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Lighting Department Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Reporting to the Lighting Manager, the Lighting Estimator is a key member of the lighting team ... Provide Lighting Department support for all company departments, including potential site visits as ...

The Lighting Director will function as the lead for the lighting department on assigned productions ... The position will also be responsible for managing and maintaining the lighting inventory for their ...

The Lighting Director will function as the lead for the lighting department on assigned productions ... The position will also be responsible for managing and maintaining the lighting inventory for their ...

Develops, monitors and manages the department's operating budget in support of the group or office ... Oversees various power and communications infrastructure design including street lighting, traffic ...

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Lighting Department Manager information

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$12

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$35

How much do lighting department manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 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?

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.
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,676 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Lighting Supervisor (Head Lighting)

Confluence Council Inc

Eau Claire, WI • On-site

$17 - $23.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Description:

SCOPE OF REPSONSIBILITIES

The primary responsibility of the Lighting Supervisor is to oversee the production lighting department and implement lighting needs for events presented by and/or at the Pablo Center. This position helps lead the Production Team to execute production details of multiple events, with many occurring simultaneously or in close sequence in Pablo Center’s two theatres and alternate event spaces. The Lighting Supervisor will creatively solve production problems while working within the guidelines of labor and rental agreements, budgets, existing inventory, available schedule; and in keeping with the policies, procedures, and standards of Pablo Center. The Lighting Supervisor will manage and maintain the lighting inventories for Pablo Center as well as assist in establishing standards and procedures for lighting systems throughout the Center.


The Lighting Supervisor will ensure UWEC campus events held at Pablo Center are adequately lit, such as Department of Music concerts and Chancellor’s Office events. In addition, the Lighting Supervisor will provide support for community events held at Pablo Center in roles ranging from technician, advisor, or mentor.


This is a full-time, exempt position. As such, the Lighting Supervisor must be able to work flexible shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays as determined by the Pablo Center calendar.


This staff member is responsible for upholding the Pablo Center Mission through dedicated job performance and service excellence, with a commitment to holistic student development, and will exhibit behaviors that properly represent Pablo Center’s mission, vision and values including taking substantive measures to create and maintain an inclusive environment free of bias, leading and communicating in a way that champions diversity, and creating inclusive awareness for greater understanding of diversity.


PRINCIPAL FUNCTIONS & DUTIES

? Serve as House Electrician/House Lighting Designer/House Lighting Director for events presented by Pablo Center – including national touring productions – and for constituent productions as needed.

? Advise affiliate theatre companies on Pablo Center lighting standards and procedures.

? Maintain lighting equipment, track lighting inventory, and keep accurate light plots and paperwork.

? Conduct lighting calls as needed to advance, strike and restore light plots as well as perform maintenance.

? Assist in training crew on safe, professional standards for lighting installation and care.

? Assist with advancing shows and providing visiting Designers and Technicians with accurate information.

? Serve as House LD and/or Board Op for certain events presented by Pablo Center as needed.

? Coordinate crew and work assignments with other Pablo Center departments.

? Participate in training for position, safety, first aid, and emergency procedures.

? Follow the employee handbook and code of conduct.

? Know safety protocols for lighting work and alert staff when safety is an issue.

? Wear PPE in accordance with current building, county health, and OSHA guidelines.

? Work collaboratively for extended periods of time in close proximity (i.e., distances under five feet) with Artists, Patrons, Students, Community Members, and Pablo Center Staff.

? Other duties as assigned or as experience and opportunity allow.

Requirements:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

? At least 18 years of age.

? Bachelor’s degree in a relevant area of study from a nationally accredited institution or comparable professional experience.

? Previously demonstrated strong leadership, mentoring and training experience in performing arts production.

? Production experience in venues of varying sizes.

? Minimum of 2 – 4 years of professional experience in theatrical or concert lighting. ? Knowledge and understanding of principles of lighting design and technology, and electrical safety.

? Fluent in conventional, LED and moving light fixtures, including hang, focus, circuiting, and patching.

? Able to read a light plot and lighting paperwork and effectively communicate data to crew.

? Strong, effective, and positive interpersonal and communication skills.

? Fixture repair and maintenance skills

? Positive completion of a criminal background check

? Valid driver’s license.


PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

? B.A. or B.F.A. in Theatre or comparable professional experience; with training in multiple departments of technical theatre and production design including – but not limited to – lighting, rigging, projections, audio, stagecraft, and stage management.

? Previous professional experience in theatre and live production as a Production Electrician/L1.

? Able to program within the EOS family of consoles. Pablo Center uses the ETC Gio@5 in both main spaces

? Experience with automated lighting programming and DMX protocols.

? Computer proficiency as it relates to current lighting and projections technology, preferably in both Mac and Windows environments.

? Working knowledge of Vectorworks Spotlight and Lightwright 6.

? Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, PowerPoint

? Experience in a training role and managing people of varying backgrounds and skill sets in professional and pre-professional environments.

? Able to effectively lead a group, work within a group, and work independently.

? Organized, attentive, accountable, and creative.

? Effective at prioritising, troubleshooting and problem-solving.

? Strong interest in providing a superior experience to artists and audiences.

? Established commitment to maintaining a safe work environment.


PHYSICAL DEMANDS

? Must be willing to work on ladders and at heights exceeding 25’ in bucket, boom, or scissor lifts.

? Must be able to work independently in elevated, exposed workspaces such as front-of-house catwalk positions, lighting grids, and fly towers.

? Must be able to properly use fall-protection equipment.

? Must have manual dexterity to efficiently operate a keyboard, use hand tools, and grasp small objects.