Creative & Education Milwaukee, WI Pop. 577,222

Instructional Designer Salary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The median instructional designer salary in Milwaukee, WI is $66,240 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 0.0% above the Wisconsin state average.

City Median
$66,240
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-5,760
Cost of Living
92%

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

Milwaukee offers a median instructional designer salary of $66,240, which is $0 above the Wisconsin state average of $66,240. Compared to the national median of $72,000, Milwaukee pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Milwaukee's cost of living is 92% 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 Milwaukee spans from $40,480 at the 10th percentile to $108,560 at the 90th percentile — a $68,080 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,320, while senior instructional designers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $103,040. As a major metro area with a population of 577,222, Milwaukee typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Instructional Designer Salary in Milwaukee by Experience

In Milwaukee, an entry-level instructional designer earns around $42,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $103,040 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,320
$-3,680 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$68,080
$-5,920 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$103,040
$-8,960 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Milwaukee, WI

Percentile Milwaukee
10th Percentile $40,480
25th Percentile $51,520
Median (50th) $66,240
75th Percentile $87,400
90th Percentile $108,560

Instructional Designer Salary in Other Wisconsin Cities

How to Become a Instructional Designer in Milwaukee

Education

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

Find Instructional Designer Jobs in Milwaukee

Browse open instructional designer positions in Milwaukee, WI:

Frequently Asked Questions: Instructional Designer Salary in Milwaukee

How much does a Instructional Designer make in Milwaukee, WI? ▼
The median instructional designer salary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin is $66,240 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $72,000. Salaries range from $40,480 (10th percentile) to $108,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Instructional Designer make per hour in Milwaukee? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $66,240, a instructional designer in Milwaukee earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Milwaukee compare to the Wisconsin state average for instructional designer pay? ▼
Milwaukee's median instructional designer salary of $66,240 is 0.0% above the Wisconsin state average of $66,240. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Milwaukee, WI? ▼
Milwaukee has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a instructional designer salary of $66,240 in Milwaukee has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a instructional designer in Milwaukee? ▼
Most instructional designer positions in Milwaukee 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.