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Freelance Lighting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SYPartners

Freelance Studio Designer

New York, NY · On-site

... editing and playback, lighting, digital voting/polling systems, and live meeting support ... This is a freelance position requiring regular on site presence in the NYC Manhattan office with ...

SYPartners

Freelance Studio Designer

New York, NY

... editing and playback, lighting, digital voting/polling systems, and live meeting support ... This is a freelance position requiring regular on site presence in the NYC Manhattan office with ...

Odeum Labor Services

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Now Hiring: Freelance Event & Production Crew

Denver, CO · On-site

$23 - $38/hr

Now Hiring: Freelance Event & Production Crew - Denver, CO Pay: $23-$38/hr (based on role ... We install scenic and technical elements such as staging, lighting, sound, temporary structures ...

Odeum Labor Services

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Now Hiring: Freelance Event & Production Crew

Dallas, TX · On-site

$25 - $41/hr

Freelance Event & Production Crew - Dallas, TX Pay: $25-$41/hr (based on role & experience ... We install scenic and technical elements such as staging, lighting, sound, temporary structures ...

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Freelance Lighting information

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$14

$47

$132

How much do freelance lighting jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance lighting 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 are some common challenges freelance lighting professionals face when working on multiple projects simultaneously?

Freelance lighting professionals often juggle several projects at once, which can present challenges related to time management, equipment logistics, and communication with different production teams. Balancing overlapping schedules and ensuring that each project's lighting design meets unique creative and technical requirements requires careful planning. Additionally, freelancers must maintain their own equipment or coordinate with rental houses, and be adaptable to varied workflows and expectations across clients. Staying organized and proactively communicating with all stakeholders are key strategies for success in this dynamic environment.

What is the difference between Freelance Lighting vs Lighting Designer?

AspectFreelance LightingLighting Designer
CredentialsVaries, often self-taught or with industry experienceTypically formal education or certification in lighting design
Work EnvironmentProject-based, independent, multiple clientsEmployed by firms or clients, often on larger projects
Industry UsageUsed across events, film, theater, and architecturePrimarily in theater, film, architecture, and large-scale projects

Freelance Lighting professionals often work independently on diverse projects, focusing on specific lighting tasks. Lighting Designers usually have formal training and work on comprehensive lighting plans for complex productions or architectural projects. Both roles require a strong understanding of lighting techniques, but Freelance Lighting offers more flexibility, while Lighting Designers often engage in more detailed planning and collaboration.

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

To thrive as a Freelance Lighting Technician, you need a solid understanding of lighting design, electrical systems, and safety protocols, often supported by a relevant degree or technical certification. Familiarity with lighting consoles, DMX control systems, and industry-standard software such as Vectorworks is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and effective communication set top professionals apart in dynamic and often high-pressure environments. These skills ensure successful project execution, safety, and client satisfaction in live events, film, or theater productions.

What is a freelance lighting technician?

A freelance lighting technician is a self-employed professional who designs, installs, operates, and maintains lighting systems for events, performances, films, or photography shoots. They often work on a project-by-project basis, collaborating with directors, producers, and other crew members to achieve the desired lighting effects. Freelance lighting technicians must be skilled in using various lighting equipment and have a good understanding of creative and technical lighting concepts. Their work can involve travel and irregular hours, depending on the project requirements.
More about Freelance Lighting jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Lighting jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Lighting job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Lighting jobs? The most popular types of Lighting jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Lighting jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Lighting jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Lighting jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Lighting jobs are:
Freelance Lighting jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Lighting job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 34% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $99,230 per year, or $47.7 per hour.
Freelance Studio Designer

