Creative & Education Minnesota (MN) Rank #20 of 50

Instructional Designer Salary in Minnesota

The median instructional designer salary in Minnesota is $69,840 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $72,000.

Median Salary
$69,840
vs National
$-2,160
State Rank
#20 of 50
Cost of Living
97%

Instructional Designer Salary Overview in Minnesota (2026)

Minnesota ranks #20 out of 50 states for instructional designer compensation. Minnesota falls in the middle of the pack for instructional designer pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $69,840 per year, instructional designers in Minnesota earn $2,160 less than the national median of $72,000.

Minnesota's cost of living is near the national average at 97%, meaning instructional designer salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Minnesota is significant: instructional designers at the 10th percentile earn $42,680, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $114,460 — a $71,780 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Minnesota for this role is Minneapolis, 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 Minnesota by Experience

In Minnesota, an entry-level instructional designer earns around $44,620, while experienced professionals earn up to $108,640 per year. The cost of living index in Minnesota is 97% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,620
$-1,380 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$71,780
$-2,220 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$108,640
$-3,360 vs national

Build Wealth on Your Income

With a $69,840 income, financial advisors recommend investing 15–20% annually. Start building a diversified portfolio with as little as $10.

See Investment Options →

Salary Percentiles in Minnesota

Percentile MN Salary
10th Percentile $42,680
25th Percentile $54,320
Median (50th) $69,840
75th Percentile $92,150
90th Percentile $114,460

Instructional Designer Salary by City in Minnesota

The largest employment areas for instructional designers in Minnesota include Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Rochester, and Duluth. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Instructional Designer in Minnesota

Education

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

Key Skills

Instructional DesignArticulate/CaptivateLMSADDIE ModelE-LearningAssessment Design

Job Outlook in Minnesota

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

Negotiate Your Way to Senior Pay

Data shows Instructional Designers who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $38,800 over your career trajectory.

Get Negotiation Scripts — $197 →

Open to Instructional Designer Roles in Minnesota?

Get matched with recruiters hiring instructional designers in Minnesota at competitive salaries.

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: Instructional Designer Salary in Minnesota

How much does a Instructional Designer make in Minnesota? ▼
The median instructional designer salary in Minnesota is $69,840 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $72,000. Salaries range from $42,680 (10th percentile) to $114,460 (90th percentile).
How much does a Instructional Designer make per hour in Minnesota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $69,840, a instructional designer in Minnesota earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Minnesota a good state for instructional designers? ▼
Minnesota ranks #20 out of 50 states for instructional designer pay. The cost of living index is 97% of the national average. Entry-level instructional designers earn $44,620, while senior professionals earn $108,640.
How does Minnesota compare to other states for instructional designer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for instructional designers is Hawaii at $122,400. Minnesota's median of $69,840 ranks #20 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Maine ($70,560) and Arizona ($69,840).
What is the entry-level instructional designer salary in Minnesota? ▼
An entry-level instructional designer in Minnesota earns approximately $44,620 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $71,780. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $108,640.
What city in Minnesota pays instructional designers the most? ▼
Minneapolis is the highest paying city in Minnesota for instructional designers, with a median salary of $75,600. Other cities include Saint Paul and Rochester.