Instructional Designer Salary in Cleveland, OH: $61,920 (2026)

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

Cleveland offers a median instructional designer salary of $61,920, which is $2,880 below the Ohio state average of $64,800. Compared to the national median of $72,000, Cleveland pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Cleveland'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 Cleveland an attractive option for instructional designers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for instructional designers in Cleveland 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 372,624, Cleveland is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Instructional Designer Salary in Cleveland by Experience

In Cleveland, 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	Cleveland	OH State	National
10th Percentile	$37,840	$39,600	$44,000
25th Percentile	$48,160	$50,400	$56,000
Median (50th)	$61,920	$64,800	$72,000
75th Percentile	$81,700	$85,500	$95,000
90th Percentile	$101,480	$106,200	$118,000

Percentile

Cleveland

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 Cleveland

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Instructional Designer Salary in Cleveland

How much does a Instructional Designer make in Cleveland, OH? ▼

The median instructional designer salary in Cleveland, Ohio 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 Cleveland? ▼

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

How does Cleveland compare to the Ohio state average for instructional designer pay? ▼

Cleveland's median instructional designer salary of $61,920 is 4.4% below the Ohio state average of $64,800. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Cleveland, OH? ▼

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

What qualifications do I need to become a instructional designer in Cleveland? ▼

Most instructional designer positions in Cleveland 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 Cleveland, Ohio