EducationOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Instructional Designer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$73,963/yr
Typical range: $69,733 – $79,713
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Instructional Designer salary by experience level in Chicago
Instructional Designer Salary Progression in Chicago
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $73,963 | $6,164 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $83,209 | $6,934 | +13% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $89,372 | $7,448 | +21% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $95,413 | $7,951 | +29% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $107,247 | $8,937 | +45% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $116,122 | $9,677 | +57% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $118,341 | $9,862 | +60% |
Current Salary
$73,963
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $36/hr
Next Level Target
$83,209
Junior · 2
+$9Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
42/100
Below Average
+15% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Instructional Designer salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level Instructional Designers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $74K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Instructional Designer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $74K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $36/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Instructional Designer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Instructional Designer in Chicago, IL earns $107K–$123K/yr.