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Lighting Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

IA Interior Architects

Lighting Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Lighting Designer Please include a portfolio or work samples with your application. Experience and skills in Revit are a plus! IA Interior Architects translates client goals, brand and culture into ...

HLB Lighting Design

Lighting Designer

Culver City, CA · On-site

$76K - $81K/yr

Position is 70% designer / 30% project manager. Achieving Results - Project Responsibilities * Use ... Bachelor's degree or above in Lighting Design or Architectural Engineering or Architecture or ...

legence

Lighting Designer

El Segundo, CA

CMTA Lighting, a Business Unit of CMTA, formerly known as AMA Group, seeks an enthusiastic and creative Lighting Designer to join our team. The ideal candidate will have recent architectural lighting ...

W3Global Inc.

Lighting Designer

El Cajon, CA · Hybrid

$80K - $120K/yr

Lighting Designer Employment Type: Full-Time, Hybrid (2 days onsite) Location: El Cajon, CA Job Summary: We are seeking a detail-oriented Lighting Designer with strong technical design skills and ...

Stanford Hotels

Lighting Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$40/hr

Pay Range: $40.00-$43.00, overtime eligible The Lighting Designer will support the Director of Lighting Design on upcoming design projects. The ideal candidate is collaborative, pro-active, self ...

Americas Region

Lighting Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

As lighting designers, we use the medium of light to shape and influence how people interact with the built environment and our team creates expressive, sustainable and award-winning concepts with ...

HLB Lighting Design

Lighting Designer

Culver City, CA · On-site

$76K - $81K/yr

Position is 70% designer / 30% project manager. Achieving Results - Project Responsibilities * Use ... Bachelor's degree or above in Lighting Design or Architectural Engineering or Architecture or ...

Arup

Lighting Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

As lighting designers, we use the medium of light to shape and influence how people interact with the built environment and our team creates expressive, sustainable and award-winning concepts with ...

AlfaTech

Sr. Designer (Lighting)

Monrovia, CA · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Sr. Lighting Designer About Us At AlfaTech we believe in more than just engineering solutions; we believe in promoting a culture of agility, collaboration, and inclusion. As a leading consulting ...

AlfaTech

Sr. Designer (Lighting)

Monrovia, CA · On-site

Sr. Lighting Designer About Us At AlfaTech we believe in more than just engineering solutions; we believe in promoting a culture of agility, collaboration, and inclusion. As a leading consulting ...

AlfaTech

Sr. Designer (Lighting)

Monrovia, CA · Hybrid

Sr. Lighting Designer About Us At AlfaTech we believe in more than just engineering solutions; we believe in promoting a culture of agility, collaboration, and inclusion. As a leading consulting ...

AlfaTech

Sr. Designer (Lighting)

Monrovia, CA · On-site

Salary: $90,000 - $100,000 Sr. Lighting Designer About Us At AlfaTech we believe in more than just engineering solutions; we believe in promoting a culture of agility, collaboration, and inclusion.

Rebel and Company Lighting

Be Seen First

Retail Sales and Lighting design

Los Gatos, CA · On-site

$60K - $90K/yr

Pay: $60,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year Lighting Designer & Sales Rebel and Company Lighting Los Gatos, CA | Full-Time | In-Person Are you a passionate lighting and interior design professional who ...

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All JobsLighting Designer JobsLighting Designer Jobs in California

Lighting Designer information

See California salary details

$48.4K

$71.8K

$92.8K

How much do lighting designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for lighting designer in California is $71,814.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,100.00 and $79,000.00 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 California? The most popular types of Lighting Designer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Lighting Designer jobs in California? For Lighting Designer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lighting Designer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Lighting Designer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Lighting Designer jobs? Cities in California with the most Lighting Designer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Lighting Designer jobs in CA? For Lighting Designer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Lighting Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lighting Designer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,814 per year, or $34.5 per hour.

Lighting Designer

IA Interior Architects

San Francisco, CA

$70K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Position: Lighting Designer
 
Please include a portfolio or work samples with your application. Experience and skills in Revit are a plus!
 

IA Interior Architects translates client goals, brand and culture into powerful environments built around people, processes, technologies and business drivers.  Our clients in diverse markets worldwide require high-performance, visually compelling and sustainable environments to move their enterprise forward, support their culture, engage their staff, integrate technology and drive efficiencies.  As architects, designers, workplace strategists and environmental specialists in the largest global architecture firm concentrating exclusively on interiors, we help clients articulate and align their business strategies and core values with the dynamic use of space.

Our team members are collaborative, creative, professional, expert and entrepreneurial.  Joining our team requires skill, daring, leadership, teaming, humor and a love of interiors.  We are presently searching for a Lighting Designer for our San Francisco Studio.  The Lighting Designer, working under the leadership of a more senior Lighting team member or Project Manager, designs and develops architectural lighting from schematic through construction documents. May also be involved in design strategy and concept development depending on level of experience. 

Other responsibilities include:

  • Actively participates in and oversees the design, development and production of Lighting Designs
  • Prepares lighting plans, lighting schedules, specifications, sections, elevations and drawing packages
  • Creates innovative, creative and complete design concepts and may present to clients
  • May mentor the work of Junior and Intermediate Lighting Designers

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Lighting Design, Industrial Design; equivalent experience may be substituted
  • 5+ years of experience or equivalent educational experience: architectural lighting design; custom light fixture design, detailing for lighting and 3D design/visualization

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Demonstrated competency in all phases of architectural lighting
  • Expert knowledge of working drawings and procedures
  • Knowledge of electrical principles as they relate to artificial lighting
  • Intermediate knowledge of lighting control systems, energy codes, and energy-efficient design principles
  • Proven ability to work collaboratively 

  • Intermediate presentation and graphic communication skills

As well as Advanced skills and/or knowledge in the following areas:

  • Knowledge of lighting products
  • Sketching and rendering skills
  • Revit skills, a plus
  • Lighting calc skills (AGI132, Elumtools or similiar)
  • Adobe Create Suite skills
  • Verbal and written communication skills

Please submit a portfolio or work examples with your application

Salary: $70,000 - $90,000 annually, pending licensing, education, and industry experience.

Employment Type: Full Time Regular

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