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Lighting Department Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Lighting Department Manager is responsible for leading lighting operations with a primary focus on warehouse management, equipment readiness, and team leadership, ensuring all systems are fully ...

Senior position within the lighting department with responsibility to manage mentoring, workload and daily tasks of junior staff at a project level. They have passed the LC exam and completed the ...

Overhire Lighting Technicians will service both Alley theatre spaces for load-ins, changeovers ... about department issues; demonstrates efficient time management and prioritizes workload ...

Lighting Designer II

Manhattan, NY · Hybrid

$90K - $120K/yr

Senior position within the lighting department with responsibility to manage mentoring, workload and daily tasks of junior staff at a project level. They have passed the LC exam and completed the ...

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Lighting Department Manager information

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How much do lighting department manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for lighting department manager in the United States is $22.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Lighting Department Manager vs Lighting Technician?

AspectLighting Department ManagerLighting Technician
CredentialsRelevant certifications (e.g., ETC, LDI), experience in lighting design and managementTechnical certifications, training in lighting operation and setup
Work EnvironmentOversees entire lighting department, manages teams, plans lighting strategiesOperates lighting equipment, sets up and maintains lighting during productions
Industry UsageUsed in film, theater, live events, and broadcast industries for leadership rolesCommonly employed on set or stage for technical execution

The Lighting Department Manager focuses on overseeing the entire lighting team, planning lighting strategies, and managing projects, while the Lighting Technician handles the hands-on setup, operation, and maintenance of lighting equipment. Both roles are essential in production environments but differ in responsibilities and scope.

What does a Lighting Department Manager do?

A Lighting Department Manager oversees the operations of the lighting department in a film, television, theater, or event production. Their responsibilities include managing lighting technicians, coordinating with directors and designers to achieve creative lighting goals, and ensuring all equipment is maintained and safely operated. They are also in charge of budgeting for lighting needs, scheduling staff, and troubleshooting technical issues that arise during production. Their role is vital to creating the desired visual atmosphere and ensuring the safety and efficiency of lighting setups.

What are some common challenges faced by a Lighting Department Manager, and how can they be effectively addressed?

A Lighting Department Manager often encounters challenges such as balancing creative vision with budget constraints, coordinating schedules among multiple departments, and staying up-to-date with rapidly evolving lighting technologies. Effective communication with directors, production designers, and technical teams is essential to ensure everyone’s needs are met. Proactively planning, maintaining flexibility, and investing in ongoing training can help address these challenges, leading to smoother productions and a stronger team dynamic.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lighting Department Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lighting Department Manager, you need in-depth knowledge of lighting design, electrical systems, and project management, often backed by a degree in a relevant field and industry experience. Familiarity with lighting control software, CAD programs, and safety regulations is typically required. Leadership, problem-solving, and strong communication skills help you manage teams, coordinate with clients, and deliver successful projects. These competencies ensure efficient operations, client satisfaction, and safe, high-quality lighting solutions.

How much do lighting people get paid?

Lighting department managers typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the production or organization. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced managers overseeing large projects can earn higher salaries, often supplemented with benefits and overtime pay.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

In the lighting industry, high-level Lighting Department Managers working on major film or television productions can earn around $2,000 per day, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and union membership. Such roles often require strong leadership, technical expertise, and the ability to manage large crews and complex setups in demanding environments.

What does a lighting manager do?

A lighting manager oversees the design, installation, and operation of lighting systems for productions, events, or facilities. They coordinate with other departments, select appropriate lighting equipment, and ensure safety and compliance standards are met, often using control consoles and lighting design software. Strong leadership, technical knowledge, and attention to detail are essential for this role.

How much money does a lighting technician make?

Lighting technicians typically earn between $30,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of projects. Entry-level technicians may start at lower wages, while experienced professionals working on large productions or with specialized skills can earn higher salaries.
More about Lighting Department Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Lighting Department Manager jobs? Cities with the most Lighting Department Manager job openings:
What states have the most Lighting Department Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Lighting Department Manager jobs include:
Infographic showing various Lighting Department Manager job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 18% Full Time, 72% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 7% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 84% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,676 per year, or $22.4 per hour.
Lighting Department Manger

Lighting Department Manger

W3Global Inc.

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

$30 - $45/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:-

  • The Lighting Department Manager is responsible for leading lighting operations with a primary focus on warehouse management, equipment readiness, and team leadership, ensuring all systems are fully prepared for seamless event execution.

