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Freelance Lighting Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SYPartners

Freelance Studio Designer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

As a Freelance Studio Designer, you will be hands-on with both physical production and live event ... editing and playback, lighting, digital voting/polling systems, and live meeting support.

Solomon Page

Freelance Store Designer

Columbus, OH · On-site

$51/hr

Generate design concepts for store architecture, fixtures, lighting, layouts, and customer ... freelancers - which sets us apart in the industries we serve. About Solomon Page Founded in 1990 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Freelance Lighting Designer information

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$14

$47

$132

How much do freelance lighting designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 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 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 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 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:

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For Freelance Lighting Designer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Freelance Lighting Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Lighting Designer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 36% Part Time, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 73% In-person, 18% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,230 per year, or $47.7 per hour.

Freelance Residential Designer - Kitchen, Bath & Whole Home

Georgetown, TX • On-site

Design and Build Company/Flooring
See more jobs at Design and Build Company/Flooringexternal

Other

Posted 12 days ago

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Job description

Position Type: Freelance / Contract – Project-by-Project
Compensation: Competitive hourly rate based on experience
Schedule: Flexible; workload and hours vary by project
Location: Greater Austin / Central Texas Area


Confidential Search

An established residential design-build company is conducting a confidential search for an experienced Residential Designer to join our team on a freelance, project-by-project basis.


We are looking for someone with strong experience in kitchen and bathroom design, whole-home remodeling, additions, and residential interiors.


This is not a traditional 40-hour-per-week position. Work will be assigned as projects require, with hours varying depending on the size and stage of each project. Our goal is to establish a long-term relationship with a talented designer who can become a trusted extension of our team.


The Person We’re Looking For

Design talent is important, but we are looking for more than someone who can simply put together a beautiful space.

The ideal candidate is excellent with clients, confident presenting ideas, comfortable discussing budgets, and has strong sales instincts. You should be able to help homeowners navigate decisions while balancing design, budget, and the practical realities of construction.

You should also be comfortable collaborating with architects, engineers, project managers, contractors, vendors, and other members of a residential construction team.


Responsibilities

  • Meet with homeowners to understand their goals, style, priorities, and budget
  • Develop design concepts for kitchens, bathrooms, additions, and whole-home renovations
  • Create space plans, layouts, and design presentations
  • Guide clients through cabinetry, countertops, flooring, tile, plumbing fixtures, lighting, hardware, paint, and finish selections
  • Present design concepts confidently and professionally
  • Help clients make decisions and keep the design process moving forward
  • Keep selections and design decisions aligned with project budgets
  • Collaborate with architects and engineers during the design and planning process
  • Coordinate design details with project managers and construction personnel
  • Review architectural plans and provide design input
  • Maintain organized documentation of selections and design decisions
  • Assist in creating an exceptional client experience from initial design through construction


Qualifications

We are particularly interested in candidates with:

  • Professional residential interior design experience
  • Strong kitchen and bathroom design experience
  • Whole-home remodeling and/or residential addition experience
  • Experience working directly with homeowners
  • Experience collaborating with architects and construction professionals
  • Strong knowledge of cabinetry, countertops, tile, flooring, plumbing fixtures, lighting, and residential finishes
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills
  • Strong organizational and follow-through skills
  • Confidence discussing budgets and helping clients make decisions
  • Strong interpersonal and sales skills

· Proficiency with professional design and drafting software such as 2020 Design, Chief Architect, AutoCAD, or comparable industry-standard software. Ability to produce professional floor plans, elevations, space plans, and design drawings suitable for client presentations and coordination with architects and construction teams


Previous experience with a design-build firm, residential remodeling company, architectural firm, kitchen and bath company, or custom home builder is highly desirable.

Freelance / Project-Based Structure


This is a freelance contract opportunity, with work assigned on a project-by-project basis.

Hours will vary depending on our project load and where individual projects are in the design process. Some weeks may require limited involvement, while active projects may require significantly more time.

Although the schedule offers flexibility, candidates must be available for in-person client meetings and project collaboration in the Greater Austin area when required.


We are looking for someone interested in developing an ongoing professional relationship with our company rather than completing a single project.


Compensation

Compensation will be an hourly rate based on experience, capabilities, and level of responsibility.

Please include your desired hourly rate or hourly-rate range when applying.


How to Apply

Because this is a confidential search, additional information about the company will be provided to qualified candidates as the interview process progresses.

Please submit:

  • Resume
  • Portfolio or examples of residential design work
  • Design software proficiency
  • General freelance availability
  • Desired hourly rate
  • Brief description of your experience with kitchens, bathrooms, whole-home remodeling, client presentations, and working with architects or construction teams

All applications and conversations regarding this position will be handled confidentially.