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Film Lighting Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

As the Film & Video Intern for Hasana, Inc. you will have a variety of responsibilities throughout ... Arrange optimal lighting and camera setup for video shoots. * Assist in scheduling tapings and ...

Senior Level Artist

Novato, CA

$149K - $178K/yr

An interest in relevant adjacent disciplines such as architecture, urban design, interior design, photography, film, lighting, and drawing is beneficial. Who You Are: * A reliable, positive force ...

Senior Level Artist

Novato, CA · On-site

$149K - $178K/yr

An interest in relevant adjacent disciplines such as architecture, urban design, interior design, photography, film, lighting, and drawing is beneficial. Who You Are: * A reliable, positive force ...

Senior Level Artist

Novato, CA · On-site

$149K - $178K/yr

An interest in relevant adjacent disciplines such as architecture, urban design, interior design, photography, film, lighting, and drawing is beneficial. Who You Are: * A reliable, positive force ...

Senior Level Artist

Novato, CA · On-site

$149K - $178K/yr

An interest in relevant adjacent disciplines such as architecture, urban design, interior design, photography, film, lighting, and drawing is beneficial. Who You Are: * A reliable, positive force ...

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Film Lighting information

See California salary details

$12

$21

$31

How much do film lighting jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for film lighting in California is $21.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $24.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is film lighting?

A Film Lighting job involves designing, setting up, and controlling the lighting on a film set to achieve the desired mood, visibility, and cinematic effect. Lighting technicians and gaffers work closely with the director of photography to enhance the storytelling through proper illumination. Responsibilities include positioning lights, managing power distribution, and adjusting intensity or color. Proper lighting enhances the atmosphere and ensures high-quality visuals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in film lighting?

Excelling in Film Lighting requires a solid understanding of lighting principles, color theory, electrical safety, and experience with different lighting equipment, often gained through formal training or hands-on work in film production. Familiarity with tools such as DMX lighting control systems, LED panels, Fresnels, and grip equipment, as well as OSHA safety certifications, is highly valued. Strong teamwork, adaptability, problem-solving, and clear communication help lighting professionals coordinate with directors, cinematographers, and other crew members. Mastery of both technical and soft skills ensures that lighting enhances the artistic vision safely and efficiently on set.

What kinds of career growth opportunities are available for professionals in film lighting?

Film lighting roles offer a clear path for career advancement, often starting as a lighting technician or electrician and progressing to roles like best boy, gaffer, or even director of photography with experience and demonstrated skill. Professionals can expand their expertise by learning new technologies, specializing in certain types of lighting (such as LED or specialty effects), or taking on supervisory responsibilities. Many find that building a strong reputation and network within the film industry leads to opportunities on larger productions and in leadership roles. Collaborating closely with cinematographers, directors, and other departments can also open doors to creative responsibilities and higher-level positions.

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Film Lighting jobs?

Cities in California with the most Film Lighting job openings:

Infographic showing various Film Lighting job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Internship, 55% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 6% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,688 per year, or $21 per hour.

Performing Arts Technician

Los Angeles Community College District

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$6.2K - $7.7K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Coordinate and perform technical work related to theater, concert hall, or TV and film stage maintenance, including carpentry, rigging, building, and load-in schedules.

  • Operate and maintain equipment such as sound and lighting systems, and assist instructors in conducting technical production classes.

  • Assist in constructing stage sets, props, and special effects, and oversee the use of tools and equipment used in theater, TV, film, and broadcast productions.


Los Angeles Community College District rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