Freelance Studio Designer

SYPartners

New York, NY • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

About SYPartners
SYPartners is a consulting firm that focuses on transformation. Using the tools of strategy and design, we work alongside CEOs, leaders, and their executive teams to design a better future for their organizations-particularly in times of great change. The animating idea that drives us is our belief that organizations designed for both humanity and performance create unprecedented impact. We partner with leaders in organizations that have the courage and rigor to pursue both as equally essential and mutually reinforcing. And we seek to design our own organization in alignment with this idea, as well.
SYPartners was founded in 1994. The company is headquartered in New York City with locations in San Francisco, and Abu Dhabi, and is a founding member of kyu, a collective of best-in-class creative firms.
SYPartners is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The Role
The Studio is a small but mighty team of expert craftspeople and makers. As an Onsite & Events Production Specialist, you will be hands-on with both physical production and live event execution. You will work in our New York City office and travel to client sites as needed to deliver exceptional in-person experiences, print production, and technical event support.
Candidate Profile
  • You are obsessively devoted to detail, precision, and quality of craft - you sweat the small stuff.
  • You're a creative problem-solver who can quickly adapt to onsite challenges and find practical solutions under pressure.
  • Planning, execution, and logistics are your strength - you bring order to complex events and productions.
  • You are able to develop and build and sustain collaborative relationships with vendors SYP works with on larger productions
  • You are an expert in production who contributes strategically and elevates the final result.
  • You thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and build strong relationships with both internal teams and clients.
  • You are "good with your hands," willing and able to do the manual tasks and stagecraft necessary to create an immersive experience.
  • You give the team and clients confidence through flawless execution and attention to every detail.
  • You are comfortable generating AI prompts to maximize your job efficiency, but are willing and able to abide by SYP's evolving policies regarding the use of AI, especially as relates to our clients' demands.
The Work You'll Do
  • Execute print and physical production: printing (small + large format), trimming, bookbinding, mounting, prototyping, laser cutting, 3D printing, and environmental builds.
  • Scrub, prep, and finalize files for both print and on-screen presentations.
  • Support full event execution: location assessment, set-up, technical production, and break-down for client experiences (both at SYP's Manhattan office as well as off-site).
  • Manage AV and technical elements onsite: running slideshows, audio/video editing and playback, lighting, digital voting/polling systems, and live meeting support.
  • Coordinate with vendors for printing and fabrication as needed.
  • Partner closely with Program Managers and designers to plan schedules, logistics, and contingency plans.
  • Deliver high-quality physical and digital assets that support immersive client experiences.
  • Photo-document events before (such as at a site visit), during (audience shots), and after (meeting artifacts and outcomes).
  • Own server and cloud storage organization, ensuring all files are accurately stored.
  • Maintain the SYP Studio, keeping it pristine and orderly, procuring and organizing machine supplies such as paper, ink, etc., and making sure all studio equipment and machines are calibrated and running properly (and working with the larger Studio team to contact the appropriate repair technicians if not).
Qualifications
  • 2+ years of relevant experience at an agency, in-house, or as a freelancer.
  • Must be based in or near New York City and able to work regularly at SYP's office + travel to client sites/events.
  • Strong hands-on production skills: cutting, mounting, installation, prototyping, and use of maker tools (3D printers, laser cutters, etc.).
  • Fluency in Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, Google Docs, and PowerPoint.
  • Technical AV knowledge and experience running live events, digital meetings, and voting systems is highly desired.
  • Ability to work in 2D & 3D environments.
  • Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills under tight deadlines.
  • Comfortable working in a physical studio environment and on your feet during event setup days.
  • This is a freelance position requiring regular on site presence in the NYC Manhattan office with additional travel to events as needed. Ideal for someone looking for a mix of studio production days and exciting onsite event work.
SYPartners Commitment to Diversity
At SYPartners, we are committed to the work of advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in our own organization and for the leaders and clients we partner with. Our vision of the future-one in which organizations are designed to create conditions for human flourishing-demands that we continually work to become a more diverse and inclusive organization ourselves.
We are committed to working with and designing for people of every race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, socio-economic status, physical ability or attribute, religion, national origin, or political belief. We recognize this commitment requires continual learning, reflection, and imagination.

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