Instructional designer
Also known as: training designer, designer of training courses, instructional course design practitioner, training course designer, instructional course designer, instructional design specialist
About this occupation
Instructional designers develop instructional material for training courses using multimedia technology and authoring tools. They aim to create instructional experiences which make the acquisition of knowledge and skills more efficient, effective, and appealing.
Essential skills and knowledge
- standards for web-based e-learning
- teach writing
- cognitive psychology
- design web-based courses
- create script for artistic production
- content development processes
- structure information
- translate requirement concepts into content
- manage content metadata
- conduct content quality assurance
- conduct educational activities
- translate requirement concepts into visual design
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Credit Counselors (O*NET 13-2071.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Create debt management plans, spending plans, or budgets to assist clients to meet financial goals.
- Assess clients' overall financial situations by reviewing income, assets, debts, expenses, credit reports, or other financial information.
- Calculate clients' available monthly income to meet debt obligations.
- Recommend strategies for clients to meet their financial goals, such as borrowing money through loans or loan programs, declaring bankruptcy, making budget adjustments, or enrolling in debt management plans.
- Advise clients or respond to inquiries about financial matters in person or via phone, email, Web site, or Internet chat.
- Explain general financial topics to clients, such as credit report ratings, bankruptcy laws, consumer protection laws, wage attachments, or collection actions.
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Conventional, Social, Enterprising
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Writing, Active Learning
US median pay: US$52,230 a year (2025), 27,770 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.9)
- Economics or AccountingO*NET: Economics and AccountingImportant (3.5)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsImportant (3.3)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementImportant (3.0)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Personal Financial Advisors
- Loan Officers
- Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks
- Credit Analysts
- Loan Interviewers and Clerks
- Financial and Investment Analysts
- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents
- Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs
- Financial Managers
- Bill and Account Collectors
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.