Creative & Education Maryland (MD) Rank #9 of 50

Instructional Designer Salary in Maryland

The median instructional designer salary in Maryland is $79,200 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $72,000.

Median Salary
$79,200
vs National
+$7,200
State Rank
#9 of 50
Cost of Living
110%

Instructional Designer Salary Overview in Maryland (2026)

Maryland ranks #9 out of 50 states for instructional designer compensation. This places Maryland in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for instructional designers seeking high pay. At $79,200 per year, instructional designers in Maryland earn $7,200 more than the national median of $72,000.

It's worth noting that Maryland's cost of living is 110% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $79,200 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $72,000.

The salary spread in Maryland is significant: instructional designers at the 10th percentile earn $48,400, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $129,800 — a $81,400 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Maryland for this role is Silver Spring, where the median reaches $87,840.

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 Maryland by Experience

In Maryland, an entry-level instructional designer earns around $50,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $123,200 per year. The cost of living index in Maryland is 110% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$50,600
+$4,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$81,400
+$7,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$123,200
+$11,200 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Maryland

Percentile MD Salary
10th Percentile $48,400
25th Percentile $61,600
Median (50th) $79,200
75th Percentile $104,500
90th Percentile $129,800

Instructional Designer Salary by City in Maryland

The largest employment areas for instructional designers in Maryland include Baltimore, Columbia, Silver Spring, and Germantown. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Instructional Designer in Maryland

Education

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

Key Skills

Instructional DesignArticulate/CaptivateLMSADDIE ModelE-LearningAssessment Design

Job Outlook in Maryland

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Instructional Designer Salary in Maryland

How much does a Instructional Designer make in Maryland? ▼
The median instructional designer salary in Maryland is $79,200 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $72,000. Salaries range from $48,400 (10th percentile) to $129,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Instructional Designer make per hour in Maryland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $79,200, a instructional designer in Maryland earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Maryland a good state for instructional designers? ▼
Maryland ranks #9 out of 50 states for instructional designer pay. The cost of living index is 110% of the national average. Entry-level instructional designers earn $50,600, while senior professionals earn $123,200.
How does Maryland compare to other states for instructional designer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for instructional designers is Hawaii at $122,400. Maryland's median of $79,200 ranks #9 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Washington ($82,800) and Connecticut ($80,640).
What is the entry-level instructional designer salary in Maryland? ▼
An entry-level instructional designer in Maryland earns approximately $50,600 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $81,400. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $123,200.
What city in Maryland pays instructional designers the most? ▼
Silver Spring is the highest paying city in Maryland for instructional designers, with a median salary of $87,840. Other cities include Baltimore and Columbia.