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Online Course Instructor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Online Course Instructor information

See California salary details

$9

$32

$71

How much do online course instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for online course instructor in California is $32.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $60.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an online course instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Online Course Instructor, you need expertise in your subject area, experience in curriculum development, and often a relevant degree or teaching credential. Familiarity with Learning Management Systems (LMS) like Canvas or Moodle, video conferencing tools, and digital content creation platforms is typically required. Strong communication, adaptability, and time management skills help instructors engage diverse learners and respond to their needs. These skills ensure effective knowledge transfer, student engagement, and smooth online course delivery.

What does an online course instructor do?

As an online course instructor, your responsibilities are to teach students in a virtual class using various curricula. Both high school and college instructors teach courses online thanks to the increase in internet classroom popularity. You can teach one or several subjects depending on your expertise, creating a lesson plan for each subject and semester. Despite running the classroom from a computer, you are still considered faculty and expected to fulfill the same duties as an on-site professor or teacher. You are also responsible for creating and grading assignments that align with the curriculum.

What is an online course instructor?

Online Course Instructors are educators who design, teach, and manage courses delivered over the internet. They use digital platforms to provide lectures, assignments, and assessments, often interacting with students via discussion boards, video calls, and messaging systems. Their responsibilities include creating course materials, supporting student learning, and adapting teaching methods to suit online environments. Online Course Instructors can work independently or for educational institutions, covering a wide range of subjects and skill levels.

What is the difference between Online Course Instructor vs Online Tutor?

AspectOnline Course InstructorOnline Tutor
CredentialsTypically requires a degree or certification in the subject areaMay require similar credentials, but often less formal
Work EnvironmentCreates and delivers structured courses to multiple studentsProvides one-on-one or small group support
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, online learning platformsPrivate tutoring platforms, freelance work
Search & Comparison IntentInterested in teaching large courses or curriculum designSeeking personalized instruction or tutoring services

Online Course Instructors develop comprehensive courses for many students, often working with educational institutions or online platforms. Online Tutors focus on personalized, one-on-one support, helping students improve in specific areas. While both roles involve teaching online, their scope, environment, and interaction style differ significantly.

What are some common challenges faced by online course instructors when engaging remote learners, and how can these be addressed?

Online Course Instructors often find it challenging to keep remote learners actively engaged and motivated throughout a course. Unlike traditional classrooms, online environments lack face-to-face interaction, making it harder to gauge student understanding and participation. To address this, instructors can incorporate interactive elements such as discussion forums, live Q&A sessions, and multimedia content. Providing timely feedback and fostering a sense of community among students also helps maintain engagement and supports learning outcomes.
What cities in California are hiring for Online Course Instructor jobs? Cities in California with the most Online Course Instructor job openings:
Infographic showing various Online Course Instructor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,380 per year, or $32.9 per hour.

Instructor Pool - Interior Design - UC Berkeley Extension

University of California, Berkeley

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$960 - $2.6K/wk

Other

Re-posted 19 days ago


University Of California Berkeley rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 32 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

67th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position overview
Position title: Instructor (Non-Senate, Non-Tenure Track)
Salary range: The compensation model varies depending upon the course delivery format. For a synchronous Live Online course, a reasonable estimate for this position is $1,170 - $3,510 total per course. For an asynchronous Fixed Date Online course, this position is paid $120 per enrolled student and a reasonable estimate ranges from $960 - $2,640 total per course. Instructor compensation is determined by course length, number of units, enrollment, budgetary considerations, and other factors.
Percent time: Part-time by agreement on a course-by-course basis.
Anticipated start: Some appointments may begin as early as the spring semester.
Review timeline: Applicants are considered for positions as needs arise; the existence of this applicant pool does not guarantee that a position is available. The applicant pool will remain in place for 9-12 months; those interested in remaining in the applicant pool beyond the advertised final closing date must reapply.
Position duration: Length of courses differs depending on the subject, level, format/schedule, and credits taught. For the fall, spring, and summer semesters, course length typically ranges from approximately 4 to 15 weeks. Further course agreements may be assigned based upon program needs, meritorious performance, and funding availability.
Application Window
Open date: August 26, 2025
Next review date: Monday, Aug 17, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Tuesday, Aug 25, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Position description
UC Berkeley Extension (UNEX), the continuing education branch of the University of California, Berkeley, has been building bridges between UC Berkeley and the public since 1891. UNEX serves the professional and continuing education goals of thousands of people each year and plays an essential part of the University mission to: extend the research and scholarship of UC Berkeley to a global community; increase access to higher education for non-traditional, online, and international students; and improve the workforce. UC Berkeley Extension is a part of the division under the leadership of the Dean of Extended Education that also includes Berkeley Summer Sessions, Berkeley Study Abroad, and Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.
UC Berkeley Extension invites applications for a pool of qualified, dynamic instructors with a commitment to undergraduate, professional, and continuing education in Interior Design to teach one or more online courses each year for our Arts and Humanities department.
Courses are offered online:
  • Online instruction is delivered through synchronous live lectures (Zoom) and asynchronously through our learning management system (Canvas).
  • Most synchronous live online lecture courses are offered in the evening and on the weekend (U.S.A. Pacific Time).

