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Lighting Designer Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Strang, Inc.

Electrical Engineer/Designer

Madison, WI · On-site +1

Engineer, calculate, and document building electrical distribution system, lighting and controls ... Professional Engineer or Designer * Possess innovative thinking skills and a passion for ...

Durr Megtec

Designer

Stoughton, WI · On-site

The Designer provides direct engineering input for the development of original designs or adaptions. Investigates and procures all data required to develop a design and confers with engineering to ...

Dashiell Corportaion

Substation Designer

Madison, WI · On-site

Substation Designer ID: 8548 Department: Engineering Location: Madison, WI Description Dashiell, an operating unit of Quanta Services (trading as PWR), is a leading national provider of technical and ...

Steinhafels

Interior Designer

Madison, WI · On-site

$15/hr

Overview Interior Designers: Bring Your Creative Vision to Life at Steinhafels! Are you an Interior Designer who loves transforming spaces and helping clients bring their dream homes to life?

Steinhafels

Interior Designer

Madison, WI · On-site

$15/hr

Overview Interior Designers: Bring Your Creative Vision to Life at Steinhafels! Are you an Interior Designer who loves transforming spaces and helping clients bring their dream homes to life?

Spectrum Brands

Industrial Designer

Middleton, WI · On-site

$129K/yr

Job Summary As an Industrial Designer, you will play a supporting role in shaping the future of our product lines and contributing to our mission of enhancing everyday living. You'll assist in ...

Steinhafels

Interior Designer

Madison, WI · On-site

$15/hr

Interior Designers: Bring Your Creative Vision to Life at Steinhafels! Are you an Interior Designer who loves transforming spaces and helping clients bring their dream homes to life? Steinhafels is ...

Dashiell

Substation Designer

Madison, WI · On-site

Electrical Designer Location: 2908 Marketplace Drive, Suite 100 Fitchburg, WI 5371 Primary Function: As a member of a project team, the Physical Substation Designer performs routine design ...

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All JobsLighting Designer JobsLighting Designer Jobs in Madison, WI

Lighting Designer information

See Madison, WI salary details

$49.4K

$73.3K

$94.7K

How much do lighting designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for lighting designer in Madison, WI is $73,322.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,500.00 and $80,600.00 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.
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The most popular types of Lighting Designer jobs in Madison, WI are:

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Infographic showing various Lighting Designer job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,322 per year, or $35.3 per hour.

Electrical Engineer, Roadway Lighting Design, Midwest

Atlas

Madison, WI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Atlas Van Lines rating

4.8

Company rating: 4.8 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

21st of 29 rated removal and storage companies

Job description

Atlas is a nationwide leader in civil engineering, materials testing and geotechnical consulting services for environmental, industrial and infrastructure construction projects. Headquartered in Denver, CO, Atlas currently has over 3,500 employees with offices throughout the US, including Alaska & Hawaii. It's no accident that Atlas creates a better experience for infrastructure and environmental projects. It's how we are built � with the best people in the industry, with the reach and expertise to help at any and every step of the project, and with a heart-led approach that puts quality and safety at the center of everything we do. We're just built to be better. We are a great company.
We are seeking a Electrical Engineer, for Roadway Lighting to join the Midwest A-Team! The position can be worked from most Midwest cities. e.g. Chicago, IL, Milwaukee, WI, Madison, WI, Springfield, IL, St. Louis, MO, Michigan City, IN, Hammond, IN, Indianapolis, IN and more. Come join us!
Job responsibilities include but are not limited to:
  • Conduct site surveys and field inspections of electrical equipment.
  • Develop plans, special provisions, pay items and quantities for lighting designs for expressways, arterial/local roadways, roundabouts, underpasses, tunnels and bridges.
  • Develop photometric calculations using AGi32 software.
  • Assist with the preparation of project scopes, budgets and schedules.
  • Provide technical support and guidance to project teams.
  • Remain up-to-date with advances in roadway lighting, electrical engineering, and technology
  • Review and understand existing AS BUILT electrical/lighting plans
  • Respond to construction RFIs and questions.

Minimum requirements:
  • BS degree in Electrical Engineering
  • 5+ years of experience in electrical/lighting engineering design
  • The ability to work as part of a team and independently manage tasks efficiently and effectively while meeting project deadlines and staying within budget.
  • Valid Illinois Driver's License

Technical requirements:
  • Certifications/Licenses: PE (preferred, but is not required)
  • Technical specifications and report writing
  • Strong oral and written communication skills with the ability to maintain detailed project tracking and cost reports
  • Experience with MicroStation, EXCEL, WORD and AGi32 software 5. Experience with WisDOT, CDOT, IDOT and Tollway ITS and lighting designs and standards. Knowledge of IES Guidelines and NEC codes.

Other miscellaneous qualities:
  • Ability to local travel 5% of the time.
  • Dedication to safety, safe practices and being part of a safety oriented culture.
  • Work independently on projects with minimal supervision.
  • Maintain files and supporting documentation in accordance with company policy and accepted practices.

Benefits:
Atlas offers a comprehensive benefit program to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, Atlas benefits include health, dental, vision, life, AD&D, voluntary life / AD&D, disability benefits, leaves of absence, 401k, paid time off, paid holidays, employee assistance program, educational assistance program.
Who We Are:
We strive to be the most sought-after infrastructure and environmental solutions company, known for our unique, values-driven approach and brought to life by the industry's most exceptional people.
Atlas provides professional testing, inspection, engineering, environmental and consulting services from more than 100 locations nationwide. We deliver solutions to both public and private sector clients in the transportation, commercial, water, government, education and industrial markets.
With a legacy of providing consistent quality and results, Atlas creates a better experience at every stage of an infrastructure project. We connect the best experts in the industry to deliver value from concept to completion and beyond. This means doing everything our clients expect and then raising the expectations in a way that only our people can.
Our Values:
Life: We enhance quality of life. We value people and safety above all else.
Heart: As our hallmarks, we act with compassion, empathy and respect.
Trust: We work together as partners, doing what we say with full accountability.
Mastery: Always striving for the highest quality, we ensure greatness inspires all our work.
Atlas EEOC Statement
Atlas is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. Atlas makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time. For more information, read through our EEO Policy https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf
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