Instructional Designer H-1B Visa Salary Data
There have been 136 certified H-1B filings for Instructional Designer positions from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median salary is $65,000, which is 50% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541.
Salary Distribution
Salary Range Distribution
Most Instructional Designer H-1B salaries fall between $57,907 and $72,000.
Median Salary Trend
Instructional Designer salaries have grown 27% from FY 2020 ($62,961) to FY 2026 ($80,230).
Top Employers & Locations
Top Employers for Instructional Designer
| Employer | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| OLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY | 6 | $71,500 |
| THE OHIO UNIVERSITY | 4 | $63,718 |
| NORTHERN NEW MEXICO COLLEGE | 4 | $55,224 |
| FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY | 3 | $59,000 |
| JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY | 3 | $73,620 |
| SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY | 3 | $65,000 |
| WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY | 3 | $55,162 |
| JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY | 3 | $62,000 |
| MPS INTERACTIVE SYSTEMS | 2 | $68,320 |
| PURDUE UNIVERSITY | 2 | $53,265 |
Top Locations for Instructional Designer
| Location | Filings | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Norfolk, VA | 6 | $71,500 |
| San Francisco, CA | 4 | $90,000 |
| Athens, OH | 4 | $63,718 |
| Plano, TX | 3 | $68,320 |
| Baltimore, MD | 3 | $73,620 |
| Dallas, TX | 3 | $65,000 |
| Lubbock, TX | 3 | $55,224 |
| New York, NY | 3 | $84,000 |
| Harrisonburg, VA | 3 | $62,000 |
| West Lafayette, IN | 2 | $53,265 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary for Instructional Designer is $65,000, based on 136 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 50% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Median pay has grown 27% since FY 2020 ($62,961 → $80,230).
Salaries span a $30,513 range from the 10th percentile ($52,541) to the 90th percentile ($83,054). The middle 50% of Instructional Designers earn between $57,907 and $72,000, reflecting variation in experience, specific technical skills, company tier, and geographic location.
OLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY is the largest H-1B sponsor for this role, with 6 certified filings at a median salary of $71,500. Among the top sponsors, JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY pays the highest median at $73,620. The pay spread across top employers is 38%.
Geographically, Norfolk, VA has the highest concentration of Instructional Designer H-1B filings (6) at a median of $71,500. The highest-paying metro among the top locations is San Francisco, CA at $90,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Instructional Designer H-1B salary?
The median H-1B salary for Instructional Designer positions is $65,000, based on 136 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This salary is 50% lower than the overall H-1B median of $130,541. Compensation varies significantly by employer type—large tech companies typically pay $72,000 to $83,054, while consulting firms and smaller employers may offer $52,541 to $57,907. Location also impacts pay, with coastal tech hubs commanding premium salaries.
- 10th percentile
- $52,541
- 25th percentile
- $57,907
- Median
- $65,000
- 75th percentile
- $72,000
- 90th percentile
- $83,054
Salaries range from $52,541 at the 10th percentile to $83,054 at the 90th percentile, showing a $30,513 spread. The 25th percentile is $57,907 and the 75th percentile is $72,000.
Which companies hire the most Instructional Designers on H-1B?
H-1B sponsorship for Instructional Designer positions is primarily driven by universities, research institutions, and academic medical centers. These employers sponsor international scholars and researchers who bring specialized expertise and contribute to teaching, research, and academic programs. Salaries vary based on institution type, geographic location, and field of specialization.
OLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY is the largest H-1B sponsor for Instructional Designer positions with 6 filings at a median salary of $71,500. THE OHIO UNIVERSITY follows with 4 filings.
Where are Instructional Designer H-1B jobs located?
Instructional Designer H-1B positions are concentrated in major tech hubs and metropolitan areas with strong technology ecosystems. The San Francisco Bay Area (including San Jose, Sunnyvale, and Mountain View) and Seattle-Redmond corridor dominate due to headquarters of major tech employers. New York City attracts Instructional Designers across finance, media, and tech sectors. Emerging hubs like Austin, Denver, and Raleigh-Durham offer growing opportunities with lower costs of living compared to coastal cities.
Norfolk, VA has the highest concentration of Instructional Designer H-1B filings with 6 positions at a median salary of $71,500. The highest-paying location is San Francisco, CA at $90,000 median.
How have Instructional Designer salaries changed over time?
Instructional Designer H-1B salaries have grown by +27% from FY 2020 to FY 2026, outpacing general inflation in most years. The median rose from $62,961 to $80,230 during this period. This growth reflects increasing demand for skilled tech workers, competitive hiring among major employers, and broader salary inflation in the technology sector. The distribution has also widened, with top-tier companies offering increasingly premium compensation to attract talent, while entry-level positions have seen more modest gains.
Year-by-year breakdown:
- FY 2022: $64,900 (27 certified)
- FY 2023: $67,000 (15 certified)
- FY 2024: $69,347 (21 certified)
- FY 2025: $68,174 (14 certified)
- FY 2026: $80,230 (2 certified)