Boom or bust?

Are jobs in this industry on the rise? Are there any sub-sectors that are growing?

Where are the jobs? Which places have the most instructional designer opportunities?

Washington, DC metro area. The jobs may be posted by a number of titles: instructional design, instructional systems specialist, curriculum development and any other number of titles. There are jobs in Atlanta, but they tend to be focused more on ERP systems, healthcare, and high tech. In DC the jobs run the gamut of just about everything because there is such a heavy demand for training of the federal workforce and contractors to the feds. I have worked in both places. The DC area pays up to 50% more, but the housing is outrageous.

I am finding that jobs are declining. Most of us with experience (10 + years) have spent a great deal of it in contract work. Now, many employers (HP, Fidelity, etc) are "outsourcing" ID work. As a result, rates have declined to $30/ hr for work that used to pay at least $50. Also, the term ID has become commoditized over the years to the point where everyone is now an "ID".

Senior ID in Chelmsford, Massachusetts said: I am finding that jobs are declining. Most of us with experience (10 + years) have spent a great deal of it in contract work. Now, many employers ( HP , Fidelity, etc) are "outsourcing" ID work. As a result, rates have declined to $30/ hr for work that used to pay at least $50. Also, the term ID has become commoditized over the years to the point where everyone is now an "ID".

I agree, everyone is calling themselves and ID despite lacking educational credentials and experience. They think because they can use Flash or Photoshop they are qualified. Part of this is due to ignorance among HR departments. Outsourcing in ID is similar to outsourcing in IT. Sure you can get a lot of cheaper labor, but the quality is often abysmal. And often when outsourced to other countries they don't understand American educational systems and culture enough to be effective.