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Course Developer, Educational Technologist, Instructional Technologist, Learning Designer, Learning Experience Designer
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
*This NOC group is considered similar to the Instructional Designer occupation. Because this occupation is only similar to the NOC group, related details and labour market information may not be accurate.
Instructional designers study the ways people learn and teach, and use technology and multimedia tools to design effective and efficient learning environments and activities.
Instructional designers work on development teams that may include editors, technical writers, programmers, subject matter experts, copyright officers, digital media technologists, graphic designers and other instructional designers. For more information, see the Editor, Graphic Designer, Technical Writer and Web Designer occupational profiles.
Instructional design (also known as Instructional Systems Design) is often based on 5 phases of development known as the ADDIE model: analyze, design, develop, implement and evaluate. Other models may be used, depending on the instructional environment.
Duties may vary depending on whether instructional designers work for an educational or other type of organization. But in general, instructional designers:
Instructional designers generally work standard weekday hours in offices or from home. They may sit at a computer for long periods of time. Overtime may be required to meet project deadlines.
Instructional designers must constantly update their knowledge and skills to keep up with advancements in this rapidly changing field.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
*This data is for a NOC group that is similar to the Instructional Designer occupation.
Interest in conducting research, developing the structure, content and objectives of new programs, and creating teaching materials and other resources for program delivery
Interest in co-ordinating information to conduct statistical analyses; and in administering educational policies and programs; may administer specialized testing and assessment programs
Interest in consulting to provide ongoing professional development and training to teachers; may supervise the work of other policy researchers, consultants and program officers
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Instructional designers need:
They should enjoy coordinating information in innovative ways while preparing teaching materials, evaluating student progress and helping others achieve their goals.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
*This data is for a NOC group that is similar to the Instructional Designer occupation.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 30 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 19, 2021 and Jul 06, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Construction Specialization: Excellent oral communication | 18 |
|---|---|
| Construction Specialization: Excellent written communication | 18 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 16 |
| Tasks: Administer education policies and programs | 16 |
| Tasks: Produce reports | 16 |
| Tasks: Perform administrative tasks | 15 |
| Construction Specialization: Effective interpersonal skills | 14 |
| Tasks: Develop teaching materials and other resources for program delivery | 14 |
| Tasks: Evaluate curriculum programs and recommend improvements | 13 |
| Construction Specialization: Flexibility | 12 |
Most emerging occupations develop from more than one occupation. People working in this occupation may come from a variety of education and training backgrounds. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should contact associations and employers in this field to investigate education options and employment possibilities.
Instructional designers need an understanding of:
Many instructional designers move into this occupation from other occupations. For example, some start by graduating from post-secondary programs in education. They then work closely with instructional designers and participate in professional development activities. These activities can include reading, personal experimentation and attending seminars and conferences. In this way, they acquire the necessary writing, programming and project-management knowledge and skills.
Similarly, some instructional designers acquire the necessary computer skills through work experience and professional development activities. Whatever their background, instructional designers must continuously upgrade their knowledge in this rapidly changing field.
A master's degree in education, instructional design, online learning or educational technology is recommended.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Emerging occupations typically are the result of:
Often there are too few people working in an emerging occupation to gather survey information. Therefore, it can be difficult to define advancement opportunities or employment outlook. Some Albertans already are working in this emerging occupation, but future demand for it is unknown.
Instructional designers are employed by:
Some positions may combine the duties of an instructional designer and a classroom facilitator. A teacher's certificate usually is required for employment with provincial education departments.
Experienced instructional designers in large organizations may advance to supervisory positions.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
In the 4166: Education policy researchers, consultants and program officers* occupational group, 78.4% of people work in:
*This data is for a NOC group that is similar to the Instructional Designer occupation.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Explore emerging workplace trends in Alberta that could affect this occupation.
In Alberta, the 4166: Education policy researchers, consultants and program officers* occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 3% from 2021 to 2025. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 119 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
*This data is for a NOC group that is similar to the Instructional Designer occupation.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Freelance instructional designers may work on a contract basis on specific projects. Annual incomes therefore vary from one instructional designer to another, and may vary from year to year.
Often there are too few people working in an emerging occupation to gather survey information. Therefore, no current provincial salary data is available for this occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
*This data is for a NOC group that is similar to the Instructional Designer occupation.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $23.18 | $42.95 | $33.76 | $36.05 |
| Overall | $23.81 | $60.58 | $42.03 | $43.59 |
| Top | $25.03 | $65.72 | $45.08 | $47.29 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $77,573 |
|---|---|
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $48,389 |
| Educational Services | $81,805 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $87,602 |
| Public Administration | $87,369 |
The Institute for Performance and Learning website: performanceandlearning.ca/default.aspx
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 04, 2021. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
