Creative & Education Paterson, NJ Pop. 159,732

Instructional Designer Salary in Paterson, New Jersey

The median instructional designer salary in Paterson, NJ is $75,600 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 8.7% below the New Jersey state average.

City Median
$75,600
vs State Avg
$-7,200
vs National
+$3,600
Cost of Living
105%

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

Paterson offers a median instructional designer salary of $75,600, which is $7,200 below the New Jersey state average of $82,800. Compared to the national median of $72,000, Paterson pays above average for this role.

Paterson's cost of living is 105% 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 Paterson spans from $46,200 at the 10th percentile to $123,900 at the 90th percentile — a $77,700 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $48,300, while senior instructional designers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $117,600. With a population of 159,732, Paterson is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Instructional Designer Salary in Paterson by Experience

In Paterson, an entry-level instructional designer earns around $48,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $117,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$48,300
+$2,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$77,700
+$3,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$117,600
+$5,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Paterson, NJ

Percentile Paterson
10th Percentile $46,200
25th Percentile $58,800
Median (50th) $75,600
75th Percentile $99,750
90th Percentile $123,900

Instructional Designer Salary in Other New Jersey Cities

Jersey City, NJ
$92,160
Pop. 292,449
Edison, NJ
$82,800
Pop. 107,588
Newark, NJ
$80,640
Pop. 311,549
Elizabeth, NJ
$77,760
Pop. 137,298

How to Become a Instructional Designer in Paterson

Education

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

Find Instructional Designer Jobs in Paterson

Browse open instructional designer positions in Paterson, NJ:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Instructional Designer Salary in Paterson

How much does a Instructional Designer make in Paterson, NJ? ▼
The median instructional designer salary in Paterson, New Jersey is $75,600 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $72,000. Salaries range from $46,200 (10th percentile) to $123,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Instructional Designer make per hour in Paterson? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $75,600, a instructional designer in Paterson earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Paterson compare to the New Jersey state average for instructional designer pay? ▼
Paterson's median instructional designer salary of $75,600 is 8.7% below the New Jersey state average of $82,800. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Paterson, NJ? ▼
Paterson has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a instructional designer salary of $75,600 in Paterson has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a instructional designer in Paterson? ▼
Most instructional designer positions in Paterson 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.