Course Subjects
We are seeking qualified applicants who possess current subject matter expertise and/or teaching knowledge in (but not limited to) the following course subjects. For program and course descriptions, please refer to the departmental link below.
Interior Design and Interior Architecture
  • Fundamentals of Interior Design
  • Design Principles and Elements
  • Design Communication I (Architectural Drafting)
  • Design Communication II (Architectural Perspective)
  • Design Communication III (Freehand Perspective)
  • Digital Presentation Techniques
  • AutoCAD
  • Revit
  • Color Theory for Interior Applications
  • History of Architecture and Interiors I and II
  • Space Planning
  • Interior Finishes and Materials
  • Interior Design Studio (Residential)
  • Interior Design Studio (Commercial)
  • Lighting Design
  • Bath Design
  • Kitchen Design
  • Construction Documents
  • Building Components and Systems
  • Sustainability Principles
  • Business Practices for Interior Designers
  • Portfolio and Professional Presentation
  • Other Interior Design or Interior Architecture Course or Subject Areas (please specify in your cover letter)

General Duties
The department seeks candidates who can support the success of all students through inclusive curriculum, classroom environment, and pedagogy. Specific duties and expectations will vary depending on the method of instruction including: Synchronous Live Online (Zoom) or Asynchronous Online (Fixed Date).
  • For synchronous instruction (live online courses), duties include but are not limited to: syllabus development; assignment development; lesson planning for class meetings; preparing and submitting required texts and course materials; reviewing and updating Canvas course site; and delivering lectures, presentations, and learning activities for all required hours of instruction.
  • For asynchronous instruction (fixed date online courses), duties include but are not limited to: reviewing the syllabus and pre-populated online course content; learning and utilizing Canvas classroom management tools; and requesting any training needs from the Program Director or Department Director.
  • For all instruction (regardless of course format) duties include but are not limited to: completing required trainings as mandated by the UC Presidential policies; responding to student questions and learning needs in a timely manner; grading student assignments and posting final student grades to the instructor portal in a timely manner; utilizing University-approved course support platforms including the Canvas Learning Management System, Zoom, Instructor Portal, Google Workspace, etc.; reviewing and following University and departmental policies, logistics, and other guidelines as published on the departmental Instructional Resource Site; and responding to other requests from the Program Director or Department Director in a timely manner.

Interior Design Program and Courses: https://extension.berkeley.edu/public/category/courseCategoryCertificateProfile.do?method=load&certificateId=17017&selectedProgramAreaId=11461&selectedProgramStreamId=15552
Qualifications
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent international degree required.

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)
  • 3 or more years of professional industry work experience since degree, or 3 or more years of teaching experience since degree.
  • U.S.A. Residency and U.S.A. Work Authorization: All work must be performed in the United States, whether in person or online. For applicants who are not US citizens or permanent residents, a valid US work authorization is required for the duration of employment. Applicants should not expect the department to sponsor a work visa on their behalf.

Preferred qualifications
  • Advanced degree in course subject preferred.
  • Professional Industry Credential: Certified Interior Designer (CCIDC/NCIDQ)
  • Knowledge of federal and California state laws and regulations as applicable to the course subject.
  • 4 or more years of professional industry work experience in the course subject.
  • 4 or more years of teaching experience in the course subject at a U.S. college/university institution.
  • Experience in creating syllabi, learning objectives, lectures/presentations, learning activities, assignments, assessments, exams, and quizzes.
  • Experience teaching online and/or developing academic content for online courses.
  • Ability to convey conceptual and complex ideas and information.
  • Ability to support the success of all students through inclusive curriculum, classroom environment, and pedagogy.
  • Effective verbal/written communication and presentation skills (English).
  • Effective organizational skills with attention to detail.
  • Ability to collaborate with colleagues and work within a team environment.
  • Proficiency in (or willingness to learn) instructional and other technology, such as: Learning Management Systems (Canvas); lecture/presentation capture applications (Panopto); online video conferencing (Zoom); Microsoft Office (Word and PowerPoint); file sharing (Google drive or Dropbox); and Google Workspace tools (email, calendar, docs, sheets, slides, etc).

Application Requirements
Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V. or resume.
  • Cover Letter - Please discuss prior teaching experience, teaching approach, and other/future teaching interests. This can include, for example, specific efforts, accomplishments, and future plans to support the success of all students through inclusive curriculum, classroom environment, and pedagogy.

Reference requirements
  • References are requested from candidates at the interviewing stage, and references are only contacted for finalists.
Apply link: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF05005
Help contact: extension-jobs@berkeley.edu
About UC Berkeley
UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in our public mission of research, teaching, and service, consistent with UC Regents Policy 4400 and University of California Academic Personnel policy ( APM 210 1-d ). These values are embedded in our Principles of Community , which reflect our passion for critical inquiry, debate, discovery and innovation, and our deep commitment to contributing to a better world. Every member of the UC Berkeley community has a role in sustaining a safe, caring and humane environment in which these values can thrive.
The University of California, Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.
For more information, please refer to the University of California's Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment Policy and the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy .
In searches when letters of reference are required all letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service or career center), to the UC Berkeley statement of confidentiality prior to submitting their letter.
As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.
Unless stated otherwise, unambiguously, in the position description, this position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.
  • "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
  • APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

Job location
San Francisco Bay Area, California (U.S.A.)

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