ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Lighting Designer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Liaison Technology Group

Lighting Designer

Nashville, TN · On-site

$25/hr

Lighting Designer Liaison Technology Group www.liaisontechgroup.com Location: Nashville, TN or Ft. Myers, FL About the Role Liaison Technology Group designs lighting and control systems that elevate ...

Liaison Technology Group

Lighting Designer

Nashville, TN · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Lighting Designer Liaison Technology Group www.liaisontechgroup.com Location: Nashville, TN or Ft. Myers, FL About the Role Liaison Technology Group designs lighting and control systems that elevate ...

Actalent

Electrical Designer

Chattanooga, TN

Electrical Designer / Electrical Engineering Technician - Advanced Power Generation This role ... Support lighting design by performing accurate modeling and illumination calculations for APG ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsLighting Designer JobsLighting Designer Jobs in Tennessee

Lighting Designer information

See Tennessee salary details

$44.5K

$66K

$85.3K

How much do lighting designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for lighting designer in Tennessee is $66,044.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $72,600.00 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.
More about Lighting Designer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Lighting Designer jobs in Tennessee?

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

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

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

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

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

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Lighting Designer jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Lighting Designer job openings:

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

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

Lighting Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lighting Designer job openings in Tennessee 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 $66,044 per year, or $31.8 per hour.

Lighting Designer

Liaison Technology Group

Nashville, TN • On-site

$25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Lighting Designer

Liaison Technology Group
www.liaisontechgroup.com

Location: Nashville, TN or Ft. Myers, FL

About the Role

Liaison Technology Group designs lighting and control systems that elevate how people experience their homes and workplaces. We are seeking a Lighting Designer who blends creative vision with technical precision—someone who understands how lighting impacts mood, function, and architecture, and can translate that vision into well-coordinated specifications.


This role is ideal for a designer who enjoys collaborating with architects and project teams, refining details, and growing into expanded responsibility and leadership within lighting and control design.


Responsibilities: 

Lighting Design & Specification

  • Develop lighting designs and coordinated specifications for residential and commercial projects
  • Translate design intent into detailed lighting and lighting control documentation
  • Select fixtures, controls, and materials that align with architectural vision, performance goals, and budget
  • Prepare detailed lighting specifications with minimal supervision

Design Collaboration

  • Partner with designers, architects, and project managers to ensure alignment between drawings, schedules, and specifications
  • Assist in compiling outline and final specifications across project phases
  • Coordinate specifications with consultants, agencies, and internal project teams
  • Review and respond to submittals, substitutions, and shop drawings to ensure design integrity

Technical & Creative Support

  • Maintain working knowledge of lighting technologies, fixtures, and control systems
  • Provide guidance on lighting control strategies, dimming, scenes, and system capabilities
  • Support troubleshooting and design refinement for both simple and complex lighting systems
  • Evaluate contractor change orders related to lighting design

Design Leadership & Growth

  • Research and recommend new lighting products, materials, and emerging technologies
  • Stay current with industry trends, codes, and best practices
  • Mentor team members on lighting design standards, documentation, and workflows
  • Identify opportunities to improve design and specification processes, including software and tools

Qualifications:

  • 1–3+ years of lighting design and/or specification experience
  • Proficiency in lighting design and documentation software
  • Strong understanding of architectural drawings and construction methods
  • Experience with modern lighting technologies and control systems
  • Working knowledge of Lutron lighting controls
  • Strong visual, written, and verbal communication skills
  • Highly organized, detail-oriented, and deadline-driven

Preferred Qualifications

  • Lighting industry certifications such as LC (Lighting Certified), IALD, CLD, or NCQLP
  • Knowledge of Crestron, Lutron, or Control 4 Systems
  • Experience designing lighting for high-end residential or commercial environments
  • Familiarity with sustainability, energy codes, and performance-driven design

Why Liaison

  • Creative, collaborative design culture
  • Opportunity to shape lighting experiences that truly wow clients
  • Clear growth path in responsibility, influence, and compensation
  • Projects that value thoughtful design—not cookie-cutter solutions

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this classification. They are not to be constructed, as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.