Creative & Education Los Angeles, CA Pop. 3,898,747

Instructional Designer Salary in Los Angeles, California

The median instructional designer salary in Los Angeles, CA is $105,120 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median and 5.8% above the California state average.

City Median
$105,120
vs State Avg
+$5,760
vs National
+$33,120
Cost of Living
146%

Instructional Designer Pay in Los Angeles: What to Expect (2026)

Los Angeles offers a median instructional designer salary of $105,120, which is $5,760 above the California state average of $99,360. Compared to the national median of $72,000, Los Angeles pays above average for this role.

However, Los Angeles's cost of living index is 146%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $105,120 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $72,000. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Los Angeles should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for instructional designers in Los Angeles spans from $64,240 at the 10th percentile to $172,280 at the 90th percentile — a $108,040 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $67,160, while senior instructional designers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $163,520. As a major metro area with a population of 3,898,747, Los Angeles typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Instructional Designer Salary in Los Angeles by Experience

In Los Angeles, an entry-level instructional designer earns around $67,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $163,520 per year. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$67,160
+$21,160 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$108,040
+$34,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$163,520
+$51,520 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Los Angeles, CA

Percentile Los Angeles
10th Percentile $64,240
25th Percentile $81,760
Median (50th) $105,120
75th Percentile $138,700
90th Percentile $172,280

Instructional Designer Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$131,040
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$120,960
Pop. 1,013,240
San Diego, CA
$102,240
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$84,960
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Instructional Designer in Los Angeles

Education

Most instructional designer positions require a master's degree. Los Angeles and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Instructional DesignArticulate/CaptivateLMSADDIE ModelE-LearningAssessment Design

Job Outlook

Nationally, instructional designer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Los Angeles may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Instructional Designer Jobs in Los Angeles

Browse open instructional designer positions in Los Angeles, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Instructional Designer Salary in Los Angeles

How much does a Instructional Designer make in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
The median instructional designer salary in Los Angeles, California is $105,120 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median of $72,000. Salaries range from $64,240 (10th percentile) to $172,280 (90th percentile).
How much does a Instructional Designer make per hour in Los Angeles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $105,120, a instructional designer in Los Angeles earns approximately $51 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Los Angeles compare to the California state average for instructional designer pay? ▼
Los Angeles's median instructional designer salary of $105,120 is 5.8% above the California state average of $99,360. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 146% compared to the national average. This means a instructional designer salary of $105,120 in Los Angeles has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a instructional designer in Los Angeles? ▼
Most instructional designer positions in Los Angeles require a master's degree. Key skills include Instructional Design, Articulate/Captivate, LMS, ADDIE Model. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.