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Lighting Design Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

George Sexton Associates, LLC

Be Seen First

Senior Lighting Designer - Architect

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Our projects are centered around lighting design and production for world-class museums, commercial, and residential projects. Working with GSA offers an opportunity to challenge yourself ...

George Sexton Associates, LLC

Be Seen First

Senior Lighting Designer - Architect

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Our projects are centered around lighting design and production for world-class museums, commercial, and residential projects. Working with GSA offers an opportunity to challenge yourself ...

George Sexton Associates, LLC

Be Seen First

Junior Lighting Designer - Architect

Washington, DC · On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

The work involves lighting design and production for world-class museums, commercial, and residential projects. Working with GSA offers an opportunity to challenge yourself professionally and work ...

George Sexton Associates, LLC

Be Seen First

Junior Lighting Designer - Architect

Washington, DC · On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

The work involves lighting design and production for world-class museums, commercial, and residential projects. Working with GSA offers an opportunity to challenge yourself professionally and work ...

Union Church

Lighting Director

Glen Burnie, MD

Lighting Design & Programming (50%) * Create and implement lighting designs that enhance worship services, events, and broadcasts using GrandMA3 consoles. Routing, Patching, and System Management (20%

Union Church

Lighting Director

Glen Burnie, MD · On-site

Lighting Design & Programming (50%) * Create and implement lighting designs that enhance worship services, events, and broadcasts using GrandMA3 consoles. Routing, Patching, and System Management (20%

Union Church

Lighting Director

Glen Burnie, MD · On-site

Lighting Design & Programming (50%) * Create and implement lighting designs that enhance worship services, events, and broadcasts using GrandMA3 consoles. Routing, Patching, and System Management (20%

EXP

Electrical Design Engineer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$161K - $171K/yr

... lighting, photometrics, and lighting controls into design drawings and specifications; perform field verification and take-offs of existing systems for renovation projects with minimal assistance ...

exp

Electrical Design Engineer

Fairfax, VA

$161K - $171K/yr

... lighting, photometrics, and lighting controls into design drawings and specifications; perform field verification and take-offs of existing systems for renovation projects with minimal assistance ...

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All JobsLighting Design JobsLighting Design Jobs in Washington

Lighting Design information

See Washington salary details

$55.5K

$82.4K

$106.5K

How much do lighting design jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for lighting design in Washington is $82,416.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,600.00 and $90,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Lighting Design vs Lighting Technician?

AspectLighting DesignLighting Technician
CredentialsDegree in lighting design, architecture, or related field; certifications like LC or CLDTechnical training, certifications in electrical work or lighting installation
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, client meetings, project planningOn-site installation, maintenance, and operation of lighting systems
Employer & IndustryArchitectural firms, entertainment, theater, commercial projectsConstruction companies, event production, theater, film sets

Lighting Design involves creating lighting plans and concepts, focusing on aesthetics and functionality. Lighting Technicians execute these plans through installation and maintenance. While both roles work closely, Lighting Designers focus on design and planning, whereas Lighting Technicians handle the technical implementation.

How much does a lighting designer get paid?

Lighting designers typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, location, and project complexity. Senior or specialized lighting designers working on large-scale projects can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $100,000 annually. Compensation may also include benefits such as health insurance and opportunities for overtime or freelance work.

How do lighting designers typically collaborate with architects and other team members during a project?

Lighting designers often work closely with architects, interior designers, and engineers to ensure that lighting plans enhance both the aesthetics and functionality of a space. Early in a project, they participate in design meetings to understand the vision and constraints, then develop lighting concepts that complement the architectural elements. Throughout the project, they coordinate with other disciplines to address technical requirements, budget limitations, and installation logistics, making communication and teamwork essential skills for success in this role.

What is lighting design?

Lighting design is the art and science of planning and creating lighting solutions for various environments, such as theaters, architectural spaces, events, or film sets. Lighting designers use their knowledge of aesthetics, technology, and spatial awareness to enhance visibility, mood, and functionality within a space. They select and position lighting fixtures, choose colors and intensities, and often collaborate with architects, interior designers, or directors to achieve the desired effect. Good lighting design can dramatically influence the atmosphere and usability of a space.

What does a lighting designer do?

A lighting designer plans and creates lighting schemes for various environments such as theaters, events, or architectural projects. They select and position lighting fixtures, use design software, and collaborate with clients and other professionals to achieve the desired visual effect. Knowledge of electrical systems, color theory, and industry standards is essential for this role.

How do you become a lighting designer?

To become a lighting designer, individuals typically pursue a bachelor's degree in lighting design, theater, architecture, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships, developing skills with lighting software, and building a portfolio are important steps; professional certifications can also enhance job prospects.

