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Freelance Lighting Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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

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 ...

Art Institute of Chicago

Event Technician

Chicago, IL · On-site

$23 - $28.12/hr

... programming. The position requires a mastery of event production at all ranges of scale, from a ... Deliver, setup, and operate audio, lighting, and visual projection systems and video content ...

New

Bric Arts Media

Production Manager

Brooklyn, NY

Oversee assigned programming from inception through completion, including on-site vendor management ... Train and mentor freelance staff through load-ins, tech rehearsals, performances, and strikes

Bric Arts Media

Production Manager

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$65K - $80K/yr

Oversee assigned programming from inception through completion, including on-site vendor management ... Train and mentor freelance staff through load-ins, tech rehearsals, performances, and strikes

Bric Arts Media

Production Manager

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$65K - $80K/yr

Oversee assigned programming from inception through completion, including on-site vendor management ... Train and mentor freelance staff through load-ins, tech rehearsals, performances, and strikes

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 ...

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Freelance Lighting Programmer information

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$112K

How much do freelance lighting programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 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?

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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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 63% Full Time, 32% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $80,664 per year, or $38.8 per hour.

Creative Technologist (Freelance)

Hovercraft

Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

About Us
Hovercraft is a dynamic and innovative creative design firm that partners with brands to craft compelling experiences through design, strategy, and technology. We specialize in creating standout visuals, interactive digital content, and impactful branding solutions that push the boundaries of creativity.
Overview
We're looking for freelance Creative Technologists to help push the studio's work forward across a growing range of mediums. You'll work closely with our tech team, tech directors, designers and producers to build interactive experiences, real-time graphics systems, web projects, video games, and physical installations. We often carry projects from inception through completion - prototype, develop, deliver, and support our custom-built technology solutions. The tech team's work is centered around software but includes hardware integration, travel, client-facing interactions, and being embedded in the larger creative and problem-solving process.
Core Technical Skills
We're open to collaborating with generalists and specialists alike.
Software:
  • Strong generative / creative coding background - WebGL, Three.js, react-three-fiber, GLSL, or comparable real-time graphics experience
  • Experience with TouchDesigner for interactive systems, hardware integration, and high-performance graphics
  • Proficiency in JavaScript/TypeScript and modern web development (React or similar frameworks)
  • Solid backend fundamentals and comfort with REST APIs, content management systems, and cloud services for data-driven applications
  • Game development experience via WebGL, Unity, Unreal, or similar
  • Media file conversion, optimization, and delivery experience - you understand the formats and constraints of working with a wide variety of media assets (image/video/audio/3d) in interactive contexts
  • Source control and deployment fluency: Git, GitHub, basic cloud/server workflows
  • A solid grasp of software engineering practices - you think about stability, edge cases, version control, and QA
  • A commitment to staying current with modern development tools and workflows, including build tools, AI-assisted coding & agents, and automation
  • Working knowledge of current AI tools for creative pipelines: Computer vision, generative media, etc.
  • Experience with Windows scripting, tooling, and troubleshooting, as most of our projects run on Windows PCs
  • Experience with 3D tools (Blender, Cinema4D, Maya) or motion design (After Effects, Cavalry)

Hardware:
  • Familiarity with physical computing: depth cameras, LIDAR, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, custom electronics, RFID, sensor arrays, computer vision, and novel HCI technologies
  • Experience with physical lighting systems - DMX/ArtNet/etc., spatial mapping, electrical systems & power distribution
  • Familiarity with AV systems integration and industry standards (projectors, LED walls, sound systems, media servers, etc.)
  • Electrical engineering or fabrication fundamentals
  • AR/VR/XR or spatial computing project experience

Growth Areas We're Actively Investing In:
  • Unreal Engine / Notch - real-time 3D, XR production, high-resolution environments
  • Media server experience (Disguise, Pixera, or similar)
  • Deeper electrical & mechanical engineering expertise
  • Small-scale fabrication and material prototyping skills

Soft Skills That Matter Here:
  • Design & Quality Mindset: Strong design and craft sensibilities; understands what "Hovercraft quality" means, both visually and technically.
  • Ownership & Accountability: Takes initiative, makes decisions autonomously, estimates and manages work effectively, and advocates for timelines, testing, and quality.
  • Communication & Collaboration: Proactively shares progress, flags blockers early, keeps stakeholders informed, and works effectively within cross-functional teams and production pipelines.
  • Adaptability & Resilience: Maintains a positive, solutions-oriented attitude while navigating changing scope, creative direction, technical constraints, and tight deadlines across multiple projects.
  • Curiosity & Continuous Learning: Demonstrates a genuine passion for learning, experimentation, R&D, prototyping, and exploring new tools and creative technologies.

Recruitment Notice
We use AI-assisted tools solely to help identify and highlight keywords related to critical design skills and relevant experience within applications. These tools support our recruiting team by improving consistency and efficiency; they do not make hiring decisions. All applications are reviewed by humans, and AI is not used in a discriminatory manner or to evaluate personal characteristics unrelated to job requirements.

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