1

Lighting Designer Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

NBBJ is seeking an Interior Designer to work on projects at a variety of scales. The role will ... Architecture, Environmental Graphic Design, Interior Design, Lighting Design, Workplace Consulting ...

Multimedia Graphics Designer Location: Cleveland, OH Business Unit: Team Wendy, 17000 Saint Clair ... lighting, and editing techniques to create compelling product-focused images and videos What we ...

Create store designs, including floor plans and storefront elevations ... Develop concepts for store architecture, fixtures, lighting, layouts, and space planning. * Prepare ...

The designer would be responsible for completion of designs based on any flowed down and/or supplied information. Qualified candidates would have experience with 2D or 3D designing with plastic molds ...

Distribution Designer I

Gahanna, OH · On-site

$21 - $26/hr

Overview TRC is hiring a Distribution Designer and this position will be working within our Power ... lighting audits, etc. • Perform field data collection utilizing laptop computer, tablet device ...

Showing results 41-60

Lighting Designer information

See Ohio salary details

$46.6K

$69.2K

$89.4K

How much do lighting designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for lighting designer in Ohio is $69,179.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,800.00 and $76,100.00 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 Ohio?

The most popular types of Lighting Designer jobs in Ohio are:

What job categories do people searching Lighting Designer jobs in Ohio look for?

The top searched job categories for Lighting Designer jobs in Ohio are:

What cities in Ohio are hiring for Lighting Designer jobs?

Cities in Ohio with the most Lighting Designer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Lighting Designer jobs in OH?

For Lighting Designer jobs in OH, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Lighting Designer job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,179 per year, or $33.3 per hour.

$70K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Nexus Engineering Group is employee-owned, full-service, and growing our Substation Department. As a Substation Physical Designer, you'll develop the physical design of high-voltage substation projects - and grow from production support toward independent design.

You'll produce the general arrangement layouts, elevation and section views, grounding, conduit routing, and equipment placement that bring substations to life - from new builds to upgrades and expansions. Working alongside a collaborative team of engineers and designers, you'll take on more ownership as you develop, building toward independent design of substation physical packages.

Why Nexus

You'll own a piece of what you build. Nexus is employee-owned through our ESOP, so the value you help create comes back to you - not just outside shareholders. We invest in our engineers and give them room to grow into greater ownership of the work.

What you can expect:

  • Employee ownership (ESOP) - build equity in the firm as it grows
  • Real ownership that grows with you - from production support toward independent design
  • Mentorship from senior engineers and designers on a collaborative team
  • Full-service EPCm exposure, from concept through startup, across a diverse client base
  • Career paths that grow with you - toward technical leadership, project management, or discipline leadership
  • Flexible work arrangements where business needs allow
What You'll Do
  • Develop and revise physical layouts, elevation and section views, below-grade drawings, and supporting documentation in CAD, with growing independence as you develop.
  • Lay out grounding systems (IEEE Std 80), conduit and cable routing, bus arrangements, and equipment placement.
  • Build and maintain cable/conduit lists, nameplates, and client-specific documentation.
  • Assist the project lead in developing physical documentation, applying technical design standards.
  • Apply internal and external processes, procedures, and design standards (IEEE, ANSI, NEC, NESC).
  • Coordinate with drafters, designers, other disciplines, clients, and vendors to deliver complete, constructible packages.
What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

  • Associate Degree in a technical discipline or equivalente technical experience.
  • 2+ years of experience in substation, power delivery, or electrical design.
  • Proficiency with CAD (AutoCAD and/or MicroStation).
  • Familiarity with substation physical design - layouts, grounding (IEEE Std 80), conduit and cable routing, and equipment placement.
  • Working knowledge of IEEE, ANSI, NEC, and NESC standards.
  • Ability to travel to project and substation sites, some of which are not accessible by public transportation.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Inventor or Substation Design Suite (SDS) experience.
  • Grounding or photometric analysis software (WinIGS, CDEGS, AGi32, Visual Lighting, or equivalent).
  • Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification, with progress toward Professional Engineer (PE) licensure.
Work Environment & Physical Demands

This role combines office-based design work with periodic visits to substation and construction sites. This role may require:

  • Periodic travel to substation and construction sites
  • Appropriate PPE on site, including arc-rated clothing
  • The ability to access outdoor substation yards and walk uneven terrain, with or without reasonable accommodation
$70,000 - $100,000 a year

The posted salary range represents the anticipated base pay for this position in accordance with applicable pay-transparency requirements and may vary based on experience, qualifications, skills, certifications, work location, and market conditions.

In addition to base pay, eligible employees may receive:

  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) - an ownership stake and a share in the long-term success of Nexus
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus life and disability insurance
  • 401(k) with company match and discretionary bonus opportunities
  • Paid time off, holidays, and paid parental leave
  • Professional development and career advancement - training, certifications, licensure support, tuition assistance, and mentorship
  • Wellness benefits and a flexible schedule where business needs allow

About Nexus Engineering Group

Nexus Engineering Group, a distinguished independent full-service engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCm) firm, provides comprehensive support to clients from concept through startup. With over a decade of demonstrated engineering and design success, Nexus stands out as the firm of choice for those valuing integrity and expertise.

At Nexus, you will be part of a talented and passionate team dedicated to excellence and innovation. We foster a collaborative and engaging work environment, making it a place where you'll enjoy contributing to impactful projects. Joining Nexus means aligning with a firm renowned for its creativity, dedication, and relentless focus on achieving client goals.

Equal Opportunity Employer & Reasonable Accommodation

Nexus Engineering Group, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Nexus Engineering Group is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and hiring process. If you require an accommodation to participate in any part of the recruitment process, please contact us at [email protected]

Sponsorship & Work Authorization

Nexus Engineering Group does not provide employment visa sponsorship of any kind, including CPT, OPT, or employment-based visas. Candidates must be currently authorized to work in the United States and must be able to maintain that authorization throughout employment without any action, filing, or sponsorship by the company. This requirement applies both at the time of hire and on a continuing basis for the duration of employment. 

ThirdParty Agency Notice

Nexus Engineering Group does not accept unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions from external recruiters or agencies. We only engage approved thirdparty partners under a written agreement initiated by our Talent Acquisition team for specific searches. Any resumes submitted without prior authorization or a current agreement will not be eligible for placement fees and will be considered the property of Nexus Engineering Group.

We may use AI tools to help our recruitment team review and organize applications. These tools support - but never replace - human judgment, and final hiring decisions are made by people. If you'd like to know more about how your data is handled, contact us at [email protected].
apply for this job