ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Lighting Designer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Rosendin Electric, Inc.

Designer III

Sterling, VA · On-site

Lead lighting design and controls effort using Owner requirements and RFP information to determine appropriate solutions. This includes the supervision of other designers to implement a complete ...

Crateandbarrel

Designer, C&B

Glen Allen, VA

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

Crateandbarrel

Designer, C&B

Glen Allen, VA

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

Crateandbarrel

Designer, C&B

Broadway, VA

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

Crateandbarrel

Designer, CB2

Tysons Corner, VA

Designers work with customers to help plan and design their spaces. Through elevated designs and ... Understanding of basic design functions including spatial planning, fabric selection, lighting ...

Kimley-Horn

Substation Physical Designer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$70 - $100/hr

Overview Kimley-Horn's Richmond office is seeking a Substation Physical Designer with 4+ years of ... Experience with grounding studies, lightning protection studies, and lighting studies. Key Benefits ...

SEACORP

Instructional Designer

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$62K - $85K/yr

SEACORP is seeking Instructional Designers at various levels to support mission-critical defense programs by developinghigh-quality dynamic, engaging, and experiential learning content with ...

Crateandbarrel

Crate&Kids, Designer, C&B

Broadway, VA · On-site

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

Shades of Light,LLC

Manufacturing Manager

Midlothian, VA · On-site

$88K - $107K/yr

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 ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsLighting Designer JobsLighting Designer Jobs in Virginia

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.
More about Lighting Designer jobs

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 are popular job titles related to Lighting Designer jobs in Virginia?

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

Lighting Designer jobs near you
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.

Marine Designer

Wess Technical Services Llc

Newport News, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Our client located in Newport News, VA is seeking an Electrical Designer. This individual will be developing 2D drawings and 3D models of Ship Electrical Systems including power, lighting, internal communications/alarms, and controls.  Design will be done using AutoCAD, Intergraph, or Shipconstructor.

Required Education/Skills/Experience:

  • Naval / Marine / Shipbuilding Electrical System design experience required; Defense product background preferred
  • Experience with U.S. Naval design desirable.
  • Minimum of 1 years of experience in Marine / Shipbuilding is required including development of detail design products and drawings for ship construction and modification.
  • 10+ years experience is preferred 
  • Competency in AutoCAD is required
  • Competency in ShipConstructor is beneficial
  • Must be eligible to work in the US without sponsorship and able to pass a drug test and background check

Responsibilities:

  • Responsible for development of detail design products and drawings for ship construction and modification
  • Areas of responsibility include Power Supply, Power Distribution, Circuit Breakers, Electrical Panels, Transformers, Switches, Control Systems, Cable Routings, and Communication Systems.