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Lighting Designer Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

SUMMARY The Designer/Stylist is an integral part of the creative and technical staff that drive the success of Versa Designed Surfaces. The Designer is expected to create salable wallcovering ...

The Designer is integral to the total service team accessible to our customers. PCA offers customers the expertise of our Designers to develop the optimal design solutions for their business.

Designers at JDA are craftspeople equally at home creating brand identities, designing websites, and executing integrated ad campaigns; and genuinely enthusiastic about the work at every stage. This ...

Designer

Columbus, IN · On-site

$59K - $89K/yr

Designers utilize PCA design software and techniques to create packaging and Point of Purchase (POP) displays to help customers get noticed and get results in the marketplace. PRINCIPLE ...

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Lighting Designer information

See Indiana salary details

$46.6K

$69.2K

$89.4K

How much do lighting designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for lighting designer in Indiana is $69,242.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,900.00 and $76,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

How do you become a lighting designer?

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

What qualifications do I need to be a lighting designer?

A lighting designer typically needs a bachelor's degree in theater, architecture, interior design, or a related field. Relevant skills include knowledge of lighting technology, design software, and an understanding of electrical systems; professional experience or internships can also be valuable. Certifications in lighting design or electrical safety may enhance job prospects.

What does a light designer do?

A lighting designer plans, creates, and implements lighting schemes for performances, events, or architectural projects. They select and position lighting equipment, such as fixtures and controls, to achieve desired visual effects and ensure proper illumination. The role often requires knowledge of lighting technology, design principles, and collaboration with other production or construction teams.

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 are lighting designers 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 productions or commercial projects can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $100,000 annually. Many lighting designers also work freelance or on contract, which can affect their income levels.

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 the most commonly searched types of Lighting Designer jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Lighting Designer jobs in Indiana are:
What are popular job titles related to Lighting Designer jobs in Indiana? For Lighting Designer jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Lighting Designer jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Lighting Designer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Lighting Designer jobs in IN? For Lighting Designer jobs in IN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Lighting Designer job openings in Indiana as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,242 per year, or $33.3 per hour.
Designer

Designer

Versa Designed Surfaces

New Albany, IN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

SUMMARY

The Designer/Stylist is an integral part of the creative and technical staff that drive the success of Versa Designed Surfaces. The Designer is expected to create salable wallcovering patterns and colors based on market input, trend analysis and innate design ability. Other duties include developing color palettes, approving design and color prototypes, computer aided color development, aesthetic sign-off for production tools and trials, assembly of market test displays, sample cards, trend boards, approval of production color matching, attendance at group meetings. This position may require some overnight travel.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Develops aesthetic and marketable wallcovering patterns/designs for manufacture and distribution in commercial markets to include original design concepts, purchased artwork and/or external design resources.
  • Manages communication, product development, and project timelines for assigned distribution accounts.
  • Designs repeatable patterns that are conducive to rotogravure, digital, and other manufacturing processes.
  • Develops color palettes based on sales information and color trends through CAD/Photoshop and/or AVA system.
  • Matches and approves color samples in both prototype and production.
  • Ensures production prototype standards are complete, correct and submitted in a timely manner.
  • Understands the manufacturing process in order to design within manufacturing parameters
  • Aesthetic approval of production tool engraving and trial runs.
  • Provides production line approvals for initial runs of new products for select designs.
  • Attends regular design review meetings and updates log of projects and deadlines.
  • Must work well as part of a design group within an open studio environment. Ability to work under deadline pressures, yet keep a positive attitude. Strong work ethic and commitment is key.
  • Assists on diverse range of studio and company projects .
  • Works as part of a design team with opportunity for greater creative latitude upon demonstration of skill set.
  • Travels to trade shows, or on market test trips as representative of VDS. Professional presentation and decorum expected.
  • Works closely with Marketing team & external Creative teams in providing creative input for select graphics, promotional/marketing materials, advertising, websites, tradeshows, etc.
  • Performs digital color matching and printing of assigned prototype projects.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

  • Bachelor Degree in Fine Arts, Textile Design, Surface Pattern Design, or related.
  • 2+ years of relevant design experience (including color blending) in the commercial wallcovering or adjacent industry and a demonstrated portfolio of projects
  • High proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and other design and color management software applications
  • Possesses creative abilities, an interest in surface pattern and design, and sensitivity to color and color combinations
  • Superior communication skills – both written and verbal
  • High energy and a desire to create patterns that will keep Versa at the forefront of the market. Verbal, written, interpersonal and problem-solving skills. Ability to take initiative and manage and complete multiple tasks per deadlines.
  • Must reside/relocate to metro Louisville, KY area

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are the representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to computer screens using keyboard functions and other hand usage.

**The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.