is a member of a course development team within the Sheridan Center for Teaching and Learning whose work focuses on designing and developing high quality online learning ...

$59K - $86K/yr

Acting as the project manager for courses in development to monitor progress; determine, set, and ... Provide a link to an online portfolio (or attach samples) that demonstrates knowledge of online ...

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Online Course Development information

See Pennsylvania salary details

$13

$40

$84

How much do online course development jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for online course development in Pennsylvania is $40.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.80 and $69.62 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in online course development?

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 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 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 popular job titles related to Online Course Development jobs in Pennsylvania?

For Online Course Development jobs in Pennsylvania, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Online Course Development job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $85,251 per year, or $41 per hour.

Temporary Instructional Designer (Remote)

University of Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, PA โ€ข On-site, Remote

$63K - $85K/yr

Temporary

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

The Center for Excellence in Digital Education (Pitt EDGE) is seeking an experienced Instructional Designer to support an ongoing university-wide initiative. This position requires a strong foundation in instructional design, digital pedagogy, and online course development. The Instructional Designer will collaborate with the Pitt EDGE design team to develop high-quality online and hybrid courses for both credit-bearing and non-credit programs. This role involves consulting with University faculty to design engaging, accessible, and effective learning experiences. Responsibilities include guiding faculty through course design and development, analyzing online teaching practices, and recommending instructional strategies and evaluation methods that enhance student learning outcomes. The successful candidate will apply best practices in online learning, digital accessibility, and copyright/fair use. Key duties include creating course development plans, editing and organizing course materials, producing multimedia content, building courses in the learning management system, leveraging emerging educational technologies, and conducting comprehensive quality assurance reviews to ensure excellence in course delivery.