Are lighting designers in demand?

Lighting designers are in demand in industries such as architecture, entertainment, and events, where specialized knowledge of lighting technology and design principles is valued. Employment opportunities depend on project availability and regional development, with skills in CAD software and knowledge of energy-efficient lighting increasing job prospects.

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

To thrive as a Lighting Designer, you need a solid background in design principles, spatial awareness, and technical knowledge of lighting systems, often supported by a degree in lighting design, architecture, or a related field. Familiarity with lighting design software such as AutoCAD, DIALux, or Revit, as well as understanding industry standards and certifications like LEED or IES, is crucial. Creative problem-solving, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help Lighting Designers translate client needs into effective visual solutions. These skills and qualifications ensure that lighting designs are both aesthetically pleasing and functionally effective, meeting safety, sustainability, and client requirements.
What are the most commonly searched types of Lighting Design jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Lighting Design jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Lighting Design jobs in Washington? For Lighting Design jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lighting Design jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Lighting Design jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Lighting Design jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Lighting Design job openings:
Lighting Design jobs near you
Senior Lighting Designer - Architect

Senior Lighting Designer - Architect

George Sexton Associates, LLC

Washington, DC • On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

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Job description

Senior Lighting Designer

George Sexton Associates (GSA) is seeking to hire a creative, knowledgeable Senior Lighting Designer to add to our collaborative design team at both our DC and NYC offices. Our projects are centered around lighting design and production for world-class museums, commercial, and residential projects. Working with GSA offers an opportunity to challenge yourself professionally and work with a highly-regarded and globally-recognized firm.

Overview: The Senior Lighting Designer collaborates with a team of project managers, junior lighting designers and other team members to develop lighting designs and corresponding documents that align with the client’s specifications and needs.

The Senior Lighting Designer provides design expertise and project management support in a team environment.

Important skills & experience includes:

  • Project or Program Management experience
  • Excellent communication skills in order to understand design needs and specifications, including energy requirements, for lighting design projects.
  • Ability to develop a lighting design and all lighting design documents in response to client’s specifications and needs, while working on a team.
  • Familiarity with commercial lighting fixtures and ability to select appropriate fixtures for projects in order to meet the client’s requests.
  • Ability to develop architectural drawings that will ultimately be included in the final planset.
  • Understanding of whether or not lighting installations are occurring in compliance with the design documents and ability to work to rectify issues that arise in order to satisfy the client.
  • Travelling for meetings and site visits are expected, as required by the project.

Qualifications:

  • Degree in lighting design.
  • Interest in lighting design with degree in architecture, architecture engineering, electrical engineering, interior design, or related field
  • Minimum 5 years of experience in the lighting design field.
  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Microsoft Office, COMCheck, daylight design, energy code compliance, Bluebeam, AutoCAD, Revit
  • Final aim and adjust on site.
  • Strong problem solving, research, and communication skills

Compensation: Salary is commensurate with experience. GSA provides excellent benefits, including health, dental, vision and 401k. There is opportunity for advancement with this position and within the firm.

How to Apply: Please visit www.gsadc.com/careers

EO Statement: GSA is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

Company Description

George Sexton Associates (GSA), has brought an established yet innovative approach to the fields of lighting design and museum design since the firm was founded in 1980. During this period, GSA has completed a wide range of lighting design projects that vary in size from large scale urban, commercial and institutional projects to smaller scale residential projects. In each project, GSA strives to integrate architectural, aesthetic and functional considerations, with the technical, budget and schedule requirements of our clients.
George Sexton Associates has developed an extensive portfolio of involvement with complex lighting design projects, including educational organizations, museums and galleries, landscapes and parks, capitol buildings, opera houses, libraries, hospitals, office buildings, rapid transit systems, sports arenas, outdoor sculpture, churches and public plazas. Examples of smaller projects include private art collections, residences and specific portions of larger projects such as public areas.
The staff at George Sexton Associates is comprised of professionals with a wide variety of complementary skills which we believe improves our ability to respond to the diverse needs of lighting design projects, design teams and our clients. Creative collaboration between the client's team and GSA, from the early stages of a project through completion, enhances our ability to assist with the development of effective design solutions that are informed by budget and scheduling goals.
George Sexton Associates is structured to handle all phases of a project from inception to completion, by consulting with architects, designers and engineers on the conceptual implications of light and identifying the critical issues involved. We offer detailed follow-through, including value-engineering, review of shop drawings, coordination, field observation, and on-site focusing to ensure that the lighting concepts are optimally achieved. Our method of team working is well suited for projects of varying size and complexity and the organizational structure of each project is determined by the requirements of the project itself.