60th of 631 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Introduction
Important: Please note that the current vacancy at Los Angeles City College is for a position overseeing the theater scene shop, with responsibility over carpentry, rigging, building, coordinating load-in schedules, and other related technical duties.
Definition
Coordinates and performs technical work required in the maintenance of a theater, concert hall, or TV and film stage and production areas and assists instructors in conducting technical production classes for theater, TV, film, and broadcast productions/operations or music and dance concerts.
Typical Duties
Coordinates and performs technical work involving construction of stage sets, props, special effects, sound amplification and the creation and playback of sound cues, hanging lighting equipment, and/or a variety of other technical aspects related to theater, TV, film, and broadcast productions/operations or music and dance concerts.
Operates and maintains equipment such as sound and lighting equipment and software, computer equipment, power tools, painting equipment and other equipment used in theater, TV, film, and broadcast productions/operations or music and dance concerts.
Instructs students individually in the proper methods of theater or TV and film lighting, rigging, sound amplification and cues, set construction, stage management, and painting of stage scenery, props, and backdrops.
Monitors and provides training to students in the use of tools and equipment used in theater or TV and film productions/operations or music and dance concerts.
Assists in making estimates of stage-setting and performance costs, stage-setting time needed, and lighting and scenery required.
Maintains inventory records of supplies and generates orders for materials and equipment.
Issues supplies, materials, and tools to students.
Ensures proper maintenance and safety of scene shop, stage, equipment storage, and audience areas.
May direct stage crews during rehearsals and performances.
May plan work schedules for rehearsals and performances.
Performs related duties as assigned.
Distinguishing Characteristics
A Performing Arts Technician coordinates and performs technical work required in the maintenance of a theater, concert hall, or TV and film stage and production areas; assists instructors in conducting technical production classes for theater, TV, film, and broadcast performances or music or dance concerts.
Supervision
General supervision is received from an academic or classified supervisor. Provides work direction in the construction and use of stage equipment to student employees.
Class Qualifications
Knowledge of:
Technical direction, set design and construction, prop design and construction, lighting, projections, sound, rigging, scenic painting, and special effects related to theater, TV, film and broadcast productions/operations or music and dance concerts
Principles and methods of stage and prop management
Proper use and care of power and hand tools used in stagecraft
Color harmony and set-building materials
Stage set design, floor plans, elevations, and construction
Operation and maintenance of contemporary sound consoles, speakers, amplifiers, and related
Operation and maintenance of contemporary lighting consoles and related equipment
Operation and maintenance of contemporary projection equipment and related equipment
Pertinent fire regulations and other safety codes and procedures
Acoustics and sound control
Inventory methods and practices
Capabilities and features of computer systems, software and hardware used in the assigned area
Ability to:
Construct, erect, and place various types of stage scenery, backdrops, and props for theater, TV, film and broadcast productions/operations or music and dance concerts
Organize scene shop and coordinate all aspects of construction
Generate theatrical blueprints for stagecraft assignments
Follow layouts and plans for set design and construction
Hang and focus lights according to a lighting plot
Rig standard theatrical elements used in stage productions/operations
Mix and apply scenic paints
Use tools and equipment common to assigned area
Program lighting consoles
Work with contemporary lighting instruments
Generate an audio design in a digital format
Operate contemporary projection equipment
Train and provide work direction to others in activities related to theater, TV, film and broadcast productions/operations or music and dance concerts
Secure and store supplies
Keep detailed and precise records
Give clear and concise instructions
Work effectively and cooperatively with a diverse pool of instructors, staff, students, and the public
Deal effectively with proper authorities concerning fire and safety regulations
Effectively utilize computer hardware and software in the performance of duties
Learn general and specialized software applications
Entrance Qualifications
Education and Experience:
A. An associate degree or its equivalent from a recognized college or university with a major in theater arts, cinema or television, music, or a related field AND two years of recent, full-time, paid stagecraft or film/TV set experience in two or more of the following areas: prop design, prop construction, set design, set construction, painting, rigging, lighting, sound, and operation and use of stage equipment.
OR
B. Graduation from high school or its equivalent AND four years of recent, full-time, paid stagecraft or film/TV set experience in two or more of the following areas: prop design, prop construction, set design, set construction, painting, rigging, lighting, sound, and operation and use of stage equipment.
Benefits
  • Medical and dental insurance and vision care plans are provided for employees and their dependents.
  • A $50,000 life insurance policy is provided free of charge for each employee.
  • New employees receive 12 full-pay days and 88 half-pay days of illness leave.
  • 19 paid holidays per year.
  • Vacation days accrue annually beginning at 10 days and increasing incrementally to 24 days depending on years of service with the District. Vacation days for management and confidential positions begin at 15, 20, or 24 days.
  • Other paid time off includes: bereavement leave, personal necessity leave, court subpoena, and jury duty.
  • Employees become members of the Public Employees Retirement System. Employees are also covered by Social Security.
  • Employee Assistance Program

Selection Process
The examination process may consist of one or more parts which may include a training and experience evaluation, written test, performance test and/or oral interview.
Reasonable Accommodations
Our class specification generally describes the duties, responsibilities, and requirements characteristic of the position(s) within this job class. The duties, responsibilities, and requirements of a particular position within this class may vary from the duties of other positions within the class.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Los Angeles Community College District provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with covered disabilities on a case-by-case basis throughout the application, examination, and hiring processes and throughout employment. If an individual is in doubt about their ability to perform the duties and responsibilities of a position or possession of any other requirement noted in a class specification or job announcement, they should always apply for a position and request reasonable accommodation at the appropriate time.

What Los Angeles Community College District employees say

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