Creative & Education Rochester, MN Pop. 121,395

Instructional Designer Salary in Rochester, Minnesota

The median instructional designer salary in Rochester, MN is $70,560 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 1.0% above the Minnesota state average.

City Median
$70,560
vs State Avg
+$720
vs National
$-1,440
Cost of Living
98%

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

Rochester offers a median instructional designer salary of $70,560, which is $720 above the Minnesota state average of $69,840. Compared to the national median of $72,000, Rochester pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Rochester's cost of living is 98% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for instructional designers in Rochester spans from $43,120 at the 10th percentile to $115,640 at the 90th percentile — a $72,520 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $45,080, while senior instructional designers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $109,760. With a population of 121,395, Rochester is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Instructional Designer Salary in Rochester by Experience

In Rochester, an entry-level instructional designer earns around $45,080, while experienced professionals earn up to $109,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,080
$-920 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$72,520
$-1,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$109,760
$-2,240 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rochester, MN

Percentile Rochester
10th Percentile $43,120
25th Percentile $54,880
Median (50th) $70,560
75th Percentile $93,100
90th Percentile $115,640

Instructional Designer Salary in Other Minnesota Cities

Minneapolis, MN
$75,600
Pop. 429,954
Bloomington, MN
$73,440
Pop. 89,987
Saint Paul, MN
$72,000
Pop. 311,527
Duluth, MN
$64,800
Pop. 90,884

How to Become a Instructional Designer in Rochester

Education

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

Find Instructional Designer Jobs in Rochester

Browse open instructional designer positions in Rochester, MN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Instructional Designer Salary in Rochester

How much does a Instructional Designer make in Rochester, MN? ▼
The median instructional designer salary in Rochester, Minnesota is $70,560 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $72,000. Salaries range from $43,120 (10th percentile) to $115,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Instructional Designer make per hour in Rochester? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $70,560, a instructional designer in Rochester earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rochester compare to the Minnesota state average for instructional designer pay? ▼
Rochester's median instructional designer salary of $70,560 is 1.0% above the Minnesota state average of $69,840. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Rochester, MN? ▼
Rochester has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a instructional designer salary of $70,560 in Rochester has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a instructional designer in Rochester? ▼
Most instructional designer positions in Rochester 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.