Creative & Education Akron, OH Pop. 190,469

Instructional Designer Salary in Akron, Ohio

The median instructional designer salary in Akron, OH is $60,480 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 6.7% below the Ohio state average.

City Median
$60,480
vs State Avg
$-4,320
vs National
$-11,520
Cost of Living
84%

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

Akron offers a median instructional designer salary of $60,480, which is $4,320 below the Ohio state average of $64,800. Compared to the national median of $72,000, Akron pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Akron's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $60,480 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $72,000 in an average-cost city. This makes Akron an attractive option for instructional designers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for instructional designers in Akron spans from $36,960 at the 10th percentile to $99,120 at the 90th percentile — a $62,160 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,640, while senior instructional designers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $94,080. With a population of 190,469, Akron is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Instructional Designer Salary in Akron by Experience

In Akron, an entry-level instructional designer earns around $38,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $94,080 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,640
$-7,360 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$62,160
$-11,840 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$94,080
$-17,920 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Akron, OH

Percentile Akron
10th Percentile $36,960
25th Percentile $47,040
Median (50th) $60,480
75th Percentile $79,800
90th Percentile $99,120

Instructional Designer Salary in Other Ohio Cities

Columbus, OH
$68,400
Pop. 905,748
Cincinnati, OH
$64,800
Pop. 309,317
Cleveland, OH
$61,920
Pop. 372,624
Toledo, OH
$59,040
Pop. 270,871

How to Become a Instructional Designer in Akron

Education

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

Find Instructional Designer Jobs in Akron

Browse open instructional designer positions in Akron, OH:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Instructional Designer Salary in Akron

How much does a Instructional Designer make in Akron, OH? ▼
The median instructional designer salary in Akron, Ohio is $60,480 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $72,000. Salaries range from $36,960 (10th percentile) to $99,120 (90th percentile).
How much does a Instructional Designer make per hour in Akron? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $60,480, a instructional designer in Akron earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Akron compare to the Ohio state average for instructional designer pay? ▼
Akron's median instructional designer salary of $60,480 is 6.7% below the Ohio state average of $64,800. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Akron, OH? ▼
Akron has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a instructional designer salary of $60,480 in Akron has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a instructional designer in Akron? ▼
Most instructional designer positions in Akron 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.