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Junior Lighting Designer Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

About the Role We're seeking a Junior Associate Lighting Designer to join our team and contribute to sophisticated lighting designs across multiple concurrent projects. Working under the direction of ...

Offering dominant assortments across a growing number of categories--including furniture, lighting ... Collaborate with a Junior Project Manager who will assist with daily project management logistics ...

Offering dominant assortments across a growing number of categories--including furniture, lighting ... Collaborate with a Junior Project Manager who will assist with daily project management logistics ...

Senior Salesforce Engineer

Bodega Bay, CA · Remote

$128K - $157K/yr

Apex, Visualforce, Lighting Components) * They will partner with Current Senior Developers. * Data ... As a Senior Software Developer, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and implementing ...

Junior Lighting Designer information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$33.9K

$62K

$94K

How much do junior lighting designer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior lighting designer in Santa Rosa, CA is $61,989.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,700.00 and $71,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a junior lighting designer do?

A Junior Lighting Designer assists in creating lighting concepts and plans for various projects, such as theaters, events, or architectural spaces. They typically work under the supervision of senior designers, helping with tasks like drafting lighting plots, selecting equipment, and setting up lighting systems. Junior Lighting Designers also collaborate with other team members, attend site visits, and may help during installations and rehearsals. This role is ideal for those who are starting their career in lighting design and want to gain hands-on experience while learning from established professionals.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a junior lighting designer?

To thrive as a Junior Lighting Designer, you need a solid understanding of lighting principles, basic design techniques, and a relevant degree such as in lighting design, architecture, or theatre production. Familiarity with lighting design software (such as AutoCAD, Revit, and DIALux), photometric analysis tools, and possibly LEED accreditation is often expected. Strong communication, teamwork, and creativity help you collaborate effectively with architects, engineers, and clients while developing innovative lighting solutions. These skills and qualifications are crucial to deliver visually compelling and technically sound lighting designs that meet project requirements and industry standards.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a junior lighting designer expect in their first year?

As a Junior Lighting Designer, you can expect to work on a variety of projects, including supporting senior designers on commercial, residential, or entertainment lighting schemes. Your daily tasks may involve creating CAD drawings, preparing presentations, conducting lighting calculations, and assisting with site visits or mock-ups. You'll often collaborate with architects, engineers, and clients to ensure design intent is maintained. The role provides valuable hands-on experience and mentorship, helping you build technical knowledge and grow within a multidisciplinary team.

What is the difference between Junior Lighting Designer vs Lighting Technician?

AspectJunior Lighting DesignerLighting Technician
Required CredentialsDegree in lighting design, architecture, or related fieldTechnical training or certification, hands-on experience
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, theaters, event productionsOn-site at venues, event setups, live productions
Employer & Industry UsageArchitectural firms, theater companies, event organizersProduction companies, theaters, live event companies

The Junior Lighting Designer focuses on creating lighting plans and concepts, working closely with designers and clients. In contrast, the Lighting Technician handles the technical setup, operation, and maintenance of lighting equipment during productions. Both roles require technical knowledge, but the Junior Lighting Designer emphasizes design skills, while the Lighting Technician emphasizes technical execution.

What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Junior Lighting Designer jobs?

Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Junior Lighting Designer job openings:

Infographic showing various Junior Lighting Designer job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,989 per year, or $29.8 per hour.

Junior Designer

Novato, CA

$71K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

About the Role

We're seeking a Junior Associate Lighting Designer to join our team and contribute to sophisticated lighting designs across multiple concurrent projects. Working under the direction of the Principal and our Associate Lighting Designers, you'll be instrumental in bringing our lighting visions to life—from concept to completion. This position offers significant growth potential for someone who embodies our values and demonstrates quick learning and initiative.

What You'll Do

  • Design and revise lighting layouts and specifications in AutoCAD, ensuring technical precision and design intent

  • Collaborate with architects, interior designers, and construction teams to integrate lighting seamlessly into project vision

  • Research lighting products, develop manufacturer relationships, and stay current on innovative solutions

  • Create fixture specifications, cut sheets, and preliminary control system layouts

  • Manage multiple plan sets simultaneously while meeting project deadlines and tracking time accurately

  • Participate in project meetings, site visits, and evening focusing sessions

What You Bring

Required:

  • Bachelor's degree in Lighting Design, Architecture, Interior Design, or Engineering (or equivalent experience)

  • Proficiency in AutoCAD, Bluebeam, and Microsoft Office Suite

  • Ability to use discretion and independent judgment

  • Ability to work collaboratively with both design and operations teams

  • Excellent time management and ability to prioritize across multiple projects

  • Ability to lift 25 pounds

  • Valid driver's license with a clean driving record

  • Ability to climb and perform work while on ladders and/or scaffolding

Preferred:

  • Knowledge of residential or commercial lighting products and controls

  • Experience with Revit, AGi32, and/or Photoshop

  • Portfolio demonstrating lighting design work or related projects

Experience Level: Entry-level to 5 years (recent graduates with relevant degrees encouraged to apply)

What We Offer

  • Competitive salary: $71,000 - $95,000 annually based on skills and experience

  • 100% employer-paid medical, dental and life insurance for employee

  • 401(k) plan (after 1 year of employment)

  • 12 days paid vacation + 5 days paid sick time

  • Professional development opportunities

  • Twice-monthly office lunches and chair massage

  • Quarterly wellness reimbursement

  • Opportunity to work on high-profile residential and hospitality projects

  • Mentorship in a collaborative studio environment with clear advancement path