Instructional Designer Salary in Madison, Wisconsin
The median instructional designer salary in Madison, WI is $72,000 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 8.7% above the Wisconsin state average.
Instructional Designer Pay in Madison: What to Expect (2026)
Madison offers a median instructional designer salary of $72,000, which is $5,760 above the Wisconsin state average of $66,240. Compared to the national median of $72,000, Madison pays above average for this role.
Madison's cost of living is 100% 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 Madison spans from $44,000 at the 10th percentile to $118,000 at the 90th percentile — a $74,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $46,000, while senior instructional designers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $112,000. With a population of 269,840, Madison is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Instructional Designer Salary in Madison by Experience
In Madison, an entry-level instructional designer earns around $46,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $112,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Madison, WI
| Percentile | Madison |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $44,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,000 |
| Median (50th) | $72,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $95,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $118,000 |
Instructional Designer Salary in Other Wisconsin Cities
How to Become a Instructional Designer in Madison
Education
Most instructional designer positions require a master's degree. Madison and the surrounding Wisconsin area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, instructional designer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Madison may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Instructional Designer Jobs in Madison
Browse open instructional designer positions in Madison, WI: