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Associate Lighting Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nationally recognized directors, actors, playwrights, and designers from across the country have ... Lighting Director, Associate Lighting Director, and/or Master Electrician. * Maintaining ...

Collaborate with the Lighting Designer and Producer to understand the creative vision and technical ... Associate or bachelor's degree preferred in Audio/Visual Production, Media Technology ...

Collaborate with the Lighting Designer and Producer to understand the creative vision and technical ... Associate or bachelor's degree preferred in Audio/Visual Production, Media Technology ...

Designer

Miami, FL ยท On-site

$68K - $73K/yr

... Associate/Principal. * Begins to understand how to apply authorized scope of work to tasks and meet ... Bachelor's degree or above in Lighting Design or Architectural Engineering or Architecture or ...

Designer

Culver City, CA ยท On-site

$76K - $81K/yr

... Associate/Principal. * Begins to understand how to apply authorized scope of work to tasks and meet ... Bachelor's degree or above in Lighting Design or Architectural Engineering or Architecture or ...

Senior Designer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$85K - $91K/yr

Reviews monthly fee drafts with Project Manager/Associate/Principal * Understands how to apply ... Exhibits expertise or desire to specialize in a specific lighting project type or application and ...

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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 Jun 9, 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, and why are they important?

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 are Associate Lighting Designers?

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:
Overhire Lighting Technician

Overhire Lighting Technician

ALLEY THEATRE

Houston, TX โ€ข On-site

$17.50/hr

Other

Retirement

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

OVERVIEW

Founded in 1947 by Nina Vance, the Alley Theatre is a pioneer of regional theatre, and one of the leading nonprofit theatre companies in the United States. The Alley has been awarded the prestigious Regional Theatre Tony Awardยฎ and the Texas Medal of Arts Award. The Alley has transferred productions to Broadway, Off-Broadway, major European Festivals, and to 40 American cities. Unique among regional theatres, the Alley is committed to maintaining a Resident Acting Company and providing them with work year-round. Nationally recognized directors, actors, playwrights, and designers from across the country have regularly joined the Resident Acting Company.ย ย ย 


Rob Melrose, Artistic Director at the Alley, took over as artistic leader of the organization in 2019. His vision for the future of the Alley is both thrilling and ambitious. His strategic goals include upholding the Alleyโ€™s artistic excellence, keeping longtime Alley Theatre devotees eager to return each season, and creating productions and cultivating new audiences.ย ย 


Rob Melrose and Incoming Managing Director Jennifer Bielstein along with Alleyโ€™s leadership team are committed to fostering an environment where everyone is encouraged to bring their authentic selves.

JOB STATEMENT

Overhire Lighting Technicians may be hired for Load-in work on an as-needed basis or on a show specific contract to serve as Lightboard Programmer, Lightboard Operator, Followspot Operator, or Deck Electrician. When working on Load-ins, Overhire Lighting Technicians are responsible for the safe installation of lighting equipment and execution of the lighting design under the guidance of the Electrics Supervisor and Alley Theatre Lighting Team. Overhire Lighting Technicians will service both Alley theatre spaces for load-ins, changeovers, focus calls, strikes, notes calls and maintenance calls. Show-specific Overhire Lighting Technicians will be expected to work all assigned technical, dress and brush-up rehearsals, notes sessions and performances. Specific duties could include but would not be limited to Console Programming, Console Operation, Daily Show Maintenance, and/or Followspot Operation.


ย 

JOB DUTIES

  • Performing as an electrician for load-ins, changeovers, focus calls, strikes, notes calls and maintenance calls.
  • Participating in the preparation of shows. Includes preparing required equipment, organization of color, templates, and other consumables as well as the wiring of practicals and effects.
  • Participating in the maintenance of lighting department equipment and facilities as assigned: including (but not limited to) theatrical lighting instrumentation, practical electrical properties, backstage running lights, projection equipment, chemical and dry ice foggers, effects devices, cue lights and tech tables.
  • Programming and running of the lighting console for all technical, dress and brush-up rehearsals, note sessions and performances as assigned by the Lighting Director.
  • Involvement as a show electrician (Followspot Operator, Deck Electrician, or Video Technician) as productions require.
  • Attending technical rehearsals and run-throughs as assigned by the Lighting Director.
  • Performing daily dimmer/focus checks to maintain the lighting design during the run of the show- correcting any focus problems, changing lamps or burned gel as needed and referring any other problems to the Lighting Director, Associate Lighting Director, and/or Master Electrician.
  • Maintaining cleanliness and promoting a safe working environment in all Lighting areas in the theatre: Lighting Office, control booths, dimmer rooms, grids, catwalks, work areas, and storage spaces.
  • Understanding of (or a commitment to learning about) historical and institutional racism in the American theatre.
  • Additional related duties as assigned by Lighting Director or other Lighting Staff.


In addition to the duties listed above, the Alley Theatre expects the following of each employee:ย  adheres to theatreโ€™s policies and procedures; works in a safe manner;ย  performs duties as workload necessitates; maintains a positive and respectful attitude; communicates regularly with supervisor about department issues; demonstrates efficient time management and prioritizes workload; demonstrates regular and consistent attendance and punctuality; meets department productivity standards; participates in Alley Theatre events as needed or required; and completes other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS (SKILLS and KNOWLEDGE)

  • Familiarity and working knowledge of current lighting instruments and equipment.
  • Ability to read and understand common drawings and paperwork used in theatrical lighting installations.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, energized and quickly changing environment.
  • Excellent organizational, interpersonal skills with a proven ability to work independently and as a team player.
  • Understanding of historical and institutional racism in the American theatre, or a commitment to learning, and to be a part of Alley Theatreโ€™s efforts to be an anti-racist organization.
  • To be considered for โ€œLightboard Programmer,โ€ applicants must have skill programming complex sequences with multi-parameter fixtures on ETC EOS Family Consoles.
  • To be considered for โ€œLightboard Operator,โ€ applicants must have a general understanding of the functions of ETC EOS Family Consoles and be able to independently troubleshoot and correct common theatrical lighting problems in an efficient manner.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Prolonged periods of standing, ladder work and work on MEWPs (Personnel Lifts).
  • Ability to work at heights of up to 70 feet, in cramped spaces and otherwise limiting job sites.
  • Ability to regularly move and lift 30-50 lbs.
  • Typical hours are during the day, but the position requires the flexibility to be available for weekend, holidays, and evening work hours as needed.ย 

BENEFITS & PERKS

  • 401(k) with matching, FSA, HRA (Alley paid deductible)ย 

  • Free and discounted tickets to Alley Theatre performancesย ย 

Alley Theatre is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us atย HRdept@alleytheatre.org.

The Alley Theatre is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, or federal law. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.