Creative & Education North Dakota (ND) Rank #37 of 50

Instructional Designer Salary in North Dakota

The median instructional designer salary in North Dakota is $64,800 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $72,000.

Median Salary
$64,800
vs National
$-7,200
State Rank
#37 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Instructional Designer Salary Overview in North Dakota (2026)

North Dakota ranks #37 out of 50 states for instructional designer compensation. Instructional Designer salaries in North Dakota are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $64,800 per year, instructional designers in North Dakota earn $7,200 less than the national median of $72,000.

A key advantage of working in North Dakota is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $64,800 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $72,000 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in North Dakota is significant: instructional designers at the 10th percentile earn $39,600, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $106,200 — a $66,600 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in North Dakota for this role is Fargo, where the median reaches $67,680.

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 North Dakota by Experience

In North Dakota, an entry-level instructional designer earns around $41,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $100,800 per year. The cost of living index in North Dakota is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$41,400
$-4,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$66,600
$-7,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$100,800
$-11,200 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in North Dakota

Percentile ND Salary
10th Percentile $39,600
25th Percentile $50,400
Median (50th) $64,800
75th Percentile $85,500
90th Percentile $106,200

Instructional Designer Salary by City in North Dakota

The largest employment areas for instructional designers in North Dakota include Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Minot. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Instructional Designer in North Dakota

Education

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

Key Skills

Instructional DesignArticulate/CaptivateLMSADDIE ModelE-LearningAssessment Design

Job Outlook in North Dakota

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Instructional Designer Salary in North Dakota

How much does a Instructional Designer make in North Dakota? ▼
The median instructional designer salary in North Dakota is $64,800 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $72,000. Salaries range from $39,600 (10th percentile) to $106,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Instructional Designer make per hour in North Dakota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $64,800, a instructional designer in North Dakota earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is North Dakota a good state for instructional designers? ▼
North Dakota ranks #37 out of 50 states for instructional designer pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level instructional designers earn $41,400, while senior professionals earn $100,800.
How does North Dakota compare to other states for instructional designer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for instructional designers is Hawaii at $122,400. North Dakota's median of $64,800 ranks #37 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Michigan ($64,800) and Nebraska ($64,800).
What is the entry-level instructional designer salary in North Dakota? ▼
An entry-level instructional designer in North Dakota earns approximately $41,400 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $66,600. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $100,800.
What city in North Dakota pays instructional designers the most? ▼
Fargo is the highest paying city in North Dakota for instructional designers, with a median salary of $67,680. Other cities include Bismarck and Grand Forks.