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Freelance Lighting Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MrBeast

Set Technician

Greenville, NC

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 ...

Hovercraft

Creative Technologist (Freelance)

A solid grasp of software engineering practices - you think about stability, edge cases, version ... Experience with physical lighting systems - DMX/ArtNet/etc., spatial mapping, electrical systems ...

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 ...

Daily Wire

Technical Supervisor

Boca Raton, FL · On-site

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 ...

Daily Wire

Technical Supervisor

Boca Raton, FL · On-site

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 ...

F.I.R.S.T. Institute

Be Seen First

Digital Photography Instructor

Orlando, FL · On-site

$23.01 - $27/hr

This candidate must have experience in shot composition, cameras and lenses, lighting and color ... Studio Photography Techniques * 2-3 Years of Freelance experience Why Join F.I.R.S.T. Institute?

New

TAIT

Technical Director (Freelance Opportunities)

... precision engineering, and creative design. TAIT's 20 global offices have developed iconic ... video, lighting, rigging, and labor. Must be US based. Hybrid work environment; remote for ...

Viam

Video Production Manager

New York, NY · Hybrid

$110K - $150K/yr

Camera operation and lighting setup for both studio and on-location shoots, capturing clean ... Audio engineering experience; you can capture and mix clean audio in environments you didn't ...

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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 Jul 3, 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 41% Full Time, 40% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 15% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 77% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,664 per year, or $38.8 per hour.

Chicago IL Freelance A/V Technician - 1099

Blue Danube Productions

Chicago, IL • On-site

$30 - $60/hr

Part-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Description
Freelance A/V Technician - IL
In this role you will be responsible for delivering exceptional audiovisual services to one of our top clients who run their own event spaces on their campuses. You will be asked to utilize your technical knowledge and hospitality skills and always go beyond customer expectations. The preferred candidate would be an all-around A/V tech, with skills in audio, video, and lighting; specializing in one, but competent in all. But high knowledge in a single discipline will be considered.
Qualifications & duties:
  • Audio operation: digital mixers, wireless mics, streaming audio
  • Video operation: switchers, robo cams, laptop presentation software
  • Lighting operation: console programming, moving light operation, fixture setup & strike
  • Ability to operate client's A/V equipment as required by design and function of the event
  • Set & Strike equipment as required by design and function of the event
  • Communicate event objectives to other contractors as needed
  • Ensure proper storage and maintenance of client's A/V equipment
  • Pickup, delivery and return of vendor A/V equipment if necessary
  • Maintain experience and training with client's A/V equipment
  • Assist client with maintenance of systems as needed
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office products and Apple iWork products
  • Other duties as required

Requirements
Skills & abilities:
  • Strong organizational skills, time management skills and attention to detail required
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Eye for detail and attention to delivering high quality, error-free deliverables
  • Anticipates event needs and proactively delivers
  • Build solid and reciprocal relationships with client contacts and vendors
  • Foster trust and open/honest communication with the internal team and partners
  • Ability to read & edit audio visual design documents
  • Ability to meet tight deadlines and work well under pressure
  • Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks/projects
  • Ability to work independently without supervision, be self-directed and demonstrate initiative
  • Ability to take direction without follow up

Other:
  • Provide exceptional customer service at all times. Internally and externally.
  • Devote attention to communication and teamwork
  • Complete timesheets, reports and paperwork on time
  • Maintain a positive attitude and composure at all times
  • Work with COO to ensure client partnership continues to grow
  • Attendance at BDP team meetings as needed
  • Adherence to the Blue Danube "Standards and Guidelines" policies
  • As required to support business - flexible and sometimes long work hours. Must be willing to carry a cell phone for 24/7 access and on-call responsibilities

Apply