ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Freelance Stage Lighting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The AV Department

Be Seen First

Live Event Audiovisual Technician

Portland, OR · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

This is not a freelance position. Check out our Careers Page: Qualifications ** Audio Visual: 2-3 ... Fast-fold screens, LCD Projectors, Stage Lighting, Sound Reinforcement Systems, Video Switcher ...

Seminolehardrock

$15.25 - $20.25/hr

This position is based in Orlando, and is a part time freelance position. Nights, holidays ... Setup and teardown of professional audio, video, lighting, and staging equipment, with additional ...

Weissman

Freelance Photo Assistant

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$61 - $69/hr

Come, let's dance towards a future where dreams take center stage. JOB TITLE Freelance Photo ... Support photographers on set with lighting adjustments, set prep, and equipment handling * Assist ...

Emerson College

Emerson Stage Overhire

Boston, MA · On-site

$27/hr

Emerson Stage maintains an overhire list of experienced freelance theatre technicians to assist ... Electricians: * Assist with the hang, focus, cabling, and circuiting of lighting plots under the ...

Emerson College

Emerson Stage Overhire

Boston, MA · On-site

$19 - $25.25/hr

Emerson Stage maintains an overhire list of experienced freelance theatre technicians to assist ... Electricians: * Assist with the hang, focus, cabling, and circuiting of lighting plots under the ...

Emerson College

Emerson Stage Overhire

Boston, MA

$27/hr

Emerson Stage maintains an overhire list of experienced freelance theatre technicians to assist ... Electricians: * Assist with the hang, focus, cabling, and circuiting of lighting plots under the ...

Weissman

Freelance Digitech

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$61 - $69/hr

Come, let's dance towards a future where dreams take center stage. JOB TITLE Freelance Digitech ... Experience with professional camera systems (Canon, Phase One, Nikon, Sony) and studio lighting ...

Weissman

Freelance Production Artist

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

Come, let's dance towards a future where dreams take center stage. JOB TITLE Freelance Production ... updates to textures, lighting, and color corrections as needed * Collaborate closely with ...

Meeting Tomorrow

Creative Director for Events

Freelancer orchestration: identifying, briefing, and directing specialized external talent (ex: 3D ... stage all work together, as well as how event tech (LED panels, lighting, sound) can be used ...

Meeting Tomorrow

Creative Director for Events

Freelancer orchestration: identifying, briefing, and directing specialized external talent (ex: 3D ... stage all work together, as well as how event tech (LED panels, lighting, sound) can be used ...

Meeting Tomorrow

Creative Director for Events

Only, TN · Remote

$113K - $170K/yr

Freelancer orchestration: identifying, briefing, and directing specialized external talent (ex: 3D ... stage all work together, as well as how event tech (LED panels, lighting, sound) can be used ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All Jobsfreelance JobsFreelance Stage Lighting Jobs

Freelance Stage Lighting information

See salary details

$29

$62

$71

How much do freelance stage lighting jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance stage lighting in the United States is $62.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60.34 and $68.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance stage lighting professional?

A freelance stage lighting professional is an independent contractor who designs, sets up, and operates lighting for live events, such as concerts, theater productions, and corporate functions. Unlike full-time employees, freelancers work on a project-by-project basis for different clients and venues. Their responsibilities include creating lighting plans, programming lighting cues, and ensuring that lighting enhances the overall atmosphere of the event. Freelance stage lighting professionals often bring their own expertise, creativity, and sometimes equipment to each job. They need to stay updated on the latest lighting technology and safety standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance stage lighting professional?

To thrive as a Freelance Stage Lighting professional, you need expertise in lighting design, electrical knowledge, and familiarity with stage production, often supported by relevant technical training or a degree in theater arts or lighting technology. Proficiency with lighting consoles (such as ETC or GrandMA), DMX control systems, and lighting software like Vectorworks is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you adapt to different venues and collaborate with production teams. These skills are crucial for creating impactful visual experiences, ensuring safety, and delivering professional results on varied productions.

What are some common challenges freelance stage lighting professionals face when working with new production teams?

