Creative & Education Chesapeake, VA Pop. 249,422

Instructional Designer Salary in Chesapeake, Virginia

The median instructional designer salary in Chesapeake, VA is $70,560 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 5.8% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$70,560
vs State Avg
$-4,320
vs National
$-1,440
Cost of Living
98%

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

Chesapeake offers a median instructional designer salary of $70,560, which is $4,320 below the Virginia state average of $74,880. Compared to the national median of $72,000, Chesapeake pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Chesapeake's cost of living is 98% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for instructional designers in Chesapeake spans from $43,120 at the 10th percentile to $115,640 at the 90th percentile — a $72,520 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $45,080, while senior instructional designers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $109,760. With a population of 249,422, Chesapeake is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Instructional Designer Salary in Chesapeake by Experience

In Chesapeake, an entry-level instructional designer earns around $45,080, while experienced professionals earn up to $109,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,080
$-920 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$72,520
$-1,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$109,760
$-2,240 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chesapeake, VA

Percentile Chesapeake
10th Percentile $43,120
25th Percentile $54,880
Median (50th) $70,560
75th Percentile $93,100
90th Percentile $115,640

Instructional Designer Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Arlington, VA
$95,040
Pop. 238,643
Virginia Beach, VA
$73,440
Pop. 449,974
Richmond, VA
$72,000
Pop. 226,610
Norfolk, VA
$69,120
Pop. 238,005

How to Become a Instructional Designer in Chesapeake

Education

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

Find Instructional Designer Jobs in Chesapeake

Browse open instructional designer positions in Chesapeake, VA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Instructional Designer Salary in Chesapeake

How much does a Instructional Designer make in Chesapeake, VA? ▼
The median instructional designer salary in Chesapeake, Virginia is $70,560 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $72,000. Salaries range from $43,120 (10th percentile) to $115,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Instructional Designer make per hour in Chesapeake? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $70,560, a instructional designer in Chesapeake earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chesapeake compare to the Virginia state average for instructional designer pay? ▼
Chesapeake's median instructional designer salary of $70,560 is 5.8% below the Virginia state average of $74,880. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chesapeake, VA? ▼
Chesapeake has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a instructional designer salary of $70,560 in Chesapeake has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a instructional designer in Chesapeake? ▼
Most instructional designer positions in Chesapeake 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.