  • On-site involvement is provided as needed to support critical execution and resolve complex issues. This role ensures that all lighting systems are properly prepped, maintained, and deployed to deliver reliable, high-quality results across all live events and rentals.

Responsibilities:-

Department Leadership:-

  • Lead, manage, and develop lighting technicians and warehouse staff

  • Conduct regular team briefings to communicate priorities, delegate tasks, and align on upcoming events

  • Plan and allocate labor across warehouse prep and on-site execution in coordination with Project Management

  • Maintain a culture of accountability, organization, and quality control

  • Conduct performance reviews and support ongoing team development.

Warehouse Operations:-

  • Inventory & Asset Management Maintain accurate, organized inventory of all lighting equipment Track location, condition, and availability of fixtures, consoles, and accessories

  • Oversee check-in/check-out processes and ensure proper documentation

  • Ensure proper labeling, case organization, and storage standards

  • Forecast equipment shortages and coordinate solutions in collaboration with Project Managers

Show Prep & System Readiness:-

  • Oversee preparation, testing and configuration of lighting systems prior to events

  • Supervise setup and testing of consoles (e.g., grandMA3), DMX nodes, and network systems

  • Build racks and systems configurations for efficient deployment

Cable & Infrastructure Management:-

  • Maintain and test all cabling (DMX, power, Ethernet, Socapex, etc.)

  • Enforce proper coiling, labeling, and storage practices Coordinate cable repairs and fabrication as needed

Maintenance, Prep & Quality Control:-

  • Lead warehouse prep teams and assign daily operational tasks Implement preventative maintenance schedules for lighting fixtures and systems Troubleshoot and repair equipment issues (movement, LED, cooling, firmware); coordinate external repairs as needed

  • Develop and enforce SOPs for prep, packing, and quality control

  • Oversee post-event returns, ensuring inspection, servicing, and readiness before re-entry into inventory

Equipment & Technology Oversight:-

  • Evaluate and recommend lighting technology and equipment investments Ensure compatibility and consistency across systems, venues, and event types Maintain scalability and reliability of lighting packages Provide technical support and troubleshooting for internal teams and clients

On-Site Operations & Event Execution (AS NEEDED):-

  • Oversee load-in, setup, and system checks to ensure alignment with warehouse prep standards

  • Ensure safe and efficient installation practices

  • Troubleshoot and support decision-making under live event conditions

  • Operate or supervise lighting systems during events as required

  • Collaborate with audio, video, and rigging teams to ensure seamless execution

Leadership Skills:-

Leads and develops a high-performing lighting team aligned with company standards and core values

Drives accountability, collaboration, and consistent execution across the department

Delegates effectively, sets clear expectations, and manages performance against defined standards

Communication & Collaboration:-

Builds trust and communicates effectively with internal and external stakeholders at all levels

Demonstrates active listening to understand business and client needs

Resilience & Drive:-

Highly motivated with a proactive, hands-on approach

Ability to operate independently and perform under pressure

Strong sense of ownership, translating the department vision into clear direction and standards

Maintains high standards for work quality, pace, and execution

Lighting and Technical Expertise:-

Strong knowledge of professional lighting systems, equipment, and control (fixtures, consoles, networking)

Solid understanding of system integration, signal flow, and troubleshooting across live event environments

Familiarity with current industry standards, technologies, and best practices

Organization & Systems:-

  • Strong prioritization and organizational discipline across multiple projects Strong attention to detail

  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and perform under pressure

Experience:-

  • 5 years of experience in live event production (concerts, corporate events, festivals, touring, or venue-based productions) Experience managing/leading teams highly desired

  • Experience in Lighting Design and/or Programming is a plus Valid driver's license Willingness to travel, including occasional short notice

  • Experience with Flex or similar inventory systems is a plus

Benefits:-

  • Dental insurance

  • Health insurance

  • Paid time off

  • Vision insurance

Work Location: In person


W3Global logo

About W3Global

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

W3Global has been delivering staffing solutions for nearly two decades; we know which recruiting strategies work best. Our expert team is committed to developing a customized solution to fit your company’s unique needs. As a W3Global client, you’ll also receive personalized assistance from a seasoned team of staffing specialists. We are committed to providing both technical support and industry expertise to simplify the hiring process. We know that your time matters. W3Global will help you streamline the hiring process, getting it done and getting it right.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Frisco, TX, US

Year founded

2006