Freelance stage lighting professionals often encounter challenges such as quickly adapting to unfamiliar venues, collaborating with new technical crews, and aligning their design vision with a production's specific requirements. Each project may require using different lighting equipment and software, so flexibility and strong communication skills are essential. Building rapport with directors and other crew members early on can help ensure smooth integration and successful show execution.

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

AspectFreelance Stage LightingStage Lighting Technician
CredentialsVaries; often includes lighting courses or certificationsTypically requires technical training or certifications in lighting
Work EnvironmentProject-based, freelance gigs at various venuesEmployed by a venue or production company, working on specific events
Employer & Industry UsageIndependent contractor, hired per projectFull-time or part-time employee, working within the industry
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for freelance opportunities or gig workSeeking employment or roles within venues or production companies

Freelance Stage Lighting involves independent work on various projects, offering flexibility but less job security. Stage Lighting Technicians are typically employed by venues or companies, providing consistent support for events. Both roles require technical knowledge, but their work settings and employment structures differ significantly.

More about Freelance Stage Lighting jobs

What cities are hiring for Freelance Stage Lighting jobs?

Cities with the most Freelance Stage Lighting job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Stage Lighting jobs?

The most popular types of Stage Lighting jobs are:

What states have the most Freelance Stage Lighting jobs?

States with the most job openings for Freelance Stage Lighting jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Stage Lighting jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Stage Lighting jobs are:

Freelance Stage Lighting jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Stage Lighting job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $130,079 per year, or $62.5 per hour.

Tilles Center Freelance Stagehand

Brookville, NY • On-site

Long Island University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 1 - 5K employees

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

604th of 623 rated colleges and universities

Learn more about Long Island Universityexternal

$22 - $27/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Job Details
Job Type
Staff
Salary Range
$22-27 per hour
Start Date
As soon as possible
FLSA Status
Non-exempt
Application Deadline
Oct 01, 2026
Contact
Please submit an online application
Job Description
Position Summary:
The Tilles Center Freelance Stage Hand assists in multiple capacities in an effort to mount events and productions at Tilles Center.
Key Responsibilities:
  • The stage crew performs a wide variety of jobs all of which are related to whatever event is booked at the time.
  • As an active member of the crew, you will assist in the setup (Load In) and Breakdown (Load Out) of performances,
  • preparing the theater for upcoming events (Changeover),
  • prepare the lighting plot (light hang),
  • as well as a variety of other maintenance and show tasks that are required to maintain and run an operational and safe theater.
  • The crew are responsible for all events in multiple venues and spaces throughout the campus.

Education Requirements :
  • High School Diploma or Equivalent.

Q ualification Re quirements:
  • Backstage theater experience preferred.

Working Conditions:
  • Generally indoors, in the theaters, auditoriums and backstage spaces at Tilles Center.
  • Loading and unloading of trucks is conducted outdoors, in the parking lots adjacent to the Tilles Center stages.

Material and Equipment:
  • Basic hand and power tools (screwdriver, wrench). Hand trucks, dollies, ladders, theatrical lighting, sound equipment. Ability to lift 50+ lbs.

About LIU Post
LIU Post campus is a scenic, historic, and scholarly campus that offers a small-school environment with the access and resources of a major metropolitan university. The University's 350+ acre campus is located on the estate of Marjorie Merriweather Post, 27 miles east of New York City on Long Island's Gold Coast. The campus houses the Lewyt College of Veterinary Medicine, the first professional School of Accountancy, an AACSB-accredited Business School, and an award-winning theater program. LIU is home to the world-renowned Tilles Center for the Performing Arts and the Shark Stadium, where supporters gather to cheer on the Sharks' Division I athletic program.
LIU is an equal opportunity employer. LIU is committed to extending equal opportunity in employment to all qualified candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of our academic community. LIU encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender and/or gender identity or expression, marital or parental status, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship status, veteran or military status, age, disability or any other basis protected by applicable local, state or federal laws. Hiring is contingent on eligibility to work in the United States.

What Long Island University employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply