Instructional Designer Jobs in Des Moines, IA

Des Moines, Iowa$71,300 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: April 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About Instructional Designer Jobs in Des Moines

Looking for a Instructional Designer job in Des Moines? You're in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know about working as a Instructional Designer in Des Moines, IA.

We'll show you what you can expect to earn. We'll also share which companies are hiring. Plus, you'll learn about the cost of living and how to get started in your job search.

Des Moines has a strong job market for Instructional Designers. Many employers are actively looking for talent. Read on to learn how to land your next role.

Instructional Designer Salary in Des Moines

Entry Level
$46,920
Median
$71,300
Senior Level
$100,510

Instructional Designer salaries in Des Moines are in line with national averages, offering competitive compensation for the region.

Purchasing power in Des Moines is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

Curriculum DevelopmentE-LearningLMSAdult Learning TheoryMultimedia Design

Instructional Designer Job Market in Des Moines

Des Moines, IA is a growing job market with increasing opportunities for Instructional Designer professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, Des Moines offers focused opportunities and often better work-life balance. While Insurance leads the local economy, there's growing demand for Instructional Designer roles across various sectors. The market for Instructional Designer positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Instructional Designers in Des Moines

Local governmentRegional employersNational companies

Major employers hiring Instructional Designers in Des Moines include Local government, Regional employers, National companies. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Instructional Designers in Des Moines

Living in Des Moines as a Instructional Designer means navigating a cost of living that's close to the national average. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Housing costs are manageable for Instructional Designer salaries in the area. Suburban apartments average $1,400/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

92
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.8K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 3
Market Size

Commuting as a Instructional Designer in Des Moines

Des Moines Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute time is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services. Consider living close to your workplace. Since transit options are limited, consider living close to your workplace or negotiating flexible hours to avoid peak traffic.

Best neighborhoods for Instructional Designers in Des Moines: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Instructional Designer professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in Iowa

Iowa has relatively high state income taxes. A Instructional Designer earning $71,300 might pay approximately $5,704 in state income tax. However, Iowa's strong job market and quality of life often offset the higher tax burden.

Career Outlook for Instructional Designers

The job outlook for Instructional Designers in Des Moines is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. While the market is smaller, Des Moines offers opportunities for those seeking specialized roles or better work-life balance. In-demand skills include Curriculum Development, E-Learning, LMS, Adult Learning Theory.

Relocating to Des Moines

Des Moines's affordable cost of living means your Instructional Designer salary will stretch further than in major coastal cities. Many professionals relocate here for better quality of life. Iowa has higher state income taxes. Factor this into salary negotiations, as gross salary comparisons can be misleading.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Instructional Designer salary in Des Moines, IA?

The average Instructional Designer salary in Des Moines, IA is $71,300 per year. Entry-level Instructional Designers typically start around $46,920, while experienced professionals can earn $100,510 or more. The national average for Instructional Designer roles is $77,500.

How many Instructional Designer jobs are available in Des Moines?

Des Moines has a growing job market with steady opportunities for Instructional Designer professionals. Major employers hiring Instructional Designers include Local government, Regional employers, National companies. The Insurance and Finance sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Des Moines a good city for Instructional Designers?

Des Moines is an solid choice for Instructional Designers. While not as large as coastal metros, it offers solid opportunities and often better work-life balance. The affordable cost of living means salaries go further than in more expensive markets. The city's insurance industry creates strong demand for education professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Instructional Designers in Des Moines?

Top skills for Instructional Designers in Des Moines include Curriculum Development, E-Learning, LMS, Adult Learning Theory, Multimedia Design. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Instructional Designers in Des Moines?

Des Moines's cost of living is near the national average (92% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Purchasing power in Des Moines is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Instructional Designers in Des Moines?

Des Moines Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services.

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