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Lighting Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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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 ...

Junior Designer

Novato, CA · On-site

$71K - $95K/yr

About the Role We're seeking a Junior Associate Lighting Designer to join our team and contribute to sophisticated lighting designs across multiple concurrent projects. Working under the direction of ...

The Moving Light Programmer will collaborate closely with visiting Lighting Designers, the Production Electrician and the electrics team to program moving light and conventional lighting rigs on an ...

Designer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$71K - $83K/yr

Lighting Designer (multiple openings) At Salas O'Brien, we tell our clients that we're engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our ...

Lighting Designer (multiple openings) At Salas O'Brien, we tell our clients that we're engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our ...

Senior Designer

Culver City, CA · On-site

$89K - $95K/yr

Description Horton Lees Brogden Lighting Design Inc. seeks a Senior Designer (Culver City, CA) to plan, design, and furnish lighting designs through analysis of electrical lighting controls, build ...

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Company Description DMF Lighting designs and builds industry-leading LED downlighting that sets the standard for flexibility, performance, and quality. Founded over 30 years ago, DMF has grown into a ...

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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 26, 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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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 most commonly searched types of Lighting Designer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Lighting Designer jobs in California 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:

Infographic showing various Lighting Designer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,814 per year, or $34.5 per hour.

Lead Lighting Designer

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$91K - $122K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

The Opportunity
PAE/LUMA is looking for a visionary and highly organized Lead Lighting Designer to join our award-winning lighting studio in San Francisco. As a lead, you will be the driving force behind the design direction and technical execution of lighting systems that harmonize architecture with the human experience. This role is designed for a professional who is ready to move beyond design production into a leadership position, overseeing project lifecycles and mentoring a talented team of designers. In this role, you will represent the LUMA brand as a primary point of contact for internal MEP teams and external clients. You will be responsible for creating project workplans, leading cross-trade coordination, and ensuring that lighting designs are not only beautiful but also code-compliant, budget-conscious, and perfectly detailed. From high-level conceptual graphics in Adobe Creative Suite to complex Revit modeling and on-site construction reviews, your leadership will be the thread that connects a project's initial spark to its final, illuminated reality.
Who We Are
PAE is an engineering and design firm that turns complex challenges into reality. By leveraging the latest technologies, we solve problems in unique ways, and our designs enable buildings and communities to be more resilient and efficient. PAE is trusted by our clients in every aspect of a project's lifespan, from idea to occupancy. We set ambitious goals backed by analysis to significantly conserve water and energy while balancing costs and long-term operational needs. As a B Corp, we measure success by the benefits our projects provide to our clients, our communities, and our planet. We embrace innovation, transparency, sustainability, and lifelong curiosity.
What You'll Do
  • Lead the design direction and execution of the lighting design under the direction of the EOR/DOR
  • Lead meetings with internal and external team members representing PAE under the LUMA brand
  • Develop skills to create project workplans, tasks and assignments for the team
  • Lead and support development and production of the lighting control design
  • Mentor junior staff in design, production and calculations
  • Perform lighting calculations, design communication graphics, REVIT production and mock-ups
  • Write lighting product specifications, create luminaire schedule, and demonstrate an understanding of advanced product research approaches
  • Gain experience in technical detailing of lighting systems
  • Facilitate project design and construction phases
  • Support the project lighting cost control
  • Lead cross trade coordination of lighting and lighting control systems
  • Lead construction phase reviews of submittals and RFIs and attend site visits
  • Participate in lighting industry organizations and events to build supporting relationships and knowledge
  • Model accountability as an integral member of the design teams in which you are involved
  • Perform other duties as assigned

What You Bring
  • College Degree (or equivalent design related training) required, preferable in Architecture, Interior Design, Lighting Design or related field
  • 4 years practicing lighting design or at least 2 years as a PAE Lighting Designer 2
  • Deep understanding and practice of integration of light with architecture and people
  • Consistent practice of professionalism
  • Time management and organization of multiple roles on projects
  • Proficient in time management and organizing teams and tasks on multiple projects
  • Provide and is receptive to constructive critique
  • Excellent graphic and oral communication of basic and advanced design concepts
    Complex Building Information Modeling (REVIT) expertise
  • Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (emphasis on Photoshop and InDesign), Illumination calculation software (AGI),digital design modeling software (Sketchup, 3D Max, Rhino, or similar), and Bluebeam
  • Microsoft Office Suite

What We Offer
  • Hiring Base Salary Range: $91,200-$122,000annual
    • This position is eligible for time and a half overtime pay

The base salary is one component of PAE's competitive compensation package for employees. We take into consideration a variety of factors including but not limited to skills, abilities, experience, education, credentials, internal equity and geographic location in determining exact salary offered. At PAE, employees are eligible for annual compensation reviews based on performance and business needs. The above range represents PAE's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
In addition, PAE offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes the following:
  • Employer paid health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
  • Annual 401k profit sharing based on company profit for the year and account contribution
  • Professional development reimbursements including state registration and professional association dues
  • Employer paid commuter/parking stipend
  • Cell phone stipend
  • Life insurance and disability benefits
  • Hybrid work schedule
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • 9 paid holidays including an additional employee-selected day
  • Paid time off for sick leave, family leave, community service, holidays and vacation
  • To learn more about our comprehensive benefits package, visit https://www.pae-engineers.com/careers/benefits. This information is provided per the Equal Pay Act

Our commitment to pay equity
PAE is a JUST label certified company; we demonstrate JUST label requirements within pay equity. Pay scales should meet or exceed applicable legislated wage requirements and industry standards and compensate, on the same basis, all individuals performing the same or similar work and work of equal value. We are committed to the principle of pay equity - paying employees equitably for substantially similar work. To learn more about pay equity and our commitments to equitable business practices, you may view our JUST label certification here: Living Future: Just Label Certification.
To find out more visit our website.
What We're Made Of
Founded in 1967, PAE is a leading sustainable engineering and consulting firm on a mission to deliver clean air, energy, and water for all. We specialize in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering, building performance analysis, technology design, and lighting design (LUMA). PAE designs some of the nation's highest-performing and most regenerative built environments across the U.S., from Living Buildings to all-electric buildings and beyond. Learn more at pae-engineers.com.
Our portfolio includes over 100 LEED Platinum projects as well as dozens of projects that have either achieved or are pursuing the Living Building Challenge, Passive House, Architecture 2030, Carbon Neutral, Net Zero Energy, and Net Zero Water.
Fine Print
Please note that resumes received from third party recruiters or agencies will not be accepted unless requested directly by PAE Talent Acquisition and with a prior signed fee agreement. If candidates without a previously signed recruiter fee agreement are submitted, PAE reserves the right to engage with and hire those candidate(s) without any obligation financial or otherwise to the recruiter or agency.
In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at PAE will be based on merit, qualifications and abilities. PAE does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, gender (sex), national origin, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical characteristics historically associated with race, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
PAE will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship. This policy governs all aspects of employment including: selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination and access to benefits and training.
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