Creative & Education Rhode Island (RI) Rank #13 of 50

Instructional Designer Salary in Rhode Island

The median instructional designer salary in Rhode Island is $75,600 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $72,000.

Median Salary
$75,600
vs National
+$3,600
State Rank
#13 of 50
Cost of Living
105%

Instructional Designer Salary Overview in Rhode Island (2026)

Rhode Island ranks #13 out of 50 states for instructional designer compensation. Rhode Island falls in the middle of the pack for instructional designer pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $75,600 per year, instructional designers in Rhode Island earn $3,600 more than the national median of $72,000.

Rhode Island's cost of living is near the national average at 105%, meaning instructional designer salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Rhode Island is significant: instructional designers at the 10th percentile earn $46,200, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $123,900 — a $77,700 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Rhode Island for this role is Providence, where the median reaches $77,760.

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 Rhode Island by Experience

In Rhode Island, an entry-level instructional designer earns around $48,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $117,600 per year. The cost of living index in Rhode Island is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$48,300
+$2,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$77,700
+$3,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$117,600
+$5,600 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Rhode Island

Percentile RI Salary
10th Percentile $46,200
25th Percentile $58,800
Median (50th) $75,600
75th Percentile $99,750
90th Percentile $123,900

Instructional Designer Salary by City in Rhode Island

The largest employment areas for instructional designers in Rhode Island include Providence, Warwick, Cranston, and Pawtucket. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Instructional Designer in Rhode Island

Education

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

Key Skills

Instructional DesignArticulate/CaptivateLMSADDIE ModelE-LearningAssessment Design

Job Outlook in Rhode Island

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Instructional Designer Salary in Rhode Island

How much does a Instructional Designer make in Rhode Island? ▼
The median instructional designer salary in Rhode Island is $75,600 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $72,000. Salaries range from $46,200 (10th percentile) to $123,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Instructional Designer make per hour in Rhode Island? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $75,600, a instructional designer in Rhode Island earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Rhode Island a good state for instructional designers? ▼
Rhode Island ranks #13 out of 50 states for instructional designer pay. The cost of living index is 105% of the national average. Entry-level instructional designers earn $48,300, while senior professionals earn $117,600.
How does Rhode Island compare to other states for instructional designer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for instructional designers is Hawaii at $122,400. Rhode Island's median of $75,600 ranks #13 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Colorado ($75,600) and New Hampshire ($75,600).
What is the entry-level instructional designer salary in Rhode Island? ▼
An entry-level instructional designer in Rhode Island earns approximately $48,300 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $77,700. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $117,600.
What city in Rhode Island pays instructional designers the most? ▼
Providence is the highest paying city in Rhode Island for instructional designers, with a median salary of $77,760. Other cities include Warwick and Cranston.