Creative & Education South Carolina (SC) Rank #40 of 50

Instructional Designer Salary in South Carolina

The median instructional designer salary in South Carolina is $64,080 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $72,000.

Median Salary
$64,080
vs National
$-7,920
State Rank
#40 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Instructional Designer Salary Overview in South Carolina (2026)

South Carolina ranks #40 out of 50 states for instructional designer compensation. Instructional Designer salaries in South Carolina are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $64,080 per year, instructional designers in South Carolina earn $7,920 less than the national median of $72,000.

A key advantage of working in South Carolina is its below-average cost of living (89% of the national index). This means the $64,080 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $72,000 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in South Carolina is significant: instructional designers at the 10th percentile earn $39,160, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $105,020 — a $65,860 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in South Carolina for this role is Mount Pleasant, where the median reaches $75,600.

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 South Carolina by Experience

In South Carolina, an entry-level instructional designer earns around $40,940, while experienced professionals earn up to $99,680 per year. The cost of living index in South Carolina is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,940
$-5,060 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$65,860
$-8,140 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$99,680
$-12,320 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in South Carolina

Percentile SC Salary
10th Percentile $39,160
25th Percentile $49,840
Median (50th) $64,080
75th Percentile $84,550
90th Percentile $105,020

Instructional Designer Salary by City in South Carolina

The largest employment areas for instructional designers in South Carolina include Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and North Charleston. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Instructional Designer in South Carolina

Education

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

Key Skills

Instructional DesignArticulate/CaptivateLMSADDIE ModelE-LearningAssessment Design

Job Outlook in South Carolina

Nationally, instructional designer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). South Carolina'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 $35,600 over your career trajectory.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Instructional Designer Salary in South Carolina

How much does a Instructional Designer make in South Carolina? ▼
The median instructional designer salary in South Carolina is $64,080 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $72,000. Salaries range from $39,160 (10th percentile) to $105,020 (90th percentile).
How much does a Instructional Designer make per hour in South Carolina? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $64,080, a instructional designer in South Carolina earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is South Carolina a good state for instructional designers? ▼
South Carolina ranks #40 out of 50 states for instructional designer pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level instructional designers earn $40,940, while senior professionals earn $99,680.
How does South Carolina compare to other states for instructional designer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for instructional designers is Hawaii at $122,400. South Carolina's median of $64,080 ranks #40 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Ohio ($64,800) and Iowa ($64,080).
What is the entry-level instructional designer salary in South Carolina? ▼
An entry-level instructional designer in South Carolina earns approximately $40,940 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $65,860. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $99,680.
What city in South Carolina pays instructional designers the most? ▼
Mount Pleasant is the highest paying city in South Carolina for instructional designers, with a median salary of $75,600. Other cities include Charleston and Columbia.