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Freelance Lighting Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Master Electrician

Torrance, CA · On-site

$660 - $700/day

Coordinate with the local Lighting Designer to ensure their power requirements are met and ... We partner with elite, safety‑first freelancers to execute high‑profile experiential builds ...

You'll work alongside our 3D Motion Designer, owning the day-to-day 3D assets that power our paid ... A portfolio demonstrating modeling, texturing, lighting, and rendering. Personal, freelance, and ...

You'll work alongside our 3D Motion Designer, owning the day-to-day 3D assets that power our paid ... A portfolio demonstrating modeling, texturing, lighting, and rendering. Personal, freelance, and ...

You'll work alongside our 3D Motion Designer, owning the day-to-day 3D assets that power our paid ... A portfolio demonstrating modeling, texturing, lighting, and rendering. Personal, freelance, and ...

Web Designer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$47.50 - $55/hr

This is flexible, project-based work -- a great fit for a freelancer or someone with an existing ... Your own camera and studio setup (lighting, backdrops) -- you'll pick up product samples from the ...

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 ...

Select appropriate materials, finishes, lighting, graphics, and construction methods. * Balance ... Coordinate freelance designers when assigned. Cross-Functional Collaboration * Participate in ...

Select appropriate materials, finishes, lighting, graphics, and construction methods. * Balance ... Coordinate freelance designers when assigned. Cross-Functional Collaboration * Participate in ...

... freelancers, and student assistants. Key Responsibilities * Plan and produce multimedia projects ... lighting, and computer graphics applications such as Adobe Creative Suite and Final Cut Pro

... lighting to achieve desired effects * Test equipment prior to use to ensure that it is in good ... Beautifully designed studios * Employee appreciation events throughout the year * Dynamic training ...

... lighting to achieve desired effects * Test equipment prior to use to ensure that it is in good ... Beautifully designed studios * Employee appreciation events throughout the year * Dynamic training ...

... lighting to achieve desired effects * Test equipment prior to use to ensure that it is in good ... Beautifully designed studios * Employee appreciation events throughout the year * Dynamic training ...

... lighting to achieve desired effects * Test equipment prior to use to ensure that it is in good ... Beautifully designed studios * Employee appreciation events throughout the year * Dynamic training ...

... lighting to achieve desired effects * Test equipment prior to use to ensure that it is in good ... Beautifully designed studios * Employee appreciation events throughout the year * Dynamic training ...

... lighting to achieve desired effects * Test equipment prior to use to ensure that it is in good ... Beautifully designed studios * Employee appreciation events throughout the year * Dynamic training ...

... lighting to achieve desired effects * Test equipment prior to use to ensure that it is in good ... Beautifully designed studios * Employee appreciation events throughout the year * Dynamic training ...

Showing results 21-40

Freelance Lighting Designer information

See salary details

$14

$47

$132

How much do freelance lighting designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 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:

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Lighting Designer jobs?

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

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 Real-Time Vizrt Designer

Secaucus, NJ • On-site

MLB Network
Spectator Sports • 201 - 500 employees

$37/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 2 days ago


MLB Network rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

We are seeking a versatile, highly skilled, and leadership-oriented Freelance Real-Time Vizrt Graphics Designer with significant experience in media to join our team. This role combines creativity and technical precision while working with Vizrt and Unreal Engine. You will be responsible for the end-to-end creation of high-fidelity visual assets and their implementation into real-time environments. The ideal candidate possesses an eye for visual storytelling and the technical depth to optimize complex scenes for live production.

Responsibilities:

  • Vizrt and Unreal Engine Integration: Build real-time scenes in Vizrt Artist. Ensure all assets are correctly imported, rigged, and optimized within the engine, and prescribed architecture is followed.
  • Collaborate with producers and broadcast teams to create real environments and work with data driven templates.
  • Template scenes for Content Pilot playout and for Viz Trio.
  • Troubleshooting of software templates for in game and real time graphics and streaming broadcasts.
  • Real-Time Visual Fidelity: Create immersive environments with high-fidelity models, custom PBR shading, and dynamic lighting solutions, ensuring a balance between high-end visual impact and strict performance efficiency within the Vizrt and Unreal Engine ecosystems.
  • Blueprinting & Scripting: Build interactive logic and procedural systems using Vizrt scripts and Unreal Engine Blueprints to support live data integration and real-time graphics triggers.
  • Optimization & Profiling: Conduct rigorous performance profiling to ensure consistent frame rates (60fps+) for live broadcast and large-scale video wall playback.
  • Pipeline Development: Establish and maintain robust workflows between DCC tools (Maya/C4D/Blender) and real-time engines to streamline production.
  • R&D: Stay at the forefront of real-time technology, exploring new features (Lumen, Nanite, PCG) to enhance our production capabilities.

Qualifications and Skills:

  • 4+ years of experience in 3D and real-time production, with at least 2 years focused on the sports and entertainment markets.
  • Proficiency with Real-Time tools: Vizrt, Viz Trio, Viz Director, Unreal Engine.
  • Basic scripting knowledge within the Vizrt ecosystem (VB Script, HTML5, JavaScript, TypeScript).
  • Experience with DCC tools: Photoshop, After Effects, Maya, 3Ds Max, Cinema 4D, related design tools.
  • Experience with texturing: Substance Painter/Designer and Adobe Creative Suite.
  • Deep understanding of real-time rendering pipelines and GPU optimization.
  • A strong portfolio demonstrating a mastery of real-time graphics skills, including self-serve graphics, interactivity, and hyper photorealistic compositions.
  • Exceptional ability to troubleshoot technical hurdles under the pressure of live production timelines.
  • Familiarity with external data providers (SportRadar, Oasis, SMT, MLB Stats API, etc.) a plus.
  • Experience with other real-time broadcast tools (e.g., Ross Xpression, Pixotope, or Zero Density) a plus.
  • Understanding large-scale display technologies (LED Video Walls, Projection Mapping) a plus.
  • Ability to work extended or non-business hours as production requires.
  • Must possess excellent analytical and communication skills.
  • Prompt and regular attendance at an assigned work location.

Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Digital Media, Computer Graphics, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Position Reports to:

  • Sr. Director, Creative Design

Pay Range: $37/hr

As a candidate for this position, your salary and related aspects of compensation will be contingent upon your work experience, education, skills, and any other factors MLB Network considers relevant to the hiring decision. In addition to your salary, MLB Network believes in providing a competitive benefits package for its employees. 

Top MLB Network Perks & Benefits:

  • Medical/Dental/Vision Coverage 
  • Company Contributed 401K Plan 
  • Paid Sick Time
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Discounts at MLB Store | MLBShop.com
  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)

Why MLB Network?

MLB Network is the ultimate television destination for baseball fans, with studios located in Secaucus, N.J., just minutes from New York City. Featuring live regular season games, original programming, highlights, insights and analysis from the best in the business, MLB Network produces baseball content for delivery to multiple media platforms. Cutting-edge technology is used to create MLB Network's Emmy Award-winning programming via roles in live studio and remote production, operations, engineering, media management, creative services, social media and others.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please email us at MLBNHR@mlb.com. Requests received for non-disability related issues, such as following up on an application, will not receive a response.

Are you ready to Step Up to the Plate? Apply below!


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