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How to Become An Instructional Designer

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What is a Instructional Designer

An instructional designer builds courses and programs that help people pick up new skills at work or online. It is a creative and technical career that blends learning, writing, and digital media. If you enjoy making complex ideas easy to understand, this could be a great fit.

Each day, instructional designers work with experts to turn knowledge into clear learning content. They might write a storyboard for an e-learning module in the morning and review learner feedback in the afternoon. They use tools like Articulate Storyline or Adobe Captivate to bring content to life.

The role spans many industries. Corporate training, government bodies, universities, and healthcare all need instructional designers. More employers are moving to digital and online learning. This means more chances to break in and build a career in this space.

No single pathway leads to this career. Some have a teaching or training background. Others study communication, psychology, or education technology. What matters most is a real interest in how people learn and the drive to keep growing your skills.

Start your study journey in Education

Career Outlook for Instructional Designer

The job market for instructional designers in Australia is in good shape. The average salary is around $91,000 per year (PayScale, 2026), with senior roles reaching $123,000. Entry-level jobs start from around $67,000. As your skills grow, so does your pay.

Demand is driven by the shift to digital and online learning in corporate, government, and education settings. As employers scale up their training programs, they need designers who can build good content fast. The role suits remote and flexible work, which adds to its appeal.

Most instructional designers work full-time, though contract and freelance options are common. This career is not licensed in Australia. A strong portfolio and good qualifications carry real weight. Keep building your skills in new authoring tools and AI-based design to stay ahead as the field changes.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to Become an Instructional Designer

Step 1: Complete the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40122)

Enrol in the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40122) at a TAFE or registered training organisation (RTO). This takes 12 to 18 months full-time. It covers training principles, needs analysis, and basic learning design. It is the most common entry point for instructional design roles in Australia.

Step 2: Study a Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in Learning Design

Consider a Diploma of Training Design and Development at a TAFE or RTO (confirm the current code on training.gov.au). Another option is a bachelor’s degree in education, communication, or learning design at university. University degrees take around three years full-time. A Graduate Certificate in Education or Learning Design is a good option for career changers.

Step 3: Build Skills in Authoring Tools and LMS Platforms

Learn the key tools used in the field. These include Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, and learning systems such as Moodle or Canvas. Many free trials and tutorials let you build skills in your own time. Employers expect hands-on tool practice, so start early.

Step 4: Build a Portfolio of Sample Work

Create sample e-learning modules, storyboards, and course outlines to show employers what you can do. Include a short case study with each piece to explain your design thinking. A strong portfolio often carries more weight than qualifications alone. Use personal or volunteer projects if you do not yet have paid experience.

Step 5: Join a Professional Body and Start Applying

Join the Australian E-Learning Association (AELA) to connect with other designers and access industry resources. Apply for entry-level roles in corporate training, government, or the education sector. Many instructional designers start as trainers, content writers, or project coordinators. Regular learning is key in this fast-changing field.

What does an Instructional Designer do?

Instructional designers spend their days turning knowledge into clear, useful learning content. They talk to subject matter experts, run needs analysis sessions, and write course outlines and storyboards. Then they build and test the actual content using authoring tools and learning platforms. Once live, they review learner data and feedback to keep improving their work. Every project is different, which keeps the role varied and interesting.

Tasks

Instructional designers bring together creativity, technology, and an understanding of how people learn to build training that works. They are involved in every stage of a learning project, from analysis to review. If you like solving problems and making content people want to engage with, this role is for you.

  • Conduct needs analysis – Research learning gaps and define what the training needs to achieve.
  • Design course outlines – Plan the structure, goals, and key topics for each program.
  • Build e-learning modules – Use authoring tools to create interactive digital courses.
  • Write storyboards – Draft the script, screen layout, and flow for each learning activity.
  • Work with subject experts – Gather specialist knowledge and turn it into plain learning content.
  • Set up learning platforms – Upload content to an LMS and configure delivery settings.
  • Check results – Review assessment data and learner feedback to measure impact.
  • Improve existing content – Update modules based on feedback, new information, or changing needs.
  • Manage project tasks – Keep design projects on track with clear timelines and delivery plans.
  • Stay up to date – Learn new tools and follow trends in learning technology and design.

Skills for Success

Instructional designers need a mix of creative and technical skills to succeed. On the creative side, you need to write clearly and design logical course structures. You also need to break down complex topics for different audiences. On the technical side, you need to get comfortable with e-learning tools, learning platforms, and basic media production.

Soft skills matter just as much. You will spend a lot of time talking to subject matter experts and managing expectations. Juggling multiple projects at once is common. Being organised, curious, and open to feedback will take you far. The good news is that most of these skills can be built with practice.

Skills & Attributes

  • Needs analysis and audience research
  • Instructional design methods (ADDIE, SAM)
  • E-learning authoring tools (Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate)
  • Learning management system (LMS) administration
  • Storyboarding and course outline development
  • Project management and deadline tracking
  • Clear written and verbal communication
  • Multimedia production (video, audio, graphics)
  • Assessment design and evaluation
  • Collaboration with subject matter experts
  • Attention to detail
  • Adaptability to new technologies and methods

Average Salaries

The average yearly salary for an instructional designer in Australia is around $91,000 (PayScale, 2026). Pay rises with experience, sector, and tool skills. Senior roles can reach $123,000 or more.

min $67 K

max $123 K

av $91 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.