2

Remote Instructional Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Instructional Designer

San Jose, CA · Remote

$76K - $103K/yr

This position is 100% remote in-state (California). * The Instructional Designer supports San Jose ... Design and develop online instructional materials that support academic courses/programs grounded ...

$69K - $94K/yr

This is a design-and-build role. The Instructional Designer is not simply assembling content - they ... Remote or distributed team experience with proven ability to manage stakeholder relationships and ...

$6.0K - $6.6K/mo

SPECIFIC DUTIES This is a 40-hour a week hybrid position with remote flexibility, typically working ... Apply best practices in adult learning, instructional design, accessibility, culturally ...

Cinematic AI Specialist

Burbank, CA · On-site +1

$55 - $75/hr

Professional experience in filmmaking, media arts, design, creative technology, or related ... Remote instruction and project-based learning * Collaborative creative environment New York Film ...

Remote (U.S. only) Time Zone: Flexible (candidate can be located anywhere in the U.S.) The ideal ... Success in this role comes from combining scientific expertise with instructional design, program ...

Drafter/CAD Operator II

San Diego, CA · On-site +1

$26.92 - $29.33/hr

Hybrid or remote work is not authorized Job Title * Drafter/CAD Operator II Salary * $26.92-$29.33 ... Produce simple revisions to existing drawings based on verbal instructions or detailed ...

... or remote (distance learning) training. * Coordinate with office administrators, human resources ... Apply instructional design principles to develop effective learning objectives, course outlines ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Remote Instructional Design information

See California salary details

$43.9K

$80.3K

$132.7K

How much do remote instructional design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote instructional design in California is $80,271.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,700.00 and $102,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Remote Instructional Design vs Remote Curriculum Developer?

AspectRemote Instructional DesignRemote Curriculum Developer
CredentialsTypically requires degrees in education, instructional design, or related fields; certifications like CPT or CPLP are commonOften requires similar educational backgrounds; certifications are less common but may include instructional design or content development credentials
Work EnvironmentPrimarily collaborates with educators, SMEs, and clients to create learning experiences, often in e-learning or corporate training settingsFocuses on developing course content, materials, and curricula, frequently working with subject matter experts and instructional designers
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in education, corporate training, e-learning companies, and nonprofitsCommon in education, e-learning, and corporate sectors, often overlapping with instructional design roles

Remote Instructional Designers focus on designing engaging learning experiences and courses, while Remote Curriculum Developers primarily create and organize course content and materials. Both roles often collaborate but serve different aspects of the educational development process.

Are remote instructional designers still in demand?

Remote instructional designers are still in demand as organizations continue to prioritize online learning and digital training solutions. Skills in e-learning authoring tools, curriculum development, and virtual collaboration are highly valued in this field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a remote instructional designer?

To thrive as a Remote Instructional Designer, you need expertise in learning theory, curriculum development, and experience with e-learning authoring tools, often supported by a degree in education, instructional design, or a related field. Familiarity with Learning Management Systems (LMS) like Moodle or Canvas, as well as tools such as Articulate Storyline or Adobe Captivate, is typically required. Strong project management, communication, and collaboration skills help set outstanding instructional designers apart in remote environments. These combined abilities ensure effective, engaging learning experiences that meet organizational goals and learner needs, even from a distance.

Can you work remotely as a remote instructional design?

Remote instructional design is a common role that allows professionals to create and develop educational content from a remote location. Many companies and organizations hire instructional designers to work remotely, often requiring skills in e-learning tools, curriculum development, and online collaboration platforms. The ability to work remotely depends on the employer's policies and the specific job requirements.

How do remote instructional designers typically collaborate with subject matter experts and stakeholders?

Remote instructional designers frequently use digital collaboration tools like video conferencing, shared documents, and project management platforms to work closely with subject matter experts and stakeholders. While communication is primarily virtual, regular check-ins, feedback sessions, and clear documentation help ensure everyone is aligned on learning objectives and project timelines. Building strong relationships remotely requires proactive communication, flexibility, and responsiveness to feedback, which are essential for creating effective learning solutions.

