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Film Lighting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Lighting Artist

Boston, MA · Hybrid

$118K - $185K/yr

Experience in practical lighting for film. Candidates should include a portfolio or website with examples of their work. Applications without a portfolio will not be considered. Additional ...

Experience in practical lighting for film. Candidates should include a portfolio or website with examples of their work. Applications without a portfolio will not be considered. Additional ...

Senior Lighting Artist

Boston, MA · On-site

$118K - $185K/yr

Experience in practical lighting for film. Candidates should include a portfolio or website with examples of their work. Applications without a portfolio will not be considered. Additional ...

Crew Member (evergreen)

Kent, WA · On-site

$26 - $55/hr

Background in theatrical lighting, live music, or film production. Why Join Us? * Ongoing, part-time opportunities with a company that values skill and creativity. * Work on high-profile events and ...

Adjunct Faculty, Film & Media Arts Special Note: This is a part-time (adjunct) faculty position ... lighting, sound recording, supervising or executing associated motion graphics, and delivery ...

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Film Lighting information

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How much do film lighting jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for film lighting in the United States is $21.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Film Lighting job?

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 the Film Lighting position, and why are they important?

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.

More about Film Lighting jobs
What cities are hiring for Film Lighting jobs? Cities with the most Film Lighting job openings:
What states have the most Film Lighting jobs? States with the most job openings for Film Lighting jobs include:
Infographic showing various Film Lighting job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 74% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,268 per year, or $21.3 per hour.
Lecturer of Film/Video Production

Lecturer of Film/Video Production

University of Colorado

Denver, CO • On-site

$5.3K/mo

Part-time

Posted 16 days ago


University Of Colorado Boulder rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

120th of 560 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Details
University of Colorado | Denver
Faculty Level/Title: Lecturer
Working Title: Lecturer of Film/Video Production
FTE: .225 per 3 credit course
Salary Range: $5,371.19 per 3 credit course
Position #00668780 - Requisition #40418

About the University of Colorado - Denver 
Millions of moments start at CU Denver, a place where innovation, research, and learning meet in the heart of a global city. We're the state's premier public urban research university with more than 100 in-demand, top-ranked bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs. We partner with diverse learners-at any stage of their life and career-for transformative educational experiences. Across seven schools and colleges, our leading faculty inspires and works alongside students to solve complex challenges and produce impactful creative work. As part of the state's largest university system, CU Denver is a major contributor to the Colorado economy, with 2,000 employees and an annual economic impact of $800 million. To learn more about how CU Denver helps learners meet their moment, visit ucdenver.edu.

Job Description
* Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers *
At the College of Arts & Media (CAM), we empower a diverse community of makers, scholars, and innovators to thrive in the rapidly evolving creative industries. Through a dynamic blend of critical inquiry, creative exploration, and real-world engagement, CAM prepares students for lives filled with opportunity, meaning, and purpose. Rooted in community and driven by a spirit of intellectual and artistic freedom, CAM embraces risk-takers, visionaries, and cultural disruptors by providing access to cutting-edge technology, global perspectives, and a nurturing environment where bold ideas flourish. CAM offers top-ranked degrees and programs in Film & Television, Media Forensics, Music & Entertainment, and Visual Arts.
The Film & Television department within the College of Arts & Media invites dynamic educators and creative professionals to apply to join our collaborative faculty team as a part-time Lecturer specializing in Film/Video Production. This is an opportunity to inspire and empower tomorrow's filmmakers in the heart of Denver, working alongside innovative peers in a thriving urban arts scene.

Why join CU Denver CAM? 
    Be part of a forward-looking, supportive faculty committed to excellence and innovation.
    Enjoy a culture that values your unique artistic and academic contributions.
    Teach within a nationally recognized program.
    Shape a vibrant program positioned at the crossroads of professional opportunity and creative     experimentation, in a city alive with storytelling and artistic energy.

The Film & Television program offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Film and Television. This BFA emphasis provides intensive, practical training that requires successful completion of numerous film/TV projects, ranging from fiction to documentary. The emphasis is designed for students to progress through the semesters as a cohort. Undergraduates will work on their own projects and assist with numerous group projects. Students graduate with both a theoretical and historical perspective, as well as hands-on experience in film and television production. This program prepares students to begin their careers at entry-level positions in the film or television industry, start their personal creative journey, or continue their studies in a graduate program. We believe in the power of transformative education, hands-on learning, and creative exploration. Our BFA program cultivates storytellers with a strong technical foundation and artistic vision, preparing graduates for immediate impact in the film, television, and media industries.

