EducationOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Instructional Designer Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$133,522/yr
Typical range: $133,503 – $152,610
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Instructional Designer salary by experience level in Los Angeles
Instructional Designer Salary Progression in Los Angeles
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $92,084 | $7,674 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $103,595 | $8,633 | +13% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $111,268 | $9,272 | +21% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $118,788 | $9,899 | +29% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $133,522 | $11,127 | +45% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $144,572 | $12,048 | +57% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $147,334 | $12,278 | +60% |
Current Salary
$133,522
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $64/hr
Next Level Target
$144,572
Principal · 14
+$11Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
42/100
Below Average
+15% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Instructional Designer salary in Los Angeles, CA?
Staff / Lead Instructional Designers in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $134K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Instructional Designer make per hour in Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $134K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $64/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Instructional Designer in Los Angeles, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Instructional Designer in Los Angeles, CA earns $134K–$153K/yr.