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Freelance Lighting Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Blue Danube Productions

$30 - $60/hr

Description Freelance A/V Technician - Los Angeles In this role you will be responsible for ... Lighting operation: console programming, moving light operation, fixture setup & strike * Ability ...

Watson Electrical and Lighting

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Electrical Estimator / Project Estimator

Royal Palm Beach, FL · Remote

Electrical Estimator / Project Estimator Watson Electrical & Lighting is seeking an experienced ... We are NOT seeking a remote estimating service, outsourced estimating company, freelance estimator ...

Prolific Academic Ltd

$15 - $30/hr

Over 35,000 AI developers, researchers, and organizations use Prolific to gather data from paid ... Expertise in rendering, lighting and texturing * Comfortable using technical workflows and tools

Watson Electrical and Lighting

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Electrical Estimator / Project Estimator

Royal Palm Beach, FL · Remote

Electrical Estimator / Project Estimator Watson Electrical & Lighting is seeking an experienced ... We are NOT seeking a remote estimating service, outsourced estimating company, freelance estimator ...

MrBeast

Set Technician

Greenville, NC · On-site

Working closely with Directors of Photography, Production leadership, Lighting teams, Video Engineering, and freelance crews, the Set Technician serves as a critical technical resource responsible ...

MrBeast

Set Technician

Greenville, NC · On-site

Working closely with Directors of Photography, Production leadership, Lighting teams, Video Engineering, and freelance crews, the Set Technician serves as a critical technical resource responsible ...

MrBeast

Equipment Operations Lead

Greenville, NC

Partner with Set Technicians, Audio, Lighting, Video Engineering, and Production teams to ensure ... Train, certify, and support full-time, part-time, and freelance equipment users What We're Looking ...

Daily Wire

Technical Supervisor

Boca Raton, FL

The ideal candidate is a versatile production expert skilled in camera operation, lighting, audio ... programming, including location scouting, mobile studio setup, gear management, and seamless ...

Prolific Academic Ltd

$15 - $30/hr

Over 35,000 AI developers, researchers, and organizations use Prolific to gather data from paid ... Expertise in rendering, lighting and texturing * Comfortable using technical workflows and tools

Daily Wire

Technical Supervisor

Boca Raton, FL

The ideal candidate is a versatile production expert skilled in camera operation, lighting, audio ... programming, including location scouting, mobile studio setup, gear management, and seamless ...

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Freelance Lighting Programmer information

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$40.5K

$80.7K

$112K

How much do freelance lighting programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance lighting programmer in the United States is $80,664.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,000.00 and $92,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Freelance Lighting Programmer do?

A Freelance Lighting Programmer is responsible for designing, programming, and operating lighting systems for events, concerts, theater productions, or film and television shoots. They use specialized software and lighting consoles to create lighting cues, effects, and transitions that enhance the visual experience. Freelance Lighting Programmers work on a project-by-project basis, collaborating closely with lighting designers, directors, and production teams to achieve the desired artistic vision. Their work often involves troubleshooting technical issues and adapting quickly to different venues or equipment. They must have a deep understanding of lighting technology, control systems, and creative design.

How do Freelance Lighting Programmers typically collaborate with production teams during live events?

Freelance Lighting Programmers work closely with lighting designers, directors, and other technical crew members to translate creative vision into technical reality. Collaboration often starts with pre-production meetings to understand the artistic goals and continues through technical rehearsals where cues and effects are programmed. During live events, programmers must communicate clearly and respond quickly to last-minute changes, ensuring seamless integration of lighting with other production elements like sound and staging. Building strong relationships and maintaining flexibility are key to succeeding in these dynamic, team-oriented environments.

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

To thrive as a Freelance Lighting Programmer, you need a solid understanding of lighting design, programming principles, and technical expertise in stage or event lighting, often supported by a background in theatre, live events, or technical production. Familiarity with industry-standard lighting consoles (such as MA Lighting grandMA or ETC Eos), DMX protocols, and relevant programming software is crucial. Strong problem-solving, communication, and time management skills help you collaborate with creative teams and adapt quickly to changing requirements. These abilities ensure precise, creative, and reliable lighting solutions that meet client expectations in dynamic production environments.

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

AspectFreelance Lighting ProgrammerLighting Technician
CredentialsExperience with lighting control software, industry certifications optionalTechnical training or certifications often required
Work EnvironmentProject-based, remote or on-site for events or productionsOn-site, hands-on with lighting equipment during events or shows
Employer & IndustryFreelance, event production, theater, concertsProduction companies, theaters, live events

Freelance Lighting Programmers focus on programming lighting control systems for various productions, often working remotely or on a project basis. Lighting Technicians handle the setup, operation, and maintenance of lighting equipment on-site. While both roles require technical knowledge, Freelance Lighting Programmers typically have more software expertise, whereas Lighting Technicians focus on hardware and installation tasks.

More about Freelance Lighting Programmer jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Lighting Programmer jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Lighting Programmer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Lighting Programmer jobs? The most popular types of Lighting Programmer jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Lighting Programmer jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Lighting Programmer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Lighting Programmer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Lighting Programmer jobs are:
Freelance Lighting Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Lighting Programmer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 27% Full Time, 60% Part Time, 10% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,664 per year, or $38.8 per hour.
Freelance Audio Visual Technician / Stagehand/Driver

Freelance Audio Visual Technician / Stagehand/Driver

Productive Companies

Richmond, VA • On-site

$25 - $50/hr

Part-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

About Productive AV
Productive AV is a boutique, hospitality-driven event production company serving Richmond and the greater Central Virginia region. We specialize in audio, video, lighting, and staging for corporate, nonprofit, and private events.
We're expanding our roster of Freelance Audio Visual Technicians and Stagehands who excel in fast-paced environments, take pride in their work, and help deliver exceptional event experiences for our clients and partners.
What You'll Do
  • Assist with the setup, operation, and strike of AV equipment for live events
  • Support audio, video, lighting, and staging departments as directed
  • Load and unload trucks efficiently and safely
  • Help maintain gear organization and proper cable management on-site
  • Follow direction from crew leads and uphold Productive AV's standard of professionalism and hospitality
  • Represent Productive AV with integrity and a team-oriented mindset on every job

What You Bring
  • 2+ years of experience in live event or AV production (preferred)
  • Working knowledge of basic AV systems, including sound, projection, LED, lighting, or staging
  • Ability to lift 50+ lbs and work long shifts on your feet
  • Strong communication skills, punctuality, and reliability
  • Positive, can-do attitude with the ability to take direction and work collaboratively
  • Basic personal tools (multi-tool, flashlight, gloves, etc.)
  • Richmond / Central Virginia area residency with reliable transportation

Compensation: $25.00 - $50.00 per hour
About Us
Headquartered in Richmond, VA, Productive is passionate about empowering people with technology and making organizations more productive by offereing simple, reliable solutions
Why Productive AV?
From our founding in 2010 to our recent inclusion in the Inc 5000 list, we at Productive have had one primary mission: to positively impact the lives of those around us The best way that we have found to accomplish this is to provide design, installation, service, and rental of technology systems that are simple to use, reliable in operation, and a complete solution for the task at hand.

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