Materials Developer
Career GuideKey Responsibilities
- Research learner needs, goals, and constraints
- Create lesson plans, activities, and practice exercises
- Write clear instructional text and guidance for instructors
- Develop assessments that measure learning goals
- Edit and proofread content for accuracy and consistency
- Align materials to standards, curricula, or training requirements
- Pilot materials with users and incorporate feedback
- Coordinate with subject experts, designers, and product teams
- Ensure content meets accessibility and inclusion expectations
- Maintain version control and documentation for updates
Top Skills for Success
Instructional Writing
Curriculum Design
Assessment Design
Editing
Research Skills
Audience Analysis
Learning Science Fundamentals
Accessibility Standards
Project Management
Stakeholder Management
Content Strategy
Quality Assurance
Authoring Tools
Learning Management Systems
Data Literacy
Career Progression
Can Lead To
Senior Materials Developer
Lead Curriculum Developer
Instructional Designer
Content Strategist
Learning Experience Designer
Transition Opportunities
Product Manager
Program Manager
Learning and Development Manager
Education Consultant
Assessment Specialist
Common Skill Gaps
Often Missing Skills
Portfolio PresentationAssessment ValidityAccessibility ImplementationLearning Data AnalysisAuthoring Tools ProficiencyProject PlanningSME Interviewing
Development SuggestionsBuild a small portfolio with 2 to 4 samples that show objectives, a short lesson or module, practice activities, and an assessment. Learn one widely used authoring tool and one learning platform. Practice turning feedback into clear revisions, and track improvements with simple metrics like completion and quiz performance.
Salary & Demand
Median Salary Range
Entry LevelUSD 55,000 to 75,000
Mid LevelUSD 75,000 to 105,000
Senior LevelUSD 105,000 to 140,000
Growth Trend
Steady demand with growth in digital learning and corporate upskilling. Hiring is strongest for candidates who can build digital-first materials and show measurable learner outcomes.Companies Hiring
Major Employers
PearsonMcGraw HillHoughton Mifflin HarcourtKaplanETSDuolingoRosetta StoneCourseraUdemy BusinessLinkedIn Learning
Industry Sectors
Education PublishingEdtechOnline Learning PlatformsCorporate Learning and DevelopmentLanguage LearningGovernment TrainingNonprofit Education
Recommended Next Steps
1
Create a portfolio with lesson samples and assessment samples2
Rewrite one existing lesson to improve clarity and accessibility3
Learn one authoring tool and publish a short interactive module4
Study basics of assessment design and item writing5
Practice a content review checklist for accuracy and consistency6
Set up a simple project plan and track deadlines for a sample project7
Network with instructional designers and editors for feedback on your work8
Tailor your resume to show outcomes like learner improvement and reduced errors