Creative & Education Pennsylvania (PA) Rank #23 of 50

Instructional Designer Salary in Pennsylvania

The median instructional designer salary in Pennsylvania is $69,120 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $72,000.

Median Salary
$69,120
vs National
$-2,880
State Rank
#23 of 50
Cost of Living
96%

Instructional Designer Salary Overview in Pennsylvania (2026)

Pennsylvania ranks #23 out of 50 states for instructional designer compensation. Pennsylvania falls in the middle of the pack for instructional designer pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $69,120 per year, instructional designers in Pennsylvania earn $2,880 less than the national median of $72,000.

Pennsylvania's cost of living is near the national average at 96%, meaning instructional designer salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Pennsylvania is significant: instructional designers at the 10th percentile earn $42,240, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $113,280 — a $71,040 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Pennsylvania for this role is Philadelphia, where the median reaches $73,440.

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 Pennsylvania by Experience

In Pennsylvania, an entry-level instructional designer earns around $44,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $107,520 per year. The cost of living index in Pennsylvania is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,160
$-1,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$71,040
$-2,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$107,520
$-4,480 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Pennsylvania

Percentile PA Salary
10th Percentile $42,240
25th Percentile $53,760
Median (50th) $69,120
75th Percentile $91,200
90th Percentile $113,280

Instructional Designer Salary by City in Pennsylvania

The largest employment areas for instructional designers in Pennsylvania include Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, and Reading. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Instructional Designer in Pennsylvania

Education

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

Key Skills

Instructional DesignArticulate/CaptivateLMSADDIE ModelE-LearningAssessment Design

Job Outlook in Pennsylvania

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

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Data shows Instructional Designers who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $38,400 over your career trajectory.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Instructional Designer Salary in Pennsylvania

How much does a Instructional Designer make in Pennsylvania? ▼
The median instructional designer salary in Pennsylvania is $69,120 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $72,000. Salaries range from $42,240 (10th percentile) to $113,280 (90th percentile).
How much does a Instructional Designer make per hour in Pennsylvania? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $69,120, a instructional designer in Pennsylvania earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Pennsylvania a good state for instructional designers? ▼
Pennsylvania ranks #23 out of 50 states for instructional designer pay. The cost of living index is 96% of the national average. Entry-level instructional designers earn $44,160, while senior professionals earn $107,520.
How does Pennsylvania compare to other states for instructional designer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for instructional designers is Hawaii at $122,400. Pennsylvania's median of $69,120 ranks #23 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Nevada ($69,840) and Utah ($69,840).
What is the entry-level instructional designer salary in Pennsylvania? ▼
An entry-level instructional designer in Pennsylvania earns approximately $44,160 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $71,040. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $107,520.
What city in Pennsylvania pays instructional designers the most? ▼
Philadelphia is the highest paying city in Pennsylvania for instructional designers, with a median salary of $73,440. Other cities include Pittsburgh and Allentown.