What is remote instructional design?

Remote instructional design involves creating educational materials, courses, and learning experiences that are delivered online or in a virtual environment. Instructional designers in remote roles use technology and pedagogical principles to develop content that effectively engages learners from a distance. They collaborate with subject matter experts, use e-learning tools, and ensure that the instructional materials are accessible and effective for diverse audiences. This role typically requires strong communication, organizational, and technical skills.
What are the most commonly searched types of Instructional Design jobs in California? The most popular types of Instructional Design jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Remote Instructional Design jobs? Cities in California with the most Remote Instructional Design job openings:
Infographic showing various Remote Instructional Design job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 85% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,271 per year, or $38.6 per hour.

Instructional Designer - Remote

Harbor Freight Tools

Calabasas, CA • Remote

$69K - $104K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

The Instructional Designer designs and develops engaging, learner centered training solutions that support Associate performance and business outcomes. This role collaborates with subject matter experts and stakeholders to analyze learning needs, creates effective instructional content, and continuously improves learning experiences across multiple modalities. The ideal candidate brings strong foundational instructional design skills, hands on experience with Articulate Storyline, and a high aptitude for learning new tools, technologies, and business concepts.
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Learning Strategy & Analysis:
    • Partner with stakeholders and SMEs to identify learning objectives and performance gaps.
    • Translate business requirements into clear learning goals, instructional strategies, and learning experiences.
    • Apply adult learning principles and basic learning science to instructional decisions.
  • Design & Development:
    • Design and develop instructionally sound learning solutions adhering to internal processes and established design standards
    • Develop solutions across modalities including:
    • Interactive eLearning courses using Articulate Storyline (minimum 2 years of hands on experience).
    • Instructor led and virtual training materials
    • Microlearning, job aids, videos, and blended solutions
    • Utilize additional tools such as Articulate Rise, Vyond, InDesign, or other Adobe Creative Cloud applications as appropriate.
    • Ensure materials are accessible, inclusive, and aligned with basic WCAG 2.1 standards.   
  • Technology & Platforms:
    • Publish and maintain learning content in LMS/LXP platforms.
    • Apply basic standards such as SCORM and/or xAPI when publishing content.
    • Troubleshoot course issues and collaborate with LMS administrators as needed.
    • Demonstrate willingness and ability to quickly learn new authoring tools and learning technologies.   
  • Collaboration & Project Support:
    • Work collaboratively with project leads, SMEs, and peers to understand project goals, processes, and details while meeting timelines and quality standards.
    • Participate in design reviews, revisions, and quality assurance checks.
    • Lead effective meetings with SMEs/stakeholders to communicate progress, risks, and recommendations clearly and professionally.
    • Partners with Sr. Instructional Designer and Support Team for complex initiatives.
    • Maintain and update project and task status in Monday.com to manage workload effectively and ensure accurate tracking of learning assets within the content library.    
  • Evaluation & Continuous Improvement:
    • Support evaluation of learning effectiveness through learner feedback, assessments, and completion data.
    • Update and improve content based on feedback, business changes, and performance insights.
    • Maintain version control and documentation for assigned learning assets.     
    • Professional Growth & Learning Mindset:
    • Demonstrate a strong aptitude for learning new content, tools, and instructional methods.
    • Stay informed about instructional design trends, emerging tools, and best practices.
    • Actively seek and apply feedback to improve design quality and efficiency.
Scope
  • Staff supervision and development:  No
  • Decision making: 
  • Makes design decisions within defined standards; escalates risks or issues as appropriate.
  • Travel:  Up to 5%
  • Flex Designation:  Anywhere

The anticipated salary range for this position is $69,500 - $104,200 depending on location, knowledge, skills, education and experience. This position is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus. In addition, we offer comprehensive and competitive benefits to Associates (and their families) such as medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability. Eligible Associates are able to enroll in our company's 401k plan. Associates will accrue paid time off up to 236 hours per year (inclusive of PTO, floating holidays, and paid holidays). Paid sick time up to 80 hours per year unless otherwise required by law.