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Concert Lighting Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Insomniac - CAD Designer

Calabasas, CA

$28.50 - $39.50/hr

Enhanced by state-of-the-art lighting, pyrotechnics and sound design, large-scale art installations ... Identify and communicate potential design problems to the Festival/Concert producer * Frequent ...

Got Light designs and produces lighting, audio, and video for hundreds of events each year ... Theatrical Projection Design * Hotel/Corporate AV Experience * Touring/Concert Video Experience

Video Technician

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

Got Light designs and produces lighting, audio, and video for hundreds of events each year ... Theatrical Projection Design * Hotel/Corporate AV Experience * Touring/Concert Video Experience

Enhanced by state-of-the-art lighting, pyrotechnics and sound design, large-scale art installations ... Partner with the Concert Promoter to lead the concert team to produce the highest quality in the ...

Lead the creative and technical vision for stage design, lighting, audio, video, and scenic ... Background in broadcast, theatrical, or concert production that brings additional creative ...

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Showing results 21-40

Concert Lighting Design information

See California salary details

$48.4K

$71.8K

$92.8K

How much do concert lighting design jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for concert lighting design in California is $71,814.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,100.00 and $79,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is concert lighting design?

Concert lighting design is the art and practice of creating and controlling lighting for live music performances. It involves choosing the types, colors, placement, and timing of lights to enhance the mood, energy, and visual appeal of a concert. Lighting designers work closely with artists, production teams, and stage managers to ensure the lighting complements the music and the overall show experience. Their work requires technical expertise, creativity, and an understanding of how lighting impacts audience perception.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a concert lighting designer?

To thrive as a Concert Lighting Designer, you need a strong understanding of lighting theory, stage production, and electrical systems, often supported by a degree in lighting design or related experience. Proficiency in industry-standard lighting consoles (like MA Lighting or ETC), CAD software, and DMX control systems is crucial. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication make a designer stand out when collaborating with artists and technical teams. These skills ensure visually compelling, safe, and smoothly executed lighting designs that enhance the concert experience.

What are some common challenges faced by concert lighting designers during live performances?

Concert lighting designers often face the challenge of adapting to last-minute changes, such as setlist adjustments or unexpected technical issues. They must coordinate closely with the artists, stage managers, and audio teams to ensure lighting cues are perfectly synchronized with the music and stage movements. Additionally, working with varying venue sizes and equipment can require quick problem-solving and flexibility. Successfully overcoming these challenges involves clear communication, strong technical skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

What is the difference between Concert Lighting Design vs Stage Lighting Technician?

AspectConcert Lighting DesignStage Lighting Technician
CredentialsLighting design certifications, technical knowledgeLighting operation certifications, technical skills
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, concert venues, festivalsOn-site at venues, theaters, live events
Employer & IndustryEvent production companies, concert promotersTheaters, production companies, touring companies

Concert Lighting Designers focus on creating the visual concept and overall lighting plan for live performances, while Stage Lighting Technicians execute and operate the lighting equipment during events. Both roles require technical knowledge, but designers are more involved in planning and design, whereas technicians handle implementation and operation.

What are popular job titles related to Concert Lighting Design jobs in California?

For Concert Lighting Design jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Concert Lighting Design jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Concert Lighting Design jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Concert Lighting Design job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 4% Temporary. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,814 per year, or $34.5 per hour.

Insomniac - CAD Designer

Livenation

Calabasas, CA

$28.50 - $39.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Live Nation rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 143 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 52 rated entertainment


Job description

Job Summary:

WHO ARE YOU?

Do you enjoy dance music? Do you have experience in design & creative landscape? Then you're in luck! We are looking for a highly motivated self-starter who embodies a passion for both dance music culture and design space. Is this you? Read on...

WHO ARE WE?

Insomniac produces some of the most innovative, immersive music festivals and events in the world. Enhanced by state-of-the-art lighting, pyrotechnics and sound design, large-scale art installations, theatrical performers and next generation special effects, our events captivate the senses and inspire a unique level of fan interaction. The quality of the Headliner experience is our top priority.

Insomniac produces 10,000 concerts, club nights and festivals for seven million attendees annually across the globe. Since its inception, Insomniac's events have taken place in 13 countries across five continents. The company's premiere annual event, Electric Daisy Carnival Las Vegas, is the world's largest dance music festival and attracts more than 525,000 fans over three days. The company was founded by Pasquale Rotella and has been based in Los Angeles since it was formed in 1993.

THE ROLE

The CAD Designer is responsible for creating detailed 2D site plans for all Insomniac creations. You will work in an office setting, but will at times need to fulfill travel requirements and work on site. This position reports to the Senior CAD Designer. This is not a fully remote position.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Prepare detailed, multi-layered 2D CAD drawings for all experience elements for festivals and concerts

  • Ensure that safety standards are maintained on every experience plan

  • Learn the standard site plan layout for all Insomniac festivals to help accelerate the site plan development process

  • Participate in site visits to take measurements and make notes to aid in site plan development

  • Create GEOTAGGED drawings with measurements for placement of site items and be onsite during festival load-in to confirm accurate placement

  • Be able to specify a series of points or select an object to find the enclosed area and other geometric information from objects such as distance, radius, angle, and volume.

  • Communicate with various departments and incorporate knowledge gained into drawings

  • Prepare capacity studies for the entire site and for specific stage audience areas as requested

  • Create as built plans of projects for record and use for following planning

  • Work with the site production team to place all key festival elements during the build process

  • Be responsible to maintain company owned plotters and related measurement equipment

  • Identify and communicate potential design problems to the Festival/Concert producer

  • Frequent travel will be required (economy)

QUALIFICATIONS

  • At least 5 years' experience in 2D CAD work, ideally in outdoor applications

  • Live event experience a definite asset

  • Strong in both task-oriented & overall big picture

  • Strong understanding of prioritization in a demanding & fast-paced work environment

  • Strong communication skills, both written and verbal

  • Proficient in organization and multitasking on projects pertaining to numerous shows at once

  • Ability to identify and solve problems in efficient manner

  • Comfortable working in always on, fast-paced, start-up environment

  • Possesses deep passion for music; motivated to learn ins-and-outs of industry

  • Adheres to all requirements for confidentiality of corporate, strategic and marketing information

  • Must be able to travel frequently and work events on nights, holidays, and weekends

  • Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) & Google Drive (Gmail, Sheets, Docs, Calendar)

  • Strong knowledge of AutoCad and Civil Engineering

  • Strong knowledge of Adobe Suites (Illustrator, Acrobat, Photoshop,

  • InDesign)

  • Must be motivated with an "Everything is possible" attitude

  • Must be an active problem solver, instilled with a sense of urgency for projects large and small

WORK ENVIRONMENT

  • Must be able to tolerate loud noise levels & busy environments

  • May work in drastic temperature climates

  • Must be willing to frequently work and travel to events during evening and weekend hours, as required, to meet deadlines and work events

Applicants for employment in the U.S. must possess work authorization, which does not require sponsorship by Insomniac for a visa.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

We aspire to build teams that reflect and support the fans and artists we serve. Every day we aim to promote environments where everyone can be themselves, contribute fully, and thrive within our company and at our events. As a growing business we will encourage you to develop your professional and personal aspirations, enjoy new experiences, and learn from the talented people you will be working with.


Insomniac strongly supports equal employment opportunity for all applicants regardless of age (40 and over), ancestry, color, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), family and medical care leave or the denial of family and medical care leave, mental or physical disability (including HIV and AIDS), marital status, domestic partner status, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, military and veteran status, political affiliation, national origin (including language use restrictions), citizenship, race, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding), gender, gender identity, and gender expression, sexual orientation, intersectionality, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law, rule, ordinance or regulation.

We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance, San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act and consistent with other similar and / or applicable laws in other areas.

We also afford equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with a disability. For this reason, Insomniac will make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified individual with a disability who is an applicant consistent with its legal obligations to do so, including reasonable accommodations related to pregnancy in accordance with applicable local, state and / or federal law. As part of its commitment to make reasonable accommodations, Insomniac also wishes to participate in a timely, good faith, interactive process with a disabled applicant to determine effective reasonable accommodations, if any, which can be made in response to a request for accommodations. Applicants are invited to identify reasonable accommodations that can be made to assist them to perform the essential functions of the position they seek. Any applicant who requires an accommodation in order to perform the essential functions of the job should contact a Human Resources Representative to request the opportunity to participate in a timely interactive process. Insomniac will also provide reasonable religious accommodations on a case-by-case basis.

Salary Pay Range: $70,304.00 - $80,000.00 USD

HIRING PRACTICES

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Insomniac recruitment policies are designed to place the most highly qualified persons available in a timely and efficient manner. Insomniac may pursue all avenues available, including promotion from within, employee referrals, outside advertising, employment agencies, internet recruiting, job fairs, college recruiting and search firms.

Please note that the compensation information provided is a good faith estimate for this position only and is provided pursuant to the California Salary Transparency in Job Advertisements Law. It is estimated based on what a successful California applicant might be paid. It assumes that the successful candidate will be in California or perform the position from California. Similar positions located outside of California will not necessarily receive the same compensation. Insomniac takes into consideration a candidate's education, training, and experience, as well as the position's work location, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees. In compliance with the California Law, a potential new employee's salary history will not be used in compensation decisions.

Live Nation Entertainment will never request payment or equipment purchases as part of the hiring process. Recruiters will only contact candidates from official Live Nation or affiliated brand email domains.

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The expected compensation for this position is:

$72,000.00 USD - $90,000.00 USD

** Pay is based on a number of factors including market location, qualifications, skills, and experience.

Live Nation Entertainment will never request payment or equipment purchases as part of the hiring process. Recruiters will only contact candidates from official Live Nation or affiliated brand email domains.


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