Instructional Designer Salary in Boulder, Colorado
The median instructional designer salary in Boulder, CO is $92,160 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median and 21.9% above the Colorado state average.
Instructional Designer Pay in Boulder: What to Expect (2026)
Boulder offers a median instructional designer salary of $92,160, which is $16,560 above the Colorado state average of $75,600. Compared to the national median of $72,000, Boulder pays above average for this role.
However, Boulder's cost of living index is 128%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $92,160 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $72,000. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boulder should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.
The salary range for instructional designers in Boulder spans from $56,320 at the 10th percentile to $151,040 at the 90th percentile — a $94,720 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $58,880, while senior instructional designers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $143,360. With a population of 105,673, Boulder is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Instructional Designer Salary in Boulder by Experience
In Boulder, an entry-level instructional designer earns around $58,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $143,360 per year. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Boulder, CO
| Percentile | Boulder |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $56,320 |
| 25th Percentile | $71,680 |
| Median (50th) | $92,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $121,600 |
| 90th Percentile | $151,040 |
Instructional Designer Salary in Other Colorado Cities
How to Become a Instructional Designer in Boulder
Education
Most instructional designer positions require a master's degree. Boulder and the surrounding Colorado area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, instructional designer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Boulder may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Instructional Designer Jobs in Boulder
Browse open instructional designer positions in Boulder, CO: