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Lead Lighting Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Blingle Premier Lighting of Lexington

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Outdoor Lighting Technician - Level 1

Lexington, KY · On-site

$16 - $22/hr

Lighting Technician - Level 1 Blingle Premier Lighting of Lexington Lexington, KY Full-Time | $16 ... Work alongside lead technicians to complete installations Requirements * Comfortable working on ...

Blingle Premier Lighting of Lexington

Be Seen First

Outdoor Lighting Technician - Level 1

Lexington, KY · On-site

$16 - $22/hr

Lighting Technician - Level 1 Blingle Premier Lighting of Lexington Lexington, KY Full-Time | $16 ... Work alongside lead technicians to complete installations Requirements * Comfortable working on ...

SmartSource

Lighting Designer

Glendale Heights, IL · On-site

... lead lighting technician onsite for assigned events. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable creating lighting concepts during the planning phase and operating lighting systems in a live event ...

SmartSource

Lighting Designer

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

... lead lighting technician onsite for assigned events. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable creating lighting concepts during the planning phase and operating lighting systems in a live event ...

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Lead Lighting Technician information

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$31K

$52.6K

$77.5K

How much do lead lighting technician jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead lighting technician in the United States is $52,560.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $57,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lead lighting technician?

Lead Lighting Technicians are responsible for overseeing the setup, operation, and maintenance of lighting equipment for film, television, theater productions, or live events. They supervise a team of lighting technicians, design and implement lighting plans, and ensure that all lighting cues are executed properly during performances or recordings. Their role often involves collaborating closely with directors, lighting designers, and other technical staff to achieve the desired visual effects and ambiance. A Lead Lighting Technician must have strong technical knowledge, leadership skills, and experience with various lighting systems and technologies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead lighting technician?

To thrive as a Lead Lighting Technician, a thorough understanding of lighting design, electrical systems, and safety protocols is essential, often supported by training in technical theater or electrical certification. Familiarity with industry-standard lighting consoles (such as ETC or GrandMA), DMX control systems, and various lighting fixtures is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help manage crews and adapt to fast-paced production changes. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and creative lighting execution that meets production demands and enhances the overall visual experience.

How does a lead lighting technician typically collaborate with other departments during a production?

As a Lead Lighting Technician, collaboration with other departments such as the Director of Photography, Gaffers, and Set Designers is crucial for achieving the desired visual effects. You will often participate in pre-production meetings to discuss lighting requirements, review the script for special lighting needs, and coordinate with the electrical and rigging teams to ensure safety and efficiency. During production, clear communication with camera operators and the art department helps adapt lighting setups to changes in scene blocking or set design, ensuring seamless integration across all technical aspects of the shoot.

What is the difference between Lead Lighting Technician vs Lighting Technician?

AspectLead Lighting TechnicianLighting Technician
CertificationsRelevant certifications in lighting and safetySame certifications often required
Work EnvironmentLeading lighting setups on film, theater, or eventsAssisting with lighting setup and operation
ResponsibilitiesOverseeing lighting crew, planning lighting designExecuting lighting tasks under supervision
Industry UsageCommon in film, TV, theater, and live eventsUsed across similar industries for technical support

The main difference is that the Lead Lighting Technician manages the lighting team and plans lighting design, while the Lighting Technician focuses on executing lighting tasks. Both roles require similar certifications and are integral to lighting operations in entertainment and event industries.

How much does a lead lighting technician get paid?

A lead lighting technician typically earns between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. They often oversee lighting setups, operate lighting control systems, and coordinate with other production staff, which can influence compensation.
More about Lead Lighting Technician jobs

What states have the most Lead Lighting Technician jobs?

States with the most job openings for Lead Lighting Technician jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Lead Lighting Technician jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Lead Lighting Technician jobs are:

Lead Lighting Technician jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Lighting Technician job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,560 per year, or $25.3 per hour.

Lead Lighting Technician

Technical Operations

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Job Description
Job Description

Job Summary

We are seeking a Lead Lighting Technician to join our team. The ideal candidate will have 8+ years of experience supporting corporate events, broadcasts, live productions, and executive presentations. This role requires expertise in lighting design, programming, operation, maintenance, and leadership within fast-paced live event environments.

The successful candidate will be responsible for creating professional, broadcast-quality lighting solutions while ensuring safe and reliable operation of all lighting systems.

Salary

$80,000 - $100,000 annually, based on experience.

Responsibilities

  • Lead, train, and supervise lighting technicians and stagehands.
  • Act as L1 point of contact for lighting during pre-production, rehearsals, and live events.
  • Interpret show flows, rundowns, and cue sheets; call or execute cues as needed.
  • Design, program, and execute lighting looks for live, recorded, and hybrid events.
  • Coordinate lighting with video systems and LED walls.
  • Work alongside AV and production teams (audio, video, show caller).
  • Maintain and inventory lighting equipment; coordinate repairs and upgrades.
  • Troubleshoot fixtures, signal flow, and control systems quickly.
  • Translate client vision into professional, brand-aligned lighting designs.
  • Maintain high standards under pressure in fast-paced, client-facing environments.
  • Ensure safe cable management and clean workspaces.
  • Maintains positive relationships across departments and event stakeholders.

Experience & Qualifications

  • Minimum 8 years of Lighting or Live Event Production experience.
  • Advanced knowledge of theatrical, broadcast, and corporate event lighting systems.
  • Expert proficiency with ETC Eos lighting consoles.
  • Experience with key, fill, and backlighting for broadcast-quality video.
  • Understanding of color theory, exposure, and camera-friendly lighting techniques.
  • Familiarity with hybrid event workflows, including live streaming and virtual platforms.
  • Understanding of how lighting impacts cameras, codecs, and streaming outputs.
  • Basic knowledge of video switching or audio systems for cross-disciplinary awareness.
  • Experience supporting executive-level and financial-sector events (town halls, webinars, panels).
  • Strong communication skills with producers, presenters, and stakeholders.
  • Professional demeanor suitable for high-security, high-expectation environments.
  • Knowledge of DMX and networked lighting control systems.
  • Experience with rigging basics, power distribution, and safe load practices.
  • Must have strong adherence to OSHA and workplace safety standards.
  • Comfortable working at height (ladders, lifts) and handling rigging equipment.

Join us as a Lead Lighting Technician to bring your expertise to life through innovative lighting solutions that enhance safety, efficiency, and aesthetics across our projects!

Benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off

Work Location: In person

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