1

Lighting Designer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Shades of Light started from humble beginnings in 1986 as a small, single retail location in historic Richmond, Virginia selling unique, high-style lighting designs. Since that time, the company has ...

Designer II is a mid-level designer responsible for creating marked drawings, model development ... Mark up branch circuit lighting and power plans and fill in panel board schedules with moderate

Crate and Barrel Designers are passionate about helping customers envision possibilities with the ... Understanding of basic design functions including spatial planning, fabric selection, lighting ...

Act as designer for assigned area on productions ... Scenic, Lighting, Costumes, Projections. * Responsible for producing design renderings, ground ...

Crate and Barrel Designers are passionate about helping customers envision possibilities with the ... Understanding of basic design functions including spatial planning, fabric selection, lighting ...

Lead Electrical Designer

Reston, VA · On-site

$140K - $203K/yr

Performing calculations utilizing AGI 32 for lighting layouts and ETAP for ground grid layouts ... Ensures electrical systems designs comply with all applicable installation codes, regulations, and ...

Lead Electrical Designer

Reston, VA · On-site

$140K - $203K/yr

Performing calculations utilizing AGI 32 for lighting layouts and ETAP for ground grid layouts ... Ensures electrical systems designs comply with all applicable installation codes, regulations, and ...

Electrical Designer Join a dynamic consulting engineering firm based in Fairfax, Virginia ... Design power and lighting systems. * Develop systems design and AV sound design. * Collaborate on ...

Showing results 21-40

Lighting Designer information

See Virginia salary details

$48.6K

$72.1K

$93.2K

How much do lighting designer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for lighting designer in Virginia is $72,143.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,400.00 and $79,300.00 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 Virginia?

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

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

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Lighting Designer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Lighting Designer job openings:

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

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

Infographic showing various Lighting Designer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $72,143 per year, or $34.7 per hour.

Lighting Practice Leader

Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson, Inc.

Virginia Beach, VA • Hybrid

$125K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson rating

9.8

Company rating: 9.8 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 453 rated engineering


Job description

Join Clark Nexsen, a JMT Company, and become part of a dynamic, collaborative team dedicated to delivering exceptional service to our clients—while making a meaningful impact on our communities and the world through the projects we help bring to life.

We are looking for a Lighting Practice Leader who will be responsible for performing, directing, and supervising all aspects of lighting design across a diverse portfolio of projects. This role will oversee the full design process, from concept through construction, and will mentor junior designers. The ideal candidate is a creative, technically skilled, and client-focused professional with a strong portfolio in architectural lighting and the built environment. 

Compensation for this position is $125,000.00 - $140,000.00, commensurate with experience, education and certifications. The provided range is a good faith estimate based on the requirements described within the job description. We notice that we receive a wide variety of applicants and recognize that the person selected may be less experienced or more experienced. If so, the actual salary range may vary from the estimate provided.

General responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

  • Lead lighting designer for complex projects across various markets (e.g., education, government, healthcare, workplace, civic)
  • Develop innovative lighting concepts that integrate with architectural intent, within a multi-disciplinary firm with a focus on Integrated Design
  • Perform advanced lighting calculations, daylighting analysis, and energy code compliance
  • Oversee preparation of drawings, lighting layouts, schedules, specifications, and control strategies
  • Coordinate with internal and external design teams, clients, and consultants
  • Conduct site visits, mock-ups, and inspections
  • Manage lighting project budgets and timelines
  • Motivate and lead the lighting studio, supervise junior staff and contribute to staff development
  • Develop and maintain relations with various Clark Nexsen offices to ensure lighting design quality control / quality assurance is consistent, regardless of location
  • Interview, hire, and terminate staff when authorized.  Evaluate the performance of department members and make recommendations for salary adjustments 
  • Develop methods to incorporate “accountability” into individual performance
  • Monitor morale of the department
  • Develop systems of reward to recognize outstanding performance
  • Conduct annual department staff reviews and participate with Senior Leadership in review of staff assignments. Review and approve department staff timesheets and expense reports

Required Skills
Required Experience
  • Graduate of an ABET-accredited program with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architectural Engineering, Lighting Design, or related field
  • 10+ years of professional lighting design experience
  • Proficiency in AGi32, Elumtools or LightStanza, Revit, AutoCAD, and Microsoft Office Suite
  • Deep understanding of lighting technologies, controls, and code compliance
  • Excellent verbal and visual communication skills
  • Strong portfolio demonstrating creative and technical lighting design

Preferred Experience:

  • LC (Lighting Certified), LEED AP, or WELL AP
  • Experience with daylight modeling, parametric tools, or visualization software
  • Active involvement in IES, IALD, or similar organizations

Working Conditions

At JMT, we prioritize a healthy work/life balance and offer a flexible hybrid working schedule. The selected candidate is expected to work in a JMT office location at least three days per week or as needed to perform assigned duties. While most of our work is desk-based, there may be times when standing, walking, bending and lifting of minimal weight are required. Our office environment is comfortable, has adequate lighting and temperature, and is free from noise, dust, and other hazards. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

#LI-KW1


What Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom