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Lighting Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lighthouse games

Principal Lighting Artist

Whitehouse, TX · On-site

$73.38 - $120.08/hr

As our Principal Lighting Artist, you will be the driving force behind the lighting and visual atmosphere of our games. You will be responsible for achieving the artistic direction and standards for ...

Lighthouse games

Senior Lighting Artist

Whitehouse, TX · On-site

$60.04 - $86.72/hr

As our Senior Lighting Artist, you will play a key role in shaping the aesthetic and ambience of our games. Lighting is critical to every aspect of content creation and can make or break the ...

New

2K

Lead Lighting Artist

Novato, CA · On-site

As a Lead Lighting Artist at Cloud Chamber, you will join our talented development team to help shape our visual narrative and atmosphere. In this role, you'll collaborate with a passionate group of ...

2K

Lead Lighting Artist

Novato, CA

As a Lead Lighting Artist at Cloud Chamber, you will join our talented development team to help shape our visual narrative and atmosphere. In this role, you'll collaborate with a passionate group of ...

Steamroller Animation

NY · On-site

$80 - $120/hr

About the role As a Senior Unreal Lighting Artist, you aren't just placing lights; you are a visual storyteller. You will be responsible for the final look of cinematic sequences, translating mood ...

TheLab

CGI Lighting

Manhattan, NY · On-site

The CGI Lighting Artist is responsible for creating high-quality lighting and rendering solutions for digital assets across a wide range of client projects. Working within HOME, Wellcom's AI-enabled ...

NAUGHTY DOG, LLC

$95 - $118/hr

As a Cinematic Lighting Artist , you will collaborate with concept artists, animators, VFX artists and fellow lighters to create visually spectacular and engaging cinematic sequences. You will be ...

Cloud Chamber

Lead Lighting Artist

Novato, CA · On-site

As a Lead Lighting Artist at Cloud Chamber, you will join our talented development team to help shape our visual narrative and atmosphere. In this role, you'll collaborate with a passionate group of ...

Cloud Chamber

Lead Lighting Artist

Novato, CA · On-site

As a Lead Lighting Artist at Cloud Chamber, you will join our talented development team to help shape our visual narrative and atmosphere. In this role, you'll collaborate with a passionate group of ...

TheLab

CGI Lighting

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$150K/yr

The CGI Lighting Artist is responsible for creating high-quality lighting and rendering solutions for digital assets across a wide range of client projects. Working within HOME, Wellcom's AI-enabled ...

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Lighting Artist information

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$30.5K

$129.5K

$152.5K

How much do lighting artist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for lighting artist in the United States is $129,541.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $127,000.00 and $152,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lighting artist?

A Lighting Artist is responsible for creating and implementing lighting setups that enhance the mood, atmosphere, and visual quality of scenes in films, video games, or animations. They work with 3D environments, adjusting light sources, shadows, and color tones to achieve artistic and realistic effects. Their role involves collaborating with other artists, such as modelers and texture artists, to ensure consistency in visual storytelling. Lighting Artists also optimize lighting for performance while maintaining high-quality visuals.

What does a lighting artist do?

As a Lighting Artist, your daily responsibilities typically include setting up and adjusting lighting rigs, refining the mood and atmosphere of digital scenes, and collaborating with other departments such as modeling, texturing, and compositing to achieve the desired visual effect. You will review feedback from art directors or supervisors and update scene lighting to meet project goals and maintain visual consistency. Additionally, troubleshooting rendering issues and optimizing lighting setups for performance are common tasks. The role often involves a mix of creative and technical problem-solving, making versatility and attention to detail crucial for success.

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

To thrive as a Lighting Artist, you need a strong understanding of light, color theory, composition, and visual storytelling, typically supported by a degree in art, animation, or a related field. Mastery of industry-standard 3D software such as Maya, Houdini, Unreal Engine, or proprietary rendering tools is essential, and certification in these tools can be advantageous. Strong collaboration, adaptability, and effective communication skills help Lighting Artists work seamlessly with artists, designers, and technical teams. These combined abilities ensure the creation of visually compelling scenes that meet both artistic vision and technical requirements in fast-paced production environments.

Are lighting artists in demand?

Lighting artists are in demand in the entertainment and gaming industries, as they play a key role in creating realistic and visually appealing environments. The demand is driven by the growth of 3D rendering, visual effects, and real-time graphics, requiring skills in software like Maya, Blender, or Unreal Engine. Job opportunities often require a strong portfolio and proficiency in lighting techniques and tools.

How do I become a lighting artist?

To become a lighting artist, you typically need a bachelor's degree in art, computer graphics, or a related field, along with strong skills in 3D modeling, rendering, and lighting techniques. Proficiency in industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, or Unreal Engine is essential, and building a portfolio showcasing lighting work is highly recommended. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions in game or film production can also help establish a career in this field.

How much do lighting artists make?

Lighting artists typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior lighting artists or those working on high-profile projects can earn higher salaries, especially with proficiency in tools like Maya or Unreal Engine. Entry-level positions may start lower but often include benefits and opportunities for advancement.
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Lighting Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lighting Artist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,541 per year, or $62.3 per hour.

Principal Lighting Artist

Lighthouse games

Whitehouse, TX • On-site

$73.38 - $120.08/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Lighthouse Games is a new AAA studio in Leamington Spa. We are defined by our pedigree of talent and serious ambition to build a new best-in-class game. When you join us at Lighthouse, you’ll create the best work of your career within a collaborative, hybrid working environment. You’ll learn from the best and work alongside the future greats of the gaming industry.

As our Principal Lighting Artist, you will be the driving force behind the lighting and visual atmosphere of our games. You will be responsible for achieving the artistic direction and standards for lighting, working closely with the Lead Lighting Artist and other art disciplines to accomplish the highest level of visual quality and immersion. You will provide guidance and feedback to other teams to ensure consistent and validated lighting across all aspects of the game.

You will be heavily involved in the technical aspects of lighting, collaborating with the Technical Artists and Graphics Developers to implement advanced lighting systems and optimize performance. You will also contribute to the development of tools and pipelines to streamline the lighting workflow and enhance productivity.

  • Extensive experience as a Senior/Principal Lighting Artist in the games industry, with a strong portfolio showcasing your lighting work
  • Expertise in lighting principles, colour theory, and composition
  • Proven leadership experience, with the ability to guide and inspire a team of lighting artists
  • Deep knowledge of lighting tools and software, such as Unreal Engine, Maya, or equivalent
  • Strong technical proficiency, with a solid understanding of advanced lighting techniques and optimization
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work closely with cross-functional teams
  • Passion for pushing the boundaries of visual quality and creating immersive experiences
  • 25 Days Holiday, plus 1 day for your birthday
  • Studio Shutdown between Christmas and New Year
  • Discretionary Bonus Scheme
  • Private Pension Scheme
  • Private Healthcare
  • Health and Well-Being Benefits
  • Dental Care
  • Optical treatments
  • Mental Health Support
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