Creative & Education Delaware (DE) Rank #15 of 50

Instructional Designer Salary in Delaware

The median instructional designer salary in Delaware is $72,720 per year, which is 1.0% above the national median of $72,000.

Median Salary
$72,720
vs National
+$720
State Rank
#15 of 50
Cost of Living
101%

Instructional Designer Salary Overview in Delaware (2026)

Delaware ranks #15 out of 50 states for instructional designer compensation. Delaware falls in the middle of the pack for instructional designer pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $72,720 per year, instructional designers in Delaware earn $720 more than the national median of $72,000.

Delaware's cost of living is near the national average at 101%, meaning instructional designer salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Delaware is significant: instructional designers at the 10th percentile earn $44,440, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $119,180 — a $74,740 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Delaware for this role is Wilmington, where the median reaches $75,600.

Nationally, instructional designer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for instructional designers across the country.

Instructional Designer Salary in Delaware by Experience

In Delaware, an entry-level instructional designer earns around $46,460, while experienced professionals earn up to $113,120 per year. The cost of living index in Delaware is 101% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$46,460
+$460 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$74,740
+$740 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$113,120
+$1,120 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Delaware

Percentile DE Salary
10th Percentile $44,440
25th Percentile $56,560
Median (50th) $72,720
75th Percentile $95,950
90th Percentile $119,180

Instructional Designer Salary by City in Delaware

The largest employment areas for instructional designers in Delaware include Wilmington, Dover, Newark, and Middletown. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Instructional Designer in Delaware

Education

Most instructional designer positions require a master's degree. Delaware has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Instructional DesignArticulate/CaptivateLMSADDIE ModelE-LearningAssessment Design

Job Outlook in Delaware

Nationally, instructional designer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Delaware's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Data shows Instructional Designers who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $40,400 over your career trajectory.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Instructional Designer Salary in Delaware

How much does a Instructional Designer make in Delaware? ▼
The median instructional designer salary in Delaware is $72,720 per year, which is 1.0% above the national median of $72,000. Salaries range from $44,440 (10th percentile) to $119,180 (90th percentile).
How much does a Instructional Designer make per hour in Delaware? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $72,720, a instructional designer in Delaware earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Delaware a good state for instructional designers? ▼
Delaware ranks #15 out of 50 states for instructional designer pay. The cost of living index is 101% of the national average. Entry-level instructional designers earn $46,460, while senior professionals earn $113,120.
How does Delaware compare to other states for instructional designer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for instructional designers is Hawaii at $122,400. Delaware's median of $72,720 ranks #15 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Rhode Island ($75,600) and Virginia ($74,880).
What is the entry-level instructional designer salary in Delaware? ▼
An entry-level instructional designer in Delaware earns approximately $46,460 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $74,740. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $113,120.
What city in Delaware pays instructional designers the most? ▼
Wilmington is the highest paying city in Delaware for instructional designers, with a median salary of $75,600. Other cities include Dover and Newark.