How Much Does a Curriculum Developer Make? (2025)
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts that curriculum developer jobs in the US are expected to grow 2% from 2023 to 2033. This figure is slower than average and corresponds to an estimated 20,100 job openings every year for curriculum developers including instructional coordinators and curriculum specialists.
Salary.com reports that the average annual salary for curriculum developers in the United States for 2025 is $68,500. This salary guide provides a comprehensive overview of curriculum developer salaries, job descriptions, FAQs, and job expectations.
What Does a Curriculum Developer Do?
Curriculum developers typically manage school curriculums and uphold teaching standards. They develop educational material, oversee its proper implementation with teachers, and assess its effectiveness with the students. Moreover, they also observe teachers’ performance, discuss students’ test data, and communicate results with school staff.
Part of a curriculum developer’s key responsibilities is project management. They may also organize training programs for teachers about creating materials for the latest educational programs, instructional strategies, and learning objectives. The top industries for which curriculum developers work are the following:
- Local Elementary and Secondary Schools
- State Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools
- Government
- Private Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools
- Private Educational Support Services
Having a master’s degree, especially in education or curriculum and instruction is a key requirement for curriculum developers to enter the occupation. These master’s degree programs focus on advanced lessons such as curriculum design, instructional theory, and data analysis. A bachelor’s degree is required to qualify for such master’s degree programs.
What is the Curriculum Developer Salary Overview?
The average salary for curriculum developers in the United States in 2025 is $68,500 per year, according to Salary.com. A curriculum developer’s salary ranges from $57,247 to $80,727 per year. The average salary per month is $5,708.
Curriculum developers earn an average of $33 per hour, with hourly rates ranging from $28 to $39. Moreover, the average salary for curriculum developers per week is $1,317, with weekly pay ranging from $1,101 to $1,552.
2025 Curriculum Developer Salary: $68,500 ($33 per hour)
Meanwhile, the median core compensation for a curriculum developer is $64,090 per year, including salary and bonuses, and varies depending on the percentile.
| Percentile | Salary + Bonus |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $58,147 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,010 |
| 50th Percentile | $70,450 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,430 |
| 90th Percentile | $83,785 |
On the other hand, the average total compensation for curriculum developers in the US is $101,035 according to the Salary.com report. The total compensation package includes benefits like healthcare ($8,352), time off ($8,671), and Social Security ($5,389), which make up 22.2% of the total compensation.
| Core Compensation | ||
|---|---|---|
| Median | % of Total | |
| Base Salary | $68,500 | 67.8% |
| Bonus | $1,950 | 1.9% |
| Value of Benefits | ||
| Social Security | $5,389 | 5.3% |
| 401K/403B | $2,959 | 2.9% |
| Disability | $1,409 | 1.4% |
| Healthcare | $8,352 | 8.3% |
| Pension | $3,804 | 3.8% |
| Time Off | $8,671 | 8.6% |
| Total Compensation | $101,035 | 100% |
What Can Affect Curriculum Developer Salaries?
Various factors such as experience level, geographic location, education, and skills can significantly influence curriculum developer salaries. Below is a breakdown of key salary components:
By Experience Level
Over time, curriculum developer salaries are expected to grow in line with work experience. Salary.com data shows that entry-level curriculum developers with less than one year of experience earn an average salary of $67,508. In contrast, experienced curriculum developers working for eight or more years, considered expert-level professionals, can expect to earn an average salary of $70,541.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Curriculum Developer | $67,508 |
| Intermediate Level Curriculum Developer | $68,195 |
| Senior Level Curriculum Developer | $69,954 |
| Specialist Level Curriculum Developer | $70,306 |
| Expert Level Curriculum Developer | $70,541 |
By Geographic Location
A curriculum developer’s average salary in the United States may vary by geographic location due to key factors like cost of living, the local economy, and industry presence.
Among the hot cities in the United States, San Francisco reports the highest curriculum developer salary at $85,620 while Miami and Dallas reflect lower median salaries at $66,100 and $67,610, respectively.
| Cities | 25th Percentile | 50th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, California | $78,260 | $85,620 | $93,620 |
| Washington, District of Columbia | $69,680 | $76,240 | $83,360 |
| Miami, Florida | $60,420 | $66,100 | $72,280 |
| Chicago, Illinois | $65,680 | $71,850 | $78,570 |
| Boston, Massachusetts | $70,190 | $76,780 | $83,960 |
| New York, New York | $73,130 | $80,000 | $87,480 |
| Dallas, Texas | $61,800 | $67,610 | $73,930 |
By Skills
Gaining sought-after skills is an effective way to increase curriculum developer salaries and unlock more career opportunities. The Real-time Job Posting Salary Data Report indicates that the most in-demand curriculum developer skills are instructional design and presentation software with 59.93% and 24.35%, respectively.
Meanwhile, essential skills such as vendor management and training operations can increase curriculum developer salaries by 5.96% and 5.54%, respectively. The table below includes more in-demand skills for curriculum developers and their respective influence on salary:
| Skills | Demand (%) | Salary (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Presentation Software | 24.35% | +7.28% |
| Vendor Management | 20.48% | +5.96% |
| Training Operations | 20.28% | +5.54% |
| Training Solution Development | 19.98% | +5.54% |
| Training Needs Analysis | 19.88% | +5.54% |
| Instructional Design | 59.93% | +5.29% |
How to Become a Curriculum Developer?
Curriculum developers typically need a master’s degree and adequate relevant work experience to enter the occupation. Having enough teaching and management skills would also be a huge plus. To pursue a career and earn more money as a curriculum developer, concentrate on developing the following key areas such as the following:
- Acquire important core qualities: A curriculum developer is expected to possess necessary qualities such as analytical, communication, decision-making, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
- Earn relevant licenses and certifications: Curriculum developers, especially those working in public schools, are required to possess a teaching or education administrator license. Requirements for these licenses may vary from state to state, so it’s best to check with your state’s Board of Education for more information.
- Expand work experience: Becoming a technical curriculum developer typically requires several years of experience with 5 years or more deemed as the minimum. In some cases, having relevant experience teaching a specific subject or grade level is a huge plus.
- Explore related work environments: It’s also best to immerse yourself in environments where curriculum developers usually work, such as local elementary and secondary schools, colleges, professional schools, or educational support services.
What are the FAQs About Curriculum Developers?
Here are some common questions about the curriculum developer pay:
Are curriculum developers in demand?
No. According to BLS, curriculum development jobs are only forecasted to grow 2% from 2023 to 2033, which is slower compared to the average of all occupations. However, despite this limited employment growth, roughly 20,100 job openings are still expected within the next decade.
How much do curriculum developers make?
Salary.com reports that the average curriculum developer salary in the US is $68,500. This could vary depending on significant factors such as experience, geographic location, and demand. For instance, the highest-paying city for curriculum developers is San Francisco, with a median salary of $85,620.
What is another name for a curriculum developer?
Curriculum developers are also known as instructional coordinators or curriculum specialists. Sometimes, they may also be termed instructional designers or learning experience designers.
What educational background is needed to become a curriculum developer?
Curriculum developers are typically required to have a master’s degree in education or curriculum instruction. Some may even need a degree in specialized fields such as math or history.
