Instructional Designer Salary in Winston-Salem, NC: $61,920 (2026)

Instructional Designer Pay in Winston-Salem: What to Expect (2026)

Winston-Salem offers a median instructional designer salary of $61,920, which is $4,320 below the North Carolina state average of $66,240. Compared to the national median of $72,000, Winston-Salem pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Winston-Salem's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $61,920 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $72,000 in an average-cost city. This makes Winston-Salem an attractive option for instructional designers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for instructional designers in Winston-Salem spans from $37,840 at the 10th percentile to $101,480 at the 90th percentile — a $63,640 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $39,560, while senior instructional designers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $96,320. With a population of 249,545, Winston-Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Instructional Designer Salary in Winston-Salem by Experience

In Winston-Salem, an entry-level instructional designer earns around $39,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $96,320 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$39,560

$-6,440 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$63,640

$-10,360 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$96,320

$-15,680 vs national

Percentile	Winston-Salem	NC State	National
10th Percentile	$37,840	$40,480	$44,000
25th Percentile	$48,160	$51,520	$56,000
Median (50th)	$61,920	$66,240	$72,000
75th Percentile	$81,700	$87,400	$95,000
90th Percentile	$101,480	$108,560	$118,000

Percentile

Winston-Salem

10th Percentile

$37,840

25th Percentile

$48,160

Median (50th)

$61,920

75th Percentile

$81,700

90th Percentile

$101,480

How to Become a Instructional Designer in Winston-Salem

Education

Most instructional designer positions require a master's degree. Winston-Salem and the surrounding North Carolina 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 Winston-Salem may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Instructional Designer Salary in Winston-Salem

How much does a Instructional Designer make in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

The median instructional designer salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is $61,920 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $72,000. Salaries range from $37,840 (10th percentile) to $101,480 (90th percentile).

How much does a Instructional Designer make per hour in Winston-Salem? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $61,920, a instructional designer in Winston-Salem earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Winston-Salem compare to the North Carolina state average for instructional designer pay? ▼

Winston-Salem's median instructional designer salary of $61,920 is 6.5% below the North Carolina state average of $66,240. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

Winston-Salem has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a instructional designer salary of $61,920 in Winston-Salem has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a instructional designer in Winston-Salem? ▼

Most instructional designer positions in Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem, North Carolina