    Accolades: For the fourth consecutive year, CU Denver's Film & Television program has been named to MovieMaker Magazine's Top 30 Best Film Schools list. We are recognized for our hands-on, cohort-based curriculum, affordability, and strong industry connections.
    Career Pathways & Networking: Graduates are successful across multiple areas, including opportunities in Hollywood, independent film, commercial film, and post-production studios. 
    Hands-on from Day One: The curriculum is sequence-based, allowing students to build on skillsets developed throughout their college career.
    Students building a High-Volume Portfolio: The curriculum is known for its rigor, as students often complete 20 films/exercises on their portfolios by graduation. This indicates a highly engaged and active student body.
    Access to Professional Gear: The program's "film cage" provides students with access to industry-standard, professional-grade cameras, sound, lighting, and grip equipment. 
    Only BFA Production Program in the Region: CU Denver is the only school in the region offering a BFA in production.
    Collaborative Cohort Culture: The program is built on a cohort-style curriculum in which students build strong bonds by working on each other's film sets, emphasizing collegiality and team-based teaching and learning.
    Integrated Acting Emphasis: The new Acting for the Screen BFA emphasis is fully integrated with the filmmaking students. This intentional structure means acting in student films is a part of their training, fostering essential on-set collaboration between filmmakers and actors.

We seek individuals with a passion for teaching and the ability to mentor and inspire students in a dynamic learning environment. If you're ready to inspire the next generation of media makers and enrich an inclusive academic community, we want to hear from you!
Lecturer appointments are at-will and teaching assignments are determined on a semester by semester basis. Teaching assignments may fluctuate and are contingent upon the schedule of courses offered each term.

Lecturer of Film/Video Production
What you will do: 100% Teaching
As a Lecturer, your primary focus will be on inspiring and training the next cohort of filmmakers with practical, hands-on experience.
You'll guide students through real-world projects, helping them develop essential technical and artistic skills. You'll teach Lighting, Grip and Sound, Cinematography, Producing, and/or Editing courses, mentor aspiring professionals, and contribute to shaping a program known for its collegiality, creative innovation, and commitment to student growth.
Teaching 100%
    Teaching Load: You will teach one or two classes per semester (3-6 credit hours)
    Instruction: Your focus will include Lighting, Grip and Sound, Cinematography, Producing, and/or Editing courses.

Qualifications you already possess (Minimum Qualifications)
Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.
    Degree/Experience: MFA; a BA with professional industry experience may be substituted for an MFA.
     Technical Expertise: Proficient in Adobe Premiere. Proficient in Protools or Adobe Audition. Expertise with state of the art camera and lighting equipment. 
    Teaching: 2 years of experience teaching at the high school or college level.
Preferred Qualification to possess (Preferred Qualifications)
    Degree/Experience: MFA
    Technical Expertise: Adobe Audition. Experience in post-production techniques.
    Teaching: Experience teaching at the college level.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge
    Extensive knowledge and experience in Lighting, Grip and Sound, Cinematography, Producing, and/or Editing.
Skills
    Observable Activities:
o    Ability to mentor and inspire students in a dynamic learning environment.
o    Ability to contribute to a collaborative faculty culture.
o    The capacity to help shape the future of a growing program.
Abilities
    Recurring Patterns:
o    Striving (The 'Why'): A passion for teaching and a desire to mentor and inspire students.
o    Thinking (The 'How'): The ability to weigh alternatives and apply creative and technical expertise to a teaching role.
o    Relating (The 'Who'): The capacity to work effectively with colleagues and students in a collaborative environment.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
The University will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at workplaceengagement@ucdenver.edu .

Compensation and Benefits
The salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established at $5,371.19 per 3 credit course.   
The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty, and training.
The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
This position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
This position is not eligible for benefits.

Application Deadline
    Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, and interviews begin. Preference will be given to complete applications received by July 22, 2026. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.

Required Application Materials:
To apply, please visit: http://www.cu.edu/cu-careers and attach:
    A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position. 
    Curriculum vitae / Resume outlining experience(s).

Questions should be directed to David Liban, david.liban@ucdenver.edu

Background Check Policy
The University of Colorado Denver strives to maintain a safe and productive educational, clinical, research and employment environment. All prospective employees and current employees must, therefore, consent to and pass background checks prior to any final appointment/employment.


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