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Instructional Designer Salary in Des Moines, IA

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

Median Salary
$62,880
per year in Des Moines
Entry Level
$38,341
Starting salary
Senior Level
$85,884
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
97
3% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$38,341$62,880$85,884
Monthly$3,195$5,240$7,157
Biweekly$1,475$2,418$3,303
Weekly$737$1,209$1,652
Hourly$18$30$41

Des Moines vs National Average

How Des Moines's instructional designer salaries compare to national figures.

Des Moines Salary
$62,880
COL Index: 97
National Average
$77,710
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$14,830
Lower in Des Moines

Cost of Living in Des Moines

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,300
per month
Median Income
$55,234
per year
Population
210,330
residents
Rent % of Income
28.2%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 97 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Des Moines 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
+26%
Los Angeles, CA
$93,690
+49%
Chicago, IL
$77,020
+22%
Houston, TX
$74,240
+18%
Phoenix, AZ
$63,800
+1%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Instructional Designer Salary in Des Moines, IA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a instructional designer in Des Moines, IA is $62,880 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 97. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Des Moines's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level instructional designer professionals in Des Moines can expect to earn around $38,341 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level instructional designers earning approximately $85,884 per year. This represents a 124% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Des Moines's cost of living index of 97 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Des Moines 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 Des Moines typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,300 per month, housing represents about 24.8% 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 Des Moines, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. 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.