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Associate Lighting Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

About the Role We're seeking a Junior Associate Lighting Designer to join our team and contribute to sophisticated lighting designs across multiple concurrent projects. Working under the direction of ...

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Lighting Designer

Culver City, CA · On-site

$76K - $81K/yr

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

Certified Lighting Designer (CLD), Lighting Certified (LC), Associate IALD, or progress toward professional certification is a plus. Core Technical Skills * Architectural lighting design and ...

Lighting Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

General Summary The Lighting Designer, with some supervision from the Director of Electrical ... Ghafari Associates, LLC is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer and is committed to ...

General Summary The Lighting Designer, with some supervision from the Director of Electrical ... Strong attention to detail Since 1982, Ghafari Associates has taken a personal approach to highly ...

Lighting Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$70K - $85K/yr

General Summary The Lighting Designer, with some supervision from the Director of Electrical ... Ghafari Associates, LLC is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer and is committed to ...

Lighting Designer

Miami, FL · On-site

$68K - $73K/yr

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

Lighting Designer

Culver City, CA · On-site

$76K - $81K/yr

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

Member of the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) and/or Associate of the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) * Strong computer skill using AGI32, eLumtools, Revit, AutoCad and ...

Member of the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) and/or Associate of the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) * Strong computer skill using AGI32, eLumtools, Revit, AutoCad and ...

Senior Lighting Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$85K - $91K/yr

As a designer, taking the design intent and turning it into the work product. 20% designer, 80 ... Reviews monthly fee drafts with Project Manager/Associate/Principal * Understands how to apply ...

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Associate Lighting Designer information

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$19.5K

$58.6K

$87.5K

How much do associate lighting designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate lighting designer in the United States is $58,560.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $68,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate lighting designer?

To thrive as an Associate Lighting Designer, you need a solid understanding of lighting design principles, electrical systems, and a relevant degree or technical training in theater, architecture, or lighting design. Familiarity with lighting control consoles, CAD software (such as AutoCAD or Vectorworks), and visualization tools is typically required. Creativity, strong communication, and attention to detail are crucial soft skills for collaborating with design teams and translating artistic visions into practical solutions. These skills ensure effective project execution, aesthetic impact, and safety in diverse performance or architectural environments.

What is an associate lighting designer?

Associate Lighting Designers are professionals who assist the lead Lighting Designer in developing and implementing the lighting vision for theatre, film, television, or live events. Their responsibilities often include creating lighting plots, managing equipment, coordinating with production teams, and ensuring the lighting design is executed correctly. They may also handle technical aspects, supervise crew members, and step in for the lead designer when needed. This role requires both creative and technical skills, as well as the ability to collaborate effectively with other departments.

What are some common challenges faced by associate lighting designers when working on large-scale productions?

Associate Lighting Designers on large-scale productions often face challenges such as coordinating with multiple departments, managing rapid changes during technical rehearsals, and ensuring the lead designer's vision is executed accurately within tight timelines. They must also adapt to evolving production needs and troubleshoot unexpected technical issues. Effective communication, flexibility, and strong organizational skills are crucial for navigating these high-pressure environments and contributing to a successful show.
What cities are hiring for Associate Lighting Designer jobs? Cities with the most Associate Lighting Designer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Lighting Designer jobs? The most popular types of Lighting Designer jobs are:
What states have the most Associate Lighting Designer jobs? States with the most job openings for Associate Lighting Designer jobs include:

$71K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

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Job description

About the Role

We're seeking a Junior Associate Lighting Designer to join our team and contribute to sophisticated lighting designs across multiple concurrent projects. Working under the direction of the Principal and our Associate Lighting Designers, you'll be instrumental in bringing our lighting visions to life—from concept to completion. This position offers significant growth potential for someone who embodies our values and demonstrates quick learning and initiative.

What You'll Do

  • Design and revise lighting layouts and specifications in AutoCAD, ensuring technical precision and design intent

  • Collaborate with architects, interior designers, and construction teams to integrate lighting seamlessly into project vision

  • Research lighting products, develop manufacturer relationships, and stay current on innovative solutions

  • Create fixture specifications, cut sheets, and preliminary control system layouts

  • Manage multiple plan sets simultaneously while meeting project deadlines and tracking time accurately

  • Participate in project meetings, site visits, and evening focusing sessions

What You Bring

Required:

  • Bachelor's degree in Lighting Design, Architecture, Interior Design, or Engineering (or equivalent experience)

  • Proficiency in AutoCAD, Bluebeam, and Microsoft Office Suite

  • Ability to use discretion and independent judgment

  • Ability to work collaboratively with both design and operations teams

  • Excellent time management and ability to prioritize across multiple projects

  • Ability to lift 25 pounds

  • Valid driver's license with a clean driving record

  • Ability to climb and perform work while on ladders and/or scaffolding

Preferred:

  • Knowledge of residential or commercial lighting products and controls

  • Experience with Revit, AGi32, and/or Photoshop

  • Portfolio demonstrating lighting design work or related projects

Experience Level: Entry-level to 5 years (recent graduates with relevant degrees encouraged to apply)

What We Offer

  • Competitive salary: $71,000 - $95,000 annually based on skills and experience

  • 100% employer-paid medical, dental and life insurance for employee

  • 401(k) plan (after 1 year of employment)

  • 12 days paid vacation + 5 days paid sick time

  • Professional development opportunities

  • Twice-monthly office lunches and chair massage

  • Quarterly wellness reimbursement

  • Opportunity to work on high-profile residential and hospitality projects

  • Mentorship in a collaborative studio environment with clear advancement path