Complete breakdown of instructional design costs, hourly rates, and project pricing. Save 40-60% vs traditional agencies with transparent, fixed-price proposals.
Hourly rates vary significantly based on experience, specialization, and work format. Here's the complete breakdown:
Best for: Content conversion, template-based modules, simple eLearning
Best for: Standard eLearning, SCORM courses, interactive assessments (Most common)
Best for: Complex simulations, learning strategy, high-stakes compliance
For most corporate training projects, mid-level consultants ($80-120/hour) offer the best value-to-expertise ratio. They can handle 80% of projects at 30-40% less cost than senior experts.
Most instructional design projects are priced based on scope and deliverables. Here are typical cost ranges by project type:
Basic eLearning: 80-120 development hours per 1 hour of content
Interactive: 120-240 hours per 1 hour of content
Complex Simulations: 240-400+ hours per 1 hour of content
More interactive elements = higher cost. A page-turner with simple "click next" costs 3-4x less than a branching simulation.
Professional video, animation, and audio production significantly increase costs.
Rush projects require dedicated resources and often cost 20-40% more than standard timelines.
Highly technical or regulated content requires more research, SME coordination, and specialized expertise.
As shown in hourly rates section: Entry-level ($60-80), Mid-level ($80-120), Expert ($120-200/hr).
Custom development, integrations, and specialized tools increase costs.
| Option | Annual Cost | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Freelance Consultant via Learnexus | $50K-90K (variable based on projects) | • Pay only for active work • Scale up/down instantly • Access to 3,000+ specialists • 40-60% cost savings | • Less availability control • Project-based relationship | Project-based needs, variable workload, need specialized expertise |
| Full-Time Employee | $125K ($85K salary + $25K benefits + $15K recruiting) | • Full availability • Deep company knowledge • Team integration • Long-term relationship | • Fixed capacity • High fixed cost • 3-6 month hiring time • Limited specialization | Consistent high-volume needs, long-term programs, dedicated resource required |
| Traditional Agency | $180K-300K (project-based at $150-250/hr) | • Full-service teams • Project management • Established processes • Guaranteed deliverables | • 100-150% markup • Slower response times • Less flexibility • Opaque pricing | Complex enterprise projects requiring full-service teams and PM |
Project: Develop 4-hour interactive eLearning course (8 modules)
Agency Quote: $120K (800 hours × $150/hr)
Learnexus Consultant: $72K (800 hours × $90/hr)
Your Savings: $48K (40%)
Plan for $10K-15K per 1 hour of finished eLearning for standard interactive courses. Basic modules cost less ($8K-10K per hour), while complex simulations cost more ($20K-30K per hour). Get 2-3 quotes to understand market rates for your specific requirements.
Typical pricing includes: needs analysis, learning objectives, storyboarding, content development, multimedia integration, SCORM packaging, QA testing, and 30 days post-launch support. Additional costs may include professional video/audio, custom animations, LMS integration, and translation.
Both! Fixed-price works best for well-defined projects with clear scope. Hourly billing offers flexibility for evolving requirements or consulting engagements. Many projects use hybrid models: fixed price for development, hourly for revisions and enhancements.
No. All Learnexus proposals include transparent, line-item pricing. Additional costs only occur if scope changes (you request new features), specialized tools are needed, or you require professional media production beyond initial scope. All changes require your approval before work begins.
Common structures: 30% deposit to start, 40% at content approval, 30% on final delivery. For hourly projects, weekly or bi-weekly invoicing based on time tracked. Larger enterprise projects may use milestone-based payments. Payment terms are negotiable based on project size and timeline.
Yes! Post your project requirements and receive 3-5 detailed proposals from vetted instructional design consultants within 48 hours. Each proposal includes scope breakdown, timeline, deliverables, and transparent pricing. Compare options and choose the best fit for your needs and budget.
Receive detailed proposals from 3-5 vetted instructional design consultants in 48 hours. Compare portfolios, timelines, and fixed pricing before you commit.
Free to post • No obligation • Transparent quotes • 3,000+ vetted consultants