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Lighting Designer Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

4pconsultinginc

Lighting Specialist II

Birmingham, AL · On-site

Position Summary The Lighting Specialist II is responsible for evaluating, designing, and supporting NEC-compliant lighting solutions for residential, commercial, industrial, athletic field, and ...

Genesis Technical Staffing, Inc.

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Electrical Designer

Mobile, AL · On-site

Design lighting systems and perform lighting level calculations using software such as Visual or AGi32. * Ensure designs comply with NEC, IBC, IECC, NFPA, and local electrical codes. * Coordinate ...

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All JobsLighting Designer JobsLighting Designer Jobs in Alabama

Lighting Designer information

See Alabama salary details

$44.4K

$66K

$85.2K

How much do lighting designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for lighting designer in Alabama is $65,955.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,900.00 and $72,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are lighting designers in demand?

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

What does a lighting designer do?

A Lighting Designer is responsible for creating the lighting scheme for theatrical productions, concerts, events, film, or architectural spaces. They work closely with directors, set designers, and other team members to establish the mood, focus, and atmosphere through lighting. Their role includes choosing lighting equipment, creating lighting plots, programming lighting consoles, and overseeing the setup and operation during performances. Lighting Designers use both creative and technical skills to enhance the visual impact of a production or environment.

What is a lighting designer?

A lighting designer (LD) designs the lighting setup for a stage production. It’s your job to create a “light plot” that dictates when and where specific lighting is needed on stage. Your typical job duties involve determining areas the light is needed, creating light cues for lighting changes, and collaborating with lighting technicians and electricians. Other common responsibilities are to edit the plan during rehearsals. Some lighting designers also manage the lighting budget. The job doesn’t usually entail actually running the lighting during performances.

What are some common challenges lighting designers face when working on live events or productions?

Lighting Designers often work under tight deadlines and must adapt quickly to last-minute changes in production or creative direction. Coordinating with directors, set designers, and technical crews requires clear communication to ensure the lighting plan enhances the overall vision without causing technical issues. Balancing creative goals with practical constraints like budget, venue limitations, and safety regulations is a frequent challenge. Additionally, troubleshooting equipment or programming issues during rehearsals or live performances demands strong problem-solving skills and the ability to stay calm under pressure.

What is the difference between Lighting Designer vs Lighting Technician?

AspectLighting DesignerLighting Technician
CredentialsOften requires a degree in lighting design, theater, or related field; certifications like CLD (Certified Lighting Designer) are commonTypically has technical training or certification in lighting technology or electrical work; may have hands-on experience
Work EnvironmentDesigns lighting plans for theaters, events, film, and architectural projectsSets up, operates, and maintains lighting equipment on set or stage
Employer & IndustryEmployed by theaters, production companies, architectural firms, or freelanceWorks for production companies, theaters, or as freelancers in live events and film

While both roles work with lighting, the Lighting Designer focuses on creating the overall lighting concept and plans, whereas the Lighting Technician handles the technical setup and operation of lighting equipment based on those designs.

How much money does a lighting designer make?

Lighting designers typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, location, and industry sector. Senior or specialized lighting designers working on large projects or in entertainment and theater may earn higher salaries or project-based fees. Many also supplement income through freelance work or consulting.

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 strong understanding of lighting principles, color theory, and spatial design, often supported by a relevant degree or training in theatrical or architectural lighting. Familiarity with lighting design software (such as AutoCAD, Vectorworks, or WYSIWYG), lighting control systems, and industry-standard fixtures is essential. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective collaboration with directors and other design professionals are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure visually compelling, safe, and technically feasible lighting solutions that meet both artistic and practical project requirements.
More about Lighting Designer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Lighting Designer jobs in Alabama? The most popular types of Lighting Designer jobs in Alabama are:
What are popular job titles related to Lighting Designer jobs in Alabama? For Lighting Designer jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lighting Designer jobs in Alabama look for? The top searched job categories for Lighting Designer jobs in Alabama are:
What cities in Alabama are hiring for Lighting Designer jobs? Cities in Alabama with the most Lighting Designer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Lighting Designer jobs in AL? For Lighting Designer jobs in AL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Lighting Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lighting Designer job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $65,955 per year, or $31.7 per hour.

