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Junior Lighting Designer Jobs (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 ...

JR2026-00028573 Roadway Lighting Designer (Open) Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed): The Nebraska Department of Transportation Lighting ...

Lighting Designer III

Chicago, IL · On-site

$73K - $92K/yr

Work with junior staff to assign tasks on projects. * Design lighting and control systems for healthcare, education and commercial clients. Analyze lighting and engineering documents and layout ...

JR2026-00028573 Roadway Lighting Designer (Open) Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed): The Nebraska Department of Transportation Lighting ...

... junior designers. The ideal candidate is a creative, technically skilled, and client-focused ... Lead lighting designer for complex projects across various markets (e.g., education, government ...

... junior designers. The ideal candidate is a creative, technically skilled, and client-focused ... Lead lighting designer for complex projects across various markets (e.g., education, government ...

Lighting Practice Leader

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$125K - $140K/yr

... junior designers. The ideal candidate is a creative, technically skilled, and client-focused ... Lead lighting designer for complex projects across various markets (e.g., education, government ...

Lighting Practice Leader

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$125K - $140K/yr

... junior designers. The ideal candidate is a creative, technically skilled, and client-focused ... Lead lighting designer for complex projects across various markets (e.g., education, government ...

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Junior Lighting Designer information

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$31K

$56.7K

$86K

How much do junior lighting designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior lighting designer in the United States is $56,698.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,500.00 and $65,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.
More about Junior Lighting Designer jobs

What cities are hiring for Junior Lighting Designer jobs?

Cities with the most Junior Lighting Designer job openings:

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

The most popular types of Lighting Designer jobs are:

What states have the most Junior Lighting Designer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Junior Lighting Designer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Junior Lighting Designer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,698 per year, or $27.3 per hour.

$71K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 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