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Lighting Designer Jobs in Bellingham, WA (NOW HIRING)

Martin-Marietta-1798b2fd

Safety Lead

Mount Vernon, WA · On-site

$29.35 - $39.60/hr

This role is uniquely designed to balance 50% proactive safety leadership and 50% high-level ... Review truck washout areas for adequate drainage, walking surface, tracking pad, and lighting.

Martin Marietta Materials

Safety Lead

Mount Vernon, WA

$29.35 - $39.60/hr

This role is uniquely designed to balance 50% proactive safety leadership and 50% high-level ... Review truck washout areas for adequate drainage, walking surface, tracking pad, and lighting.

Martin Marietta

Safety Lead

Mount Vernon, WA · On-site

$29.35 - $39.60/hr

This role is uniquely designed to balance 50% proactive safety leadership and 50% high-level ... Review truck washout areas for adequate drainage, walking surface, tracking pad, and lighting.

All JobsLighting Designer JobsLighting Designer Jobs in Bellingham, WA

Lighting Designer information

See Bellingham, WA salary details

$50.9K

$75.6K

$97.7K

How much do lighting designer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for lighting designer in Bellingham, WA is $75,634.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,600.00 and $83,200.00 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.
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What cities near Bellingham, WA are hiring for Lighting Designer jobs?

Cities near Bellingham, WA with the most Lighting Designer job openings:

Lighting Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lighting Designer job openings in Bellingham, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,634 per year, or $36.4 per hour.

Jr. Electrical Designer

Anvil Corporation

Bellingham, WA

Other

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Job Description: JOB SUMMARY
The Junior Electrical Designer requires strong technical ability to both perform design tasks, ability to work independently with guidance, and strong communication skills in written, spoken, and personal formats. The position requires basic CAD drafting ability, and basic knowledge of professional drawing layouts and functions.

RESQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES – TECHNICAL
Ability to create, modify and work with 2D drawings in the AutoCAD 2010 (or newer) software
Drafting skills, including scales, drawing layout, lettering, and a high degree of accuracy in copying
Basic working knowledge of 3D Design and software

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES - OTHER
Perform effectively in a team environment, both in-person and remotely
Strong communication and organizational skills
Highly detail oriented with a strong, self-driven work ethic
Able to evaluate equipment in the field, including climbing ladders, flights of stairs, etc.
Able to travel to remote work sites on occasion
Strong computer skills - Microsoft Applications
Fluent in English language
Applicants must be able to obtain a TWIC card.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
Execute project design tasks in partnership with Electrical Engineer counterparts
Perform assigned work within a given budget and schedule
Perform drawing and document research in client databases; coordinate with Document Control at Anvil and Clients to properly find and checkout drawings
Perform drafting and basic design support of detailed construction packages in accordance with guidance and direction from lead designers and engineers:
Process and Instrumentation Diagrams
Block Diagrams
Location and Plot Plans
Motor control and wiring schematics
Switchgear control and wiring schematics
Single line drawings
Electrical grounding, power, and lighting plan drawings
Electrical hazardous area classification drawings
Installation details
Heat tracing design and drawings
Conduit & Tray Diagrams
Material Take-Offs (MTO) and Bills of Material (BoMs)
Perform quality checks on ones’ own work
Perform work with moderate supervision and guidance

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
A.A.S. or higher in engineering or related discipline
AutoCAD Level 1 & 2 Certificate or equivalent Certificate in drafting & design, OR 3 years of experience in I&C design on Oil & Gas, Refining, and/or Petrochemical Plant projects

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Able to work in heavy industrial facilities: climb ladders, work off elevated surfaces, and walk over uneven surfaces while wearing required PPE
Able to sit for long periods of time working at a computer
Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at a time

PREFERRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Basic working knowledge of 3D Design and software
Experience in Control Systems Design
Experience working on-site at an industrial facility in maintenance, reliability, or projects groups
Experience developing construction packages for small projects ($0-1MM TIC)
Application software such as lighting & heat trace design
Experience with MicroStation

Apply