Lighting Designer

Ghafari Associates LLC

Birmingham, AL

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Job Description:

General Summary

The Lighting Designer, with some supervision from the Director of Electrical Engineering or senior staff, provides design, analysis and engineering for lighting, lighting control systems and circuiting for new construction and/or renovation of industrial and commercial structures in conformance to client requirements and applicable codes. The Lighting Designer will also provide the design and engineering to develop the construction documents for the installation, interconnection and control of lighting fixtures.

Essential Job Functions:

  • Possess / demonstrate the engineering knowledge and understanding to design, analyze, and engineer electrical systems for the installation, interconnection, and control of lighting systems, sizing of equipment, etc.
  • Review and/or establish project scope, electrical budget, design approach, and applicable constraints with the Project Manager or client as appropriate.
  • Adhere to project quality, budget, and schedule.
  • Prepare feasibility studies and schematic design packages of lighting, lighting control systems, etc.
  • Possess / demonstrate the graphic ability to produce construction documents per company standards whether presenting mark-ups to CAD drafter or performing CAD drafting.
  • Communication and work with all other disciplines to produce coordinated construction documents.
  • With assistance, edit and draft project specifications.
  • Conduct field measuring and checking at the project site.
  • Maintain organized project file containing project calculations, correspondence, appropriate reference materials, etc.
  • Review project submittals (shop drawings) for conformance with contract documents; specify action required for conformance.
  • Perform related duties as assigned.

Employment Qualifications:

Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.

Experience

  • 3-6+ years related experience in the lighting design engineering field

Certification:

  • Lighting Certification (L.C). preferred

Skills/Competencies:

  • Proficiency in Autodesk Revit and AutoCAD
  • Proficiency in AGI32 and ElumTools Lighting Design Software
  • Knowledge and application skills for design of facility lighting systems including lighting and power branch distribution
  • Bluebeam
  • BIM 360 and Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC)
  • Excellent written and verbal communication
  • Strong attention to detail

Since 1982, Ghafari Associates has taken a personal approach to highly technical projects in complex markets including: aviation, manufacturing, healthcare, retail, hospitality, K-12 and higher education. As a global team of engineers, architects, process designers, and consultants we blend insight with technological innovation helping clients elevate their efficiency, sustainability, and impact.

Continuously rated aTop Workplace to Work, Crain'sCool Place to Work, and aBest and Brightestcompany to work for in the US, Ghafari has made a name for itself through our culture, employee benefits, andportfolio of projects.

Over a quarter of Ghafari employees have diverse identities that are championed by our growing approach to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Ghafari supports hybrid and in-office work environments.

Through career mapping, Ghafari employees are encouraged to seek licensure, coached for knowledge growth, and provided opportunities for management and mentorship roles if interested. Our robust internship program recognizes undergraduate and graduate students from across the world, having an over 90% success rate of hiring our interns after graduation.

Join our team and work on forward-thinking projects all around the world. Ghafari's global reach creates an environment where individuals can build professional relationships while building sustainable and cutting-edge facilities. Are you ready to take that leap? Apply Now!

Ghafari Associates, LLC is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities in the employment application process. If you need an accommodation due to a disability in order to use our online system to apply for a position at Ghafari Associates, LLC, you may apply for positions in the following ways:

Connect to our job portal (https://ghafari.jobs)
By fax at 313.436.8624; Attn: Human Resources
By mail at 17101 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn, MI 48126; Attn: Human Resources
In person at 17101 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn, MI 48126.
By email at hr@ghafari.com
If there are any questions or additional accommodations that are required, please contact 313.441.3000 for assistance.

It is Ghafari Associates, LLC's policy not to discriminate in its employment and personnel practices because of a person's race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, age, weight, height, marital, pregnancy or parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, status as a qualified individual with a disability or a protected veteran, or any other classification protected by federal, state or local law or ordinance.

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