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Freelance Lighting Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 · 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 ...

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 ...

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 - 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 ...

Game Seven

Freelance Technical Producer

New York, NY

$10K - $12K/mo

This is a hands-on role for someone who is comfortable both designing systems and being on-site ... Develop technical plans for AV, lighting, LED, projection, scenic integration, and interactive ...

Game Seven

Freelance Technical Producer

New York, NY

$105K - $123K/yr

Our team is comprised of creatives, strategists, producers, designers, project managers, influencer ... Develop technical plans for AV, lighting, LED, projection, scenic integration, and interactive ...

Game Seven

Freelance Technical Producer

New York, NY · On-site

$105K - $123K/yr

Our team is comprised of creatives, strategists, producers, designers, project managers, influencer ... Develop technical plans for AV, lighting, LED, projection, scenic integration, and interactive ...

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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 Jul 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 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.

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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 89% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,230 per year, or $47.7 per hour.
Freelance Studio Designer

Freelance Studio Designer

SYPartners

New York, NY • On-site

Full-time

Posted yesterday

Job description

About SYPartners
SYPartners is a consulting firm that focuses on transformation. Using the tools of strategy and design, we work alongside CEOs, leaders, and their executive teams to design a better future for their organizations-particularly in times of great change. The animating idea that drives us is our belief that organizations designed for both humanity and performance create unprecedented impact. We partner with leaders in organizations that have the courage and rigor to pursue both as equally essential and mutually reinforcing. And we seek to design our own organization in alignment with this idea, as well.
SYPartners was founded in 1994. The company is headquartered in New York City with locations in San Francisco, and Abu Dhabi, and is a founding member of kyu, a collective of best-in-class creative firms.
SYPartners is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The Role
The Studio is a small but mighty team of expert craftspeople and makers. As an Onsite & Events Production Specialist, you will be hands-on with both physical production and live event execution. You will work in our New York City office and travel to client sites as needed to deliver exceptional in-person experiences, print production, and technical event support.
Candidate Profile
  • You are obsessively devoted to detail, precision, and quality of craft - you sweat the small stuff.
  • You're a creative problem-solver who can quickly adapt to onsite challenges and find practical solutions under pressure.
  • Planning, execution, and logistics are your strength - you bring order to complex events and productions.
  • You are able to develop and build and sustain collaborative relationships with vendors SYP works with on larger productions
  • You are an expert in production who contributes strategically and elevates the final result.
  • You thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and build strong relationships with both internal teams and clients.
  • You are "good with your hands," willing and able to do the manual tasks and stagecraft necessary to create an immersive experience.
  • You give the team and clients confidence through flawless execution and attention to every detail.
  • You are comfortable generating AI prompts to maximize your job efficiency, but are willing and able to abide by SYP's evolving policies regarding the use of AI, especially as relates to our clients' demands.
The Work You'll Do
  • Execute print and physical production: printing (small + large format), trimming, bookbinding, mounting, prototyping, laser cutting, 3D printing, and environmental builds.
  • Scrub, prep, and finalize files for both print and on-screen presentations.
  • Support full event execution: location assessment, set-up, technical production, and break-down for client experiences (both at SYP's Manhattan office as well as off-site).
  • Manage AV and technical elements onsite: running slideshows, audio/video editing and playback, lighting, digital voting/polling systems, and live meeting support.
  • Coordinate with vendors for printing and fabrication as needed.
  • Partner closely with Program Managers and designers to plan schedules, logistics, and contingency plans.
  • Deliver high-quality physical and digital assets that support immersive client experiences.
  • Photo-document events before (such as at a site visit), during (audience shots), and after (meeting artifacts and outcomes).
  • Own server and cloud storage organization, ensuring all files are accurately stored.
  • Maintain the SYP Studio, keeping it pristine and orderly, procuring and organizing machine supplies such as paper, ink, etc., and making sure all studio equipment and machines are calibrated and running properly (and working with the larger Studio team to contact the appropriate repair technicians if not).
Qualifications
  • 2+ years of relevant experience at an agency, in-house, or as a freelancer.
  • Must be based in or near New York City and able to work regularly at SYP's office + travel to client sites/events.
  • Strong hands-on production skills: cutting, mounting, installation, prototyping, and use of maker tools (3D printers, laser cutters, etc.).
  • Fluency in Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, Google Docs, and PowerPoint.
  • Technical AV knowledge and experience running live events, digital meetings, and voting systems is highly desired.
  • Ability to work in 2D & 3D environments.
  • Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills under tight deadlines.
  • Comfortable working in a physical studio environment and on your feet during event setup days.
  • This is a freelance position requiring regular on site presence in the NYC Manhattan office with additional travel to events as needed. Ideal for someone looking for a mix of studio production days and exciting onsite event work.
SYPartners Commitment to Diversity
At SYPartners, we are committed to the work of advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in our own organization and for the leaders and clients we partner with. Our vision of the future-one in which organizations are designed to create conditions for human flourishing-demands that we continually work to become a more diverse and inclusive organization ourselves.
We are committed to working with and designing for people of every race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, socio-economic status, physical ability or attribute, religion, national origin, or political belief. We recognize this commitment requires continual learning, reflection, and imagination.

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