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Assistant Lighting Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Lighting Designer

Culver City, CA · On-site

$76K - $81K/yr

Position is 70% designer / 30% project manager. Achieving Results - Project Responsibilities * Use ... Begins to understand how to apply authorized scope of work to tasks and meet deadlines. * Assist in ...

In your role, you will: * Assist in preparing clear and dynamically illustrated lighting design presentations * Engage in studio processes to develop innovative lighting concepts and designs tailored ...

Lighting Designer

Culver City, CA · On-site

$76K - $81K/yr

Position is 70% designer / 30% project manager. Achieving Results - Project Responsibilities * Use ... Begins to understand how to apply authorized scope of work to tasks and meet deadlines. * Assist in ...

$35.14/hr

Report directly to the Production Electrician and collaborate with the Lighting Designer, Assistant Lighting Designer, Board Operator and electrics team. * Program rigs containing upward of 40 ...

Senior Designer

Culver City, CA · On-site

$89K - $95K/yr

Liaise with outside architects, interior designers, landscape architects or engineers to ensure the Principal's lighting design plan successfully integrates with the overall project. Assist ...

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Assistant Lighting Designer information

See California salary details

$10

$24

$38

How much do assistant lighting designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant lighting designer in California is $24.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $28.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an assistant lighting designer do?

As an Assistant Lighting Designer, your daily activities may include helping to draft lighting plots, creating paperwork, attending production meetings, and assisting with the setup and focus of lighting fixtures. You’ll regularly collaborate with Lighting Designers, stage managers, electricians, and other production staff to ensure the lighting plan is executed accurately. During rehearsals and performances, you may troubleshoot technical issues and update design documents as needed. The role can be both creative and hands-on, often requiring flexibility to accommodate rehearsal schedules and production deadlines.

What is an assistant lighting designer?

An Assistant Lighting Designer supports the Lighting Designer in planning, setting up, and executing lighting for theatrical productions, concerts, events, or film and television. They assist with preparing lighting plots, selecting equipment, programming lighting consoles, and coordinating with other production team members. Their role ensures that the lighting design is properly implemented, troubleshooting technical issues, and making adjustments as needed during rehearsals and performances.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an assistant lighting designer?

To thrive as an Assistant Lighting Designer, you need a solid understanding of lighting design principles, basic electrical knowledge, and often a degree in theatre, production, or a related field. Familiarity with lighting design software like Vectorworks, AutoCAD, and lighting control systems (such as ETC or GrandMA) is commonly required. Strong collaboration, problem-solving abilities, and excellent communication skills help you work effectively with designers, directors, and technical crews. These skills are crucial for translating creative visions into safe, technically feasible lighting solutions on time and within budget.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lighting Designer jobs in California? The most popular types of Lighting Designer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Assistant Lighting Designer jobs? Cities in California with the most Assistant Lighting Designer job openings:
Infographic showing various Assistant Lighting Designer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,552 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

Lighting Designer

HLB Lighting Design

Culver City, CA • On-site

$76K - $81K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Description
Supports the work of 1 or more team members and displays judgement and independent thinking in the design process. Position is 70% designer / 30% project manager.
Achieving Results - Project Responsibilities
  • Use critical thinking and discretion in assessing specific project needs and communicating effectively to the project manager.
  • Begin to familiarize/learn the process for reviewing monthly fee drafts with Project Manager/Associate/Principal.
  • Begins to understand how to apply authorized scope of work to tasks and meet deadlines.
  • Assist in managing agendas, meeting minutes, and regular project status communications to build knowledge in these areas.
  • Work independently on specific scopes of a project like calculations or documentation.
  • Supports the team to produce work efficiently and profitably.
  • Assists the project manager in creating labor hour budgets for projects. Working with Clients - Client Responsibilities
  • Develop good client and/or related business relationships.
  • Enhance HLB's value to the client and promote the firm.
  • Use communication tools to manage client expectations.

Working with Clients - Client Responsibilities
  • Starts to develop good client and/or related business relationships - working well with their equal at other firms
  • Enhance HLB's value to the client and promote the firm
  • Uses communication tools to manage client expectations

Working with Teammates and Managers - Management Responsibilities
  • Exhibit flexibility and cooperation with teammates.
  • Manage own work time and priorities and show ability to also do this with the project team.
  • Understand good framework for resolving issues.
  • Interface among the principals, design/technical staff and business team as needed.

HLB's Corporate Culture and Values - Responsibilities to HLB initiatives
  • Participation in and contribution to procedures and environment that are in the best interest of the firm.
  • Represent the firm in a professional manner.
  • Participation in Designing Our Future/HLB 10:10 Vision, C2Q initiatives.
  • Reinforce HLB values - Artistry, Curiosity, Balance, Integrity, Legacy.
  • Look for opportunities to collaborate with other HLB offices on project, DOF, C2Q, business workgroup avenues in a meaningful way.

Requirements
Skill Set
  • Excellent Organizational skills
  • Proven technical skills appropriate to work area
  • Oral and written skills
  • Computer programs: Revit, Excel, Word, Power Point, Adobe Suite including Acrobat, Photoshop and InDesign, AutoCAD, AGI or Visual or Elum Tools, Diva, Grasshopper, Ecotect, Radiance, Daysim, Rhino, Radiance, Vision - as applicable to their role or business group
  • Ability to prioritize / time management skills
  • Self-motivated and self-directed
  • Team player
  • Motivator
  • Dependable

Education & Experience
  • Bachelor's degree or above in Lighting Design or Architectural Engineering or Architecture or Interior Design or Theatrical Lighting or related education and experience
  • 2 to 4 years' experience
  • Certification in Lighting Design (e.g. LC) or certification related to their field / degree or endeavoring to obtain it.
  • LEED BD+C or endeavors to achieve
  • IALD Associate level or above or endeavoring to obtain it.
  • Participate in industry related professional organizations locally

Compensation
$76,400 to $81,200
The final agreed upon compensation is based on cost of living, individual education, qualifications, and experience.
Benefit Clause: Includes but not limited to Medical, Dental & Vision plans, flexible spending account, 401(k) plans, life & AD&D insurance, short/long term disability plans, holidays, and paid time off.