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Lighting Designer Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Ascendium is hiring a Multimedia Designer to join our dynamic, award-winning creative team. In this ... Experience operating digital video cameras, lighting equipment, and audio equipment in studio or on ...

Ascendium is hiring a Multimedia Designer to join our dynamic, award-winning creative team. In this ... Experience operating digital video cameras, lighting equipment, and audio equipment in studio or on ...

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

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 ...

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 ...

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?

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?

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 ...

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 ...

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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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 14, 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.

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.

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 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 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.

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 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 the most commonly searched types of Lighting Designer jobs in Madison, WI?

The most popular types of Lighting Designer jobs in Madison, WI are:

What are popular job titles related to Lighting Designer jobs in Madison, WI?

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

What job categories do people searching Lighting Designer jobs in Madison, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Lighting Designer jobs in Madison, WI are:

What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Lighting Designer jobs?

Cities near Madison, WI with the most Lighting Designer job openings:

Infographic showing various Lighting Designer job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,322 per year, or $35.3 per hour.

Multimedia Designer

Ascendium

Madison, WI • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Ready to create multimedia that makes a real impact? Ascendium is hiring a Multimedia Designer to join our dynamic, award-winning creative team. In this role, you’ll produce engaging videos, motion graphics, and digital content that supports Ascendium’s mission while helping bring our innovative student success web app to life. Working alongside talented writers, designers, digital strategists, and project managers, you’ll turn ideas into compelling visual stories that inform, inspire, and engage audiences.

This hybrid position is based in Madison, Wisconsin. We’re looking for a creative professional with 2-4 years of multimedia design experience, a strong portfolio or demo reel, and the ability to manage projects from concept through completion. Agency or in-house creative experience is highly valued.

When applying, please include your portfolio or demo reel as an attachment or link.

Job Responsibilities

On a day-to-day basis, you may do the following.

  • Create short-form videos for digital learning, websites, marketing campaigns, social media, email communications, presentations, and other digital channels.
  • Edit video and audio, create motion graphics, build simple animations, and produce multimedia content from approved scripts, storyboards, creative briefs, and project direction.
  • Source, create, or adapt graphics, illustrations, icons, photography, screen captures, and other visual assets.
  • Record high-quality video in Ascendium's studio or on location, including interviews, demonstrations, presentations, and other content, using professional video, lighting, and audio equipment.
  • Collaborate with writers, designers, digital team members, and project partners to develop creative concepts, storyboards, and multimedia solutions.
  • Manage assigned multimedia projects from concept through completion while balancing deadlines, incorporating feedback, and maintaining high creative standards.
  • Use project management software to manage timelines, review cycles, and deliverables.
  • Participate in creative reviews and contribute thoughtful ideas and solutions.
Knowledge and Skill Requirements

A highly qualified candidate will possess the following.

  • Two to four years of professional multimedia, video production, motion graphics, or digital design experience, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
  • A strong portfolio or demo reel showcasing creative storytelling, technical skill, and brand-focused multimedia work.
  • Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