Instructional Designer Salary in Topeka, KS: $59,760 (2026)

Instructional Designer Pay in Topeka: What to Expect (2026)

Topeka offers a median instructional designer salary of $59,760, which is $2,880 below the Kansas state average of $62,640. Compared to the national median of $72,000, Topeka pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Topeka's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 83% of the national average. This means the $59,760 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $72,000 in an average-cost city. This makes Topeka an attractive option for instructional designers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for instructional designers in Topeka spans from $36,520 at the 10th percentile to $97,940 at the 90th percentile — a $61,420 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,180, while senior instructional designers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $92,960. With a population of 127,473, Topeka is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Instructional Designer Salary in Topeka by Experience

In Topeka, an entry-level instructional designer earns around $38,180, while experienced professionals earn up to $92,960 per year. The local cost of living index is 83% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$38,180

$-7,820 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$61,420

$-12,580 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$92,960

$-19,040 vs national

Percentile	Topeka	KS State	National
10th Percentile	$36,520	$38,280	$44,000
25th Percentile	$46,480	$48,720	$56,000
Median (50th)	$59,760	$62,640	$72,000
75th Percentile	$78,850	$82,650	$95,000
90th Percentile	$97,940	$102,660	$118,000

Percentile

Topeka

10th Percentile

$36,520

25th Percentile

$46,480

Median (50th)

$59,760

75th Percentile

$78,850

90th Percentile

$97,940

How to Become a Instructional Designer in Topeka

Education

Most instructional designer positions require a master's degree. Topeka and the surrounding Kansas 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 Topeka may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Instructional Designer Salary in Topeka

How much does a Instructional Designer make in Topeka, KS? ▼

The median instructional designer salary in Topeka, Kansas is $59,760 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $72,000. Salaries range from $36,520 (10th percentile) to $97,940 (90th percentile).

How much does a Instructional Designer make per hour in Topeka? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $59,760, a instructional designer in Topeka earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Topeka compare to the Kansas state average for instructional designer pay? ▼

Topeka's median instructional designer salary of $59,760 is 4.6% below the Kansas state average of $62,640. The local cost of living index is 83% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Topeka, KS? ▼

Topeka has a cost of living index of 83% compared to the national average. This means a instructional designer salary of $59,760 in Topeka has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a instructional designer in Topeka? ▼

Most instructional designer positions in Topeka 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.

Instructional Designer Salary in Topeka, Kansas