Curriculum Designer (EdTech)

Career Guide
Curriculum Designers in EdTech create digital learning experiences, courses, and assessments for K–12, higher ed, or workforce learners. They translate learning goals into engaging, standards-aligned content, prototype materials in authoring tools/LMS, and iterate using learner feedback and data.

Key Responsibilities

  • Define learning objectives and align content to standards (e.g., Common Core, NGSS)
  • Storyboard lessons and build e-learning modules in authoring tools and LMS
  • Apply instructional design models (ADDIE, backward design) to develop curricula
  • Design valid assessments and rubrics; analyze item performance
  • Ensure accessibility compliance (WCAG 2.1/Section 508) and QA content
  • Collaborate with SMEs, product, and engineering; manage timelines and reviews
  • Use learning analytics/usability testing to iterate and improve content

Career Progression

Can Lead To
Senior Instructional Designer
Curriculum Manager
Learning Experience Manager
Director of Learning Design
Transition Opportunities
Product Manager (EdTech)
UX Researcher (EdTech)
Learning and Development (L&D) Manager
Education Consultant

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills
Instructional design methodology (ADDIE/backward design)Authoring tools proficiency (Articulate Storyline/Rise)Assessment design and standards alignmentAccessibility compliance (WCAG 2.1/Section 508)SCORM/xAPI and LMS publishing workflows
Development SuggestionsComplete a reputable ID certificate and build a portfolio of 3–5 modules; practice by creating SCORM-compliant courses in Articulate and publishing to a test LMS (e.g., Moodle) with accessibility checks.

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range
Entry Level$60,000–$80,000
Mid Level$80,000–$105,000
Senior Level$105,000–$130,000
Growth Trend
growing

Companies Hiring

Major Employers
PearsonMcGraw HillCoursera
Industry Sectors
Education TechnologyPublishing (K–12/Higher Ed)Higher EducationCorporate Learning & Development

Recommended Next Steps

1
Take an Instructional Design specialization (e.g., Coursera/Illinois or QM APPQMR) and add artifacts to a portfolio (storyboards, modules, assessments).
2
Build two end-to-end e-learning samples in Storyline/Rise aligned to a standard; include alt text, transcripts, and SCORM/xAPI packages.
3
Join ATD or The Learning Guild, attend a local meetup, and conduct 3 informational interviews with EdTech designers or hiring managers.