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Freelance Lighting Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mills James Inc

Lighting Specialist

Hilliard, OH · On-site

... designs and equipment for safe and timely installation and operation at live events. The Lighting Specialist will serve as L1, L2, or Team Lead onsite, directing crews of staff, freelancers, and ...

Solomon Page

Freelance Store Designer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$44/hr

We are looking for a Freelance Visual Store Designer for a top fashion company in New York, New ... 3D modeling, lighting, texturing and rendering skills. * Advanced skills with the following ...

SYPartners

Freelance Studio Designer

New York, NY · On-site

... editing and playback, lighting, digital voting/polling systems, and live meeting support ... Partner closely with Program Managers and designers to plan schedules, logistics, and contingency ...

SYPartners

Freelance Studio Designer

New York, NY

... editing and playback, lighting, digital voting/polling systems, and live meeting support ... Partner closely with Program Managers and designers to plan schedules, logistics, and contingency ...

Raymour & Flanigan

Freelance Studio Photographer

Liverpool, NY · On-site

$60.25 - $68.25/hr

... lighting, composition, and camera work to deliver consistent, production-ready imagery. The ideal ... This freelance opportunity is designed to support ongoing collaboration and provides the potential ...

Framestore

Freelance: Nuke - Los Angeles

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$600 - $900/day

If you are a freelancer who would be interested in being kept on our books for future freelancing ... A strong eye for detail, composition, color and lighting * The ability to multitask, prioritize and ...

Framestore

Freelance: Nuke - New York

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$600 - $900/day

If you are a freelancer who would be interested in being kept on our books for future freelancing ... A strong eye for detail, composition, color and lighting * The ability to multitask, prioritize and ...

Weissman

Freelance Production Artist

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

Beyond the set, the Production Artist may support the Creative Team by executing designs and ... updates to textures, lighting, and color corrections as needed * Collaborate closely with ...

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Freelance Lighting Designer information

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How much do freelance lighting designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance lighting designer in the United States is $47.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $61.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a freelance lighting designer do?

A freelance lighting designer is a professional who creates lighting plans for various events, performances, or spaces, working independently rather than as a full-time employee. Their responsibilities often include collaborating with clients, directors, or architects to design lighting that enhances mood, visibility, and aesthetics. They may work on theater productions, concerts, architectural projects, or corporate events, handling both creative and technical aspects. Freelancers manage their schedules, contracts, and equipment needs, often juggling multiple projects at once. Their role requires technical knowledge, artistic vision, and strong communication skills to bring a client's vision to life.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Lighting Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Lighting Designer, you need a solid background in lighting design principles, knowledge of electrical systems, and often a relevant degree or portfolio of work. Familiarity with industry-standard lighting design software (such as Vectorworks or AutoCAD), lighting consoles, and certifications like ETCP are typically required. Creativity, problem-solving, and strong communication skills help set you apart when collaborating with clients and production teams. These skills are critical for creating impactful lighting designs that meet client needs while ensuring safety and technical excellence.

What are some common challenges freelance lighting designers face when working on multiple projects simultaneously?

Freelance lighting designers often juggle several projects at once, which can make time management and organization challenging. Coordinating with different directors, production teams, and venues requires excellent communication skills and flexibility, as each project may have unique artistic visions and logistical constraints. Additionally, freelancers must stay updated on evolving technology and industry standards, while also handling administrative tasks like invoicing and client acquisition. Establishing clear workflows and utilizing project management tools can help mitigate these challenges and ensure successful project delivery.

What is the difference between Freelance Lighting Designer vs Lighting Technician?

AspectFreelance Lighting DesignerLighting Technician
CredentialsLighting design certifications, portfolioTechnical training, certifications in lighting equipment
Work EnvironmentCreative projects, client meetings, on-site designInstallation, operation, maintenance of lighting equipment
Employer & IndustryFreelance, event production, theater, filmProduction companies, theaters, live events

While both roles involve lighting, a Freelance Lighting Designer focuses on creating lighting concepts and designs for various projects, working directly with clients. A Lighting Technician handles the technical setup, installation, and operation of lighting equipment based on the designer’s plans. The designer emphasizes creativity and planning, whereas the technician emphasizes technical execution and maintenance.

More about Freelance Lighting Designer jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Lighting Designer jobs? Cities with the most Freelance 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 Freelance Lighting Designer jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Lighting Designer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Lighting Designer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Lighting Designer jobs are:
Freelance Lighting Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Lighting Designer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,230 per year, or $47.7 per hour.

Lighting Specialist

Mills James Inc

Hilliard, OH • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Mills James rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 75 rated media

Job description

About the Role

Mills James has an immediate opportunity for an experienced Lighting Specialist to join our production team. This hands-on role involves preparing lighting designs and equipment for safe and timely installation and operation at live events. The Lighting Specialist will serve as L1, L2, or Team Lead onsite, directing crews of staff, freelancers, and vendors to implement creative visions with precision.

You will maintain and prepare lighting equipment, collaborate with production leaders, and bring a true passion for the lighting design world to every project.

Key Responsibilities
  • Attend preconference meetings with Production Manager or Producer.
  • Assist Resource Coordinator in resolving conflicts with lighting resources and recommend rental solutions when needed.
  • Support Warehouse Manager with equipment logistics (pulling, scanning, loading/unloading, and checkin).
  • Direct the lighting portion of live events, including: oPlacement of lighting specials for key moments.
  • Cueing lighting effects. oDirecting follow spot operators.
  • Collaborate with the Video Specialist to balance stage lighting for live and remote audiences.
  • Supervise riggers and stagehands during equipment installation.
  • Provide documentation for installation, patching, focus, programming, and operation of lighting equipment.
  • Organize, manage, and maintain lighting equipment and technology.
  • Assist in developing live lighting solutions to meet client needs.
  • Manage inventories of expendables and replacement parts.
  • Evaluate freelancers for lightingrelated functions.
    • Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience (minimum 4 years related experience).
  • Proficiency in live lighting technologies, including: oLighting system and rigging design.
  • Conventional and moving light fixtures. oDimming systems.
  • Gobo creation/selection. oLighting color theory.
  • Analog and digital console programming. oFollow spot operation.
  • Advanced troubleshooting and problemsolving skills.
  • Ability to learn and use Mills James Media Pulse facilities management software.
  • Valid driver’s license and medical card required (CDL may be required).
  • Ability to obtain a U.S. Passport.
  • Willingness to travel up to 60% and work flexible hours.
    • BenefitsMills James offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance.
  • 401(k) and Roth 401(k) plans with company match.
  • Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays.
  • Opportunities for career growth and professional development.
    • Equal Opportunity Employer

    Mills James, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

    Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.

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