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Lighting Department Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

W3Global Inc.

Lighting Department Manger

Phoenix, AZ

$30 - $45/hr

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 ...

ALLEY THEATRE

Overhire Lighting Technician

Houston, TX · On-site

$18/hr

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

ALLEY THEATRE

Overhire Lighting Technician

Houston, TX · On-site

$18/hr

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

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How much do lighting department manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 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 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lighting department manager?

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.

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 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.

Who is the head of the lighting department?

The head of the lighting department is typically the Lighting Department Manager, who oversees lighting design, crew coordination, and equipment management on set or stage. This role often requires knowledge of lighting techniques, industry standards, and leadership skills. The manager reports to the production or technical director and may hold certifications in lighting or related fields.
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Lighting Department Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lighting Department Manager job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,676 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Lighting Department Manager

Atlanta, GA • On-site

TECHNICAL ELEMENTS
Convention and Trade Show Organizers • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about TECHNICAL ELEMENTSexternal

Other

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Working Days: Sunday thru Saturday, driven by events schedule, Approx. 22 days per month broken up into (15-17 Event days, 5-7 Office days)

Travel Required: Yes (approx. 95%)

Technical Elements

As a full-service event production company, we bring professional-grade A/V services, custom event design, and end-to-end support to events of all sizes. From intimate gatherings to large-scale concerts and corporate conferences. Our Atlanta-based team combines industry expertise with an eye for detail, ensuring that every aspect of every event is flawlessly executed.

Job Overview

Technical Elements is seeking a Lighting Department Manager to lead the lighting team across

live events and internal operations. This role oversees lighting design, prep, execution, maintenance, and team coordination to ensure high-quality results for every project.

The Design & Lighting team at Technical Elements supports events from inception to completion and works closely with management, production, warehouse, and repair teams to turn creative concepts into build-ready, real-world solutions.

Responsibilities
  • Lead the lighting department’s daily operations, scheduling, and show support.
  • Lead the drawing, creating, set design, and lighting plots for upcoming events.
  • Oversee lighting prep, maintenance, inventory repair and QC, and documentation.
  • Collaborate with production, warehouse, and sales teams.
  • Supervise, train, and support lighting staff and freelancers
  • Assist with equipment planning, budgeting, and process improvement.
Skills Required
  • Vectorworks Spotlight, Capture, Twinmotion, and other visualization tools.
  • Lighting Consoles: GrandMA 3, GrandMA 2, Jands Vista, High End Systems, Etc.
  • Lighting network control, power, rigging, and troubleshooting.
  • Strong leadership, communication, and organization skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and work well under pressure.
  • Knowledge of lighting plots, technical documentation, and event workflows.
  • A proactive solutions-focused approach with strong attention to detail.
Position Profile

This role is tailor‑made for a hands‑on leader who is equally comfortable organizing systems in the office, designing plots behind a screen, and leading a crew on an event site. You must possess a sharp creative eye, technical precision, operational discipline, and a passion for the fast‑paced lifestyle across the full Technical Elements project life cycle.

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