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Instructional Designer Salary in Ames, IA

How much does a instructional designer make in Ames? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Ames's cost of living.

Median Salary
$57,987
per year in Ames
Entry Level
$35,358
Starting salary
Senior Level
$79,202
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
91
9% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how instructional designer salaries break down across different pay periods in Ames.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$35,358$57,987$79,202
Monthly$2,947$4,832$6,600
Biweekly$1,360$2,230$3,046
Weekly$680$1,115$1,523
Hourly$17$28$38

Ames vs National Average

How Ames's instructional designer salaries compare to national figures.

Ames Salary
$57,987
COL Index: 91
National Average
$77,710
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$19,723
Lower in Ames

Cost of Living in Ames

1-Bedroom Rent
$820
per month
Median Income
$35,623
per year
Population
66,427
residents
Rent % of Income
27.6%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 91 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Ames have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Instructional Designer

Overview

Design educational programs and training materials.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Education, Instructional Design, or related field

Key Skills

Curriculum DesignLearning TheoryMultimedia DevelopmentAssessment Design

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +17% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Instructional Designer Salary

See Instructional Designer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$79,340
+37%
Los Angeles, CA
$93,690
+62%
Chicago, IL
$77,020
+33%
Houston, TX
$74,240
+28%
Phoenix, AZ
$63,800
+10%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Instructional Designer Salary in Ames, IA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a instructional designer in Ames, IA is $57,987 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 91. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Ames's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level instructional designer professionals in Ames can expect to earn around $35,358 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level instructional designers earning approximately $79,202 per year. This represents a 124% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Ames's cost of living index of 91 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Ames are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $77,710, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a instructional designer's salary in Ames typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $820 per month, housing represents about 17.0% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Instructional Designers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 17% over the next decade. In Ames, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.