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Concert Lighting Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Got Light

Lighting Technician

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Got Light designs and produces lighting, audio, and video for hundreds of events each year ... Touring/Concert Video * Event/Production/Hospitality. * Experience driving 16-24 ft. trucks

Got Light

Lighting Technician

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Got Light designs and produces lighting, audio, and video for hundreds of events each year ... Touring/Concert Video * Event/Production/Hospitality. * Experience driving 16-24 ft. trucks

Got Light

Light Board Operator

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Working with clients and lighting designers. * Busking and Cueing. * Programming of static/ambient lighting as well as concert/performance lighting. * DMX over Ethernet (ART-NET, sACN) networking.

Got Light

Light Board Operator

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Working with clients and lighting designers. * Busking and Cueing. * Programming of static/ambient lighting as well as concert/performance lighting. * DMX over Ethernet (ART-NET, sACN) networking.

jobr.pro

Marketing Events Producer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$255 - $320/hr

... lighting designers, and technical directors * Collaborate cross‑functionally with marketing ... Background in broadcast, theatrical, or concert production that brings additional creative ...

New

Insomniac Events

Insomniac - CAD Designer

Calabasas, CA · On-site

$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 ...

Livenation

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 ...

Livenation

Insomniac - CAD Designer

Calabasas, CA · On-site

$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 ...

Live Nation, Inc

Insomniac - CAD Designer

Calabasas, CA · On-site

$70.30 - $80/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

Audio Technician

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Got Light designs and produces lighting, audio, and video for hundreds of events each year ... Touring/Concert Audio Experience * Driving 16-24 ft. trucks SCHEDULE & AVAILABILITY: * On-call / ...

Got Light

Audio Technician

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Got Light designs and produces lighting, audio, and video for hundreds of events each year ... Touring/Concert Audio Experience * Driving 16-24 ft. trucks SCHEDULE & AVAILABILITY: * On-call / ...

Got Light

Video Technician

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Got Light designs and produces lighting, audio, and video for hundreds of events each year ... Touring/Concert Video Experience * Experience driving 16-24 ft. trucks SCHEDULE & AVAILABILITY ...

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Concert Lighting Designer information

See California salary details

$48.4K

$71.8K

$92.8K

How much do concert lighting designer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for concert lighting designer 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 does a concert lighting designer do?

A Concert Lighting Designer is responsible for creating and executing the lighting design for live music performances. They work closely with artists, stage designers, and technical crews to enhance the concert experience through lighting effects, colors, and movement. Their job includes selecting and programming lighting equipment, ensuring synchronization with music, and managing on-site adjustments during performances. A strong understanding of lighting technology, artistic vision, and technical expertise is essential for success in this role.

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

To thrive as a Concert Lighting Designer, you need strong knowledge of lighting design principles, color theory, and electrical systems, usually supported by a degree in lighting design, theater production, or related experience. Expertise with lighting control consoles (such as GrandMA or ETC), DMX protocol, CAD software, and often certification in rigging or safety standards is important. Creativity, problem-solving, excellent communication, and the ability to work well under pressure set top designers apart. These skills ensure the creation of impactful, safe, and technically sound lighting designs that elevate live performances and meet the fast-paced demands of concerts.

What are some typical challenges a concert lighting designer may face on the job?

Concert Lighting Designers often work with rapidly changing schedules, tight set-up times, and varying technical requirements based on each venue or artist's needs. They may face challenges such as adjusting designs for different stage configurations, resolving last-minute equipment issues, or coordinating with other departments like audio and stage management during live events. Adaptability and quick problem-solving are essential, as is the need to communicate clearly with the rest of the production team. Overcoming these challenges helps ensure a smooth show and a memorable experience for both the performers and the audience.

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Concert Lighting Designer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Concert Lighting Designer job openings:

Concert Lighting Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Concert Lighting Designer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,814 per year, or $34.5 per hour.

Moving Light Programmer

La Jolla Playhouse

La Jolla, CA • On-site

$35.14/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

DEPARTMENT: Production – Electrics

CLASSIFICATION: Seasonal per show; IATSE local 122; Non-Exempt (Hourly)

PAY: $35.14 per hour, negotiable (current Department Head Rate 1, IATSE Local 122) 

LOCATION: Onsite in La Jolla, CA on the beautiful UC San Diego campus

SCHEDULE: Weekdays with occasional overtime, weeknight, weekend and/or holiday work

REPORTS TO: Production Electrician

WORKS WITH: LJP Staff, Visiting Artists & Designers, IATSE Labor, UCSD Residents & Students 

PRODUCTION: PARTICLE FEVER 

Based on the documentary film by Mark Levinson and David Kaplan
Book by David Henry Hwang
Music and Lyrics by Bear McCreary and Zoe Sarnak
Story by David Henry Hwang, Bear McCreary and Zoe Sarnak
Directed by Leigh Silverman

EMPLOYMENT DATES: January 25 – February 28, 2027

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS: Cover letter, resume, and references


ABOUT THE POSITION

Join La Jolla Playhouse’s Production Department as the Moving Light Programmer for PARTICLE FEVER, an ambitious new musical that blends science, spectacle and human discovery. Working under the direction of the Production Electrician, this role is a key creative and technical partner in bringing the lighting design to life during tech and preview weeks.

The Moving Light Programmer will collaborate closely with visiting Lighting Designers, the Production Electrician and the electrics team to program moving light and conventional lighting rigs on an EOS-based console. This position is ideal for a highly skilled programmer who thrives in a fast-paced theatrical environment, enjoys solving complex technical challenges, and brings both artistry and precision to the cue-building process.

The strongest candidate is a collaborative artist-technician who is excited by new work, energized by the intensity of tech, and committed to supporting the artistic vision and mission of La Jolla Playhouse.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Pre-Production, Prep and Console Setup

  • 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 automated LED and moving light fixtures on an EOS Apex console.
  • In consultation with the Production Electrician and Board Operator, establish and maintain console layout, channel check procedures and show file organization.
  • Participate in prep and pre-programming calls as determined by the Production Electrician, Production Manager and Lighting Designer.
  • Prepare programming tools and show elements, which may include groups, presets, macros, beam and color palettes, cues, pre-visualization, advanced pixel mapping, magic sheets, MIDI/SMPTE setup, robotic followspot setup and VOR or similar systems.

Tech, Previews and Artistic Programming

  • Work directly with the Lighting Designer to write, revise and maintain cues throughout the tech and preview process.
  • Execute technical programming required to support the Lighting Designer’s artistic vision, including effects, chases, macros, marking and other complex programming needs.
  • Anticipate programming needs, troubleshoot issues quickly and help maintain forward momentum during fast-paced technical rehearsals.
  • Communicate clearly with the Production Electrician, Board Operator and design team about cue changes, system needs, notes and priorities.

Documentation, Turnover and Production Support

  • Assist the Assistant Lighting Designer with moving light documentation using MLA software.
  • Train the Board Operator to take over the show file and complete the run of show confidently.
  • Support the show crew with theatre turnover between tech and previews, including daily tech table strike and reset.
  • As needed and in coordination with the Production Electrician, assist with physical tech notes such as hanging lights, circuiting, moving ladders or lifts, swapping color, troubleshooting fixtures and addressing moving light issues.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

Required Qualifications

  • Advanced experience programming ETC EOS-family consoles (preferably EOS Apex) in live theatre, opera, dance, concert, event, or comparable production environments.
  • Demonstrated experience programming automated, LED, and conventional lighting systems in complex cueing environments.
  • Strong knowledge of EOS programming workflows, including cueing, tracking, timing, palettes/presets, effects, macros, marking, magic sheets, show file organization, and troubleshooting.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with Lighting Designers, Assistant Lighting Designers, stage management, production teams, and artists to translate artistic direction into accurate, repeatable cues.
  • Experience working in fast-paced technical rehearsals and live production environments, managing competing priorities, frequent changes, and tight deadlines while maintaining attention to detail.
  • Working knowledge of lighting control systems, signal flow, and networking, including DMX, MIDI, SMPTE, sACN, and Art-Net.
  • Familiarity with automated lighting fixtures and controllers, including fixture profiles, modes, addressing, calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
  • Ability to read and interpret lighting plots, channel hookups, instrument schedules, Lightwright paperwork, and related production documentation.
  • Proficiency with industry-standard software and tools, including Lightwright, Vectorworks, Excel, ETC applications, and MLA or comparable moving-light documentation software.
  • Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, organizational, and time-management skills, with the ability to work independently, anticipate needs, and adapt to evolving production requirements.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills; ability to work effectively and respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
  • Commitment to maintaining safe working practices and following all union and production safety protocols.
  • Commitment to continuous learning and professional development as lighting technology and production practices evolve.
  • Ability to reliably commute to the worksite and work evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, and extended technical rehearsal schedules as required.
  • Commitment to the mission, values, and culture of La Jolla Playhouse.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience programming new musicals or large-scale theatrical productions.
  • Experience with advanced pixel mapping, media servers, robotic followspot systems, VOR, or similar technologies.
  • Experience training, mentoring, or supporting board operators during turnover from technical rehearsals to performances.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

  • This role is primarily performed at a lighting console and computer workstation and requires extended periods of sitting, standing, close visual work and repetitive keyboard/console use.
  • As needed, may assist with physical electrics notes, including lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, reaching, bending, climbing and moving equipment.
  • Occasionally works on ladders, lifts, catwalks, grids and other elevated work areas.
  • Frequently lifts or moves equipment up to 50 pounds with assistance.
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

  • Work takes place in a live theatrical production environment, including backstage areas, onstage, the lighting console area, catwalks, tension wire grid and other technical production spaces.
  • The environment may include low light, bright stage lighting, loud sound levels, haze/fog effects, moving equipment, confined backstage areas and periods of high activity during technical rehearsals and performances.
  • Work may require entering elevated work areas, including ladders, lifts, catwalks and the tension wire grid, in accordance with safety procedures and training.
  • The position requires flexibility, focus and calm communication in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with frequent changes and time-sensitive production needs.

ABOUT LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE

La Jolla Playhouse is a place where artists and audiences come together to create what’s new and next in the American theatre, from Tony Award-winning productions, to imaginative programs for young audiences, to interactive experiences outside our theatre walls. Founded in 1947 by Gregory Peck, Dorothy McGuire and Mel Ferrer, the Playhouse is currently led by Artistic Director Jessica Stone and Managing Director Debby Buchholz. The Playhouse is internationally renowned for the development of new plays and musicals, including mounting 120 world premieres, commissioning more than 70 new works, and sending 37 productions to Broadway, garnering a total of 42 Tony Awards, as well as the 1993 Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre.

We are committed to diversity in all areas of our work, on and off stage. We lead with our values and encourage individuals with unique perspectives to apply. EOE