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Freelance Lighting Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

SFJAZZ

Video Producer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Collaborate with the Lighting Designer to develop and optimize camera-ready lighting looks for live broadcasts and onsite productions. * Oversee freelance and on-call video and streaming technicians ...

SFJAZZ

Video Producer

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

Collaborate with the Lighting Designer to develop and optimize camera-ready lighting looks for live broadcasts and onsite productions. * Oversee freelance and on-call video and streaming technicians ...

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 ...

CADY

Freelance Photographer

Johns Creek, GA

$15/hr

... 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 ...

CADY

Freelance Photographer

Acworth, GA

$15/hr

... 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 ...

CADY

Freelance Photographer

Austin, TX

$62.25 - $70.50/hr

... 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 ...

CADY

Freelance Photographer

Houston, TX

$15/hr

... 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 ...

CADY

Freelance Photographer

Plano, TX

$15/hr

... 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 ...

CADY

Freelance Photographer

Johns Creek, GA

$15/hr

... 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 ...

CADY

Freelance Photographer

Charlotte, NC

$15/hr

... 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 ...

CADY

Freelance Photographer

Grapevine, TX

$15/hr

... 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 ...

CADY

Freelance Photographer

Delray Beach, FL

$15/hr

... 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 ...

CADY

Freelance Photographer

Atlanta, GA

$15/hr

... 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 ...

CADY

Freelance Photographer

Jacksonville, FL

$15/hr

... 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 ...

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Freelance Lighting Designer information

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$47

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How much do freelance lighting designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $99,230 per year, or $47.7 per hour.
Freelance Technical Producer

Freelance Technical Producer

Game Seven

New York, NY

$105K - $123K/yr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

Job description

Game Seven Agency, an Excel Sports Management Company, is a full service creative and experiential agency that lives for sport, music and culture. From the biggest moments to the smallest details, we pride ourselves on being in the know and building relationships that matter, for brands that matter.

Our team is comprised of creatives, strategists, producers, designers, project managers, influencer managers, filmmakers, volunteers, activists, ballplayers, hypebeasts, social media moguls, runners, mixologists, party promoters, hip-hop elitists, show-bingers, hot-take havers, vintage t-shirt collectors, fitness fanatics, pet parents, plant parents, human parents, and general good time havers.

Clients include Hennessey, Nike, Jordan, Spotify, Meta, Instagram, TikTok, Amazon, Timberland, Oakley, Footlocker, Chime, Fanatics, Bleacher Report, Uninterrupted, and more.

The Role

Game Seven is seeking a Freelance Technical Producer to lead the planning and execution of technical systems across live events, experiential activations, and broadcast-driven environments.

This role bridges creative vision and technical execution. You will translate ideas into scalable, well-documented, and flawlessly delivered technical solutions — working closely with Accounts, Strategy, Creative, Production, and external partners from concept through show day.

This is a hands-on role for someone who is comfortable both designing systems and being on-site making them work.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Planning & Execution

  • Develop technical plans for AV, lighting, LED, projection, scenic integration, and interactive installations.
  • Create equipment lists, system diagrams, and production documentation.
  • Partner with Creative teams to assess feasibility and recommend technical approaches.
  • Lead R&D, testing, and rehearsal processes to reduce on-site risk.

Production Management

  • Build and manage technical budgets in collaboration with Producers.
  • Track equipment, logistics, schedules, and run-of-show requirements.
  • Oversee receipt and implementation of creative assets.
  • Coordinate fabrication and procurement processes.
  • Identify cost efficiencies without compromising creative integrity.

Vendor & Team Leadership

  • Source and manage AV vendors, engineers, and technical partner
  • Lead technical load-in, show operations, and strike.
  • Serve as primary technical point-of-contact on-site.
  • Troubleshoot calmly and efficiently under pressure.

Innovation & Systems Integration

  • Integrate real-time graphics, immersive tech, media servers, and interactive systems where appropriate.
  • Stay current on emerging production technologies and recommend new solutions.
What We're Looking For
  • 5–8+ years of technical production experience in experiential, live events, broadcast, or creative agency environments.
  • Strong working knowledge of:
    • Audio, video, LED, and lighting systems
    • Media servers and projection workflows
    • Interactive and immersive technologies
    • Scenic/technical integration
    • Projection mapping
  • Experience developing technical documentation and managing multi-day productions.
  • Proven ability to lead freelance crews and collaborate cross-functionally.
  • Comfort working in fast-paced, high-visibility environments.

Bonus:

  • Experience in sports, entertainment, or brand-driven experiential work.
  • Familiarity with tools such as Vectorworks, Unreal Engine, TouchDesigner, Disguise, Pixera, etc.

The monthly pay range for this position is $10,000 - 12,000. The full time salary range is $105,000 - $123,000 per year.

Please note that compensation information is a good-faith assessment associated with this position only and is provided pursuant to local salary transparency laws.

Ultimately, the salary may vary based upon, but not limited to, relevant experience, time in role, business sector, and geographic location, among other criteria.

This role is not eligible for sponsorship.

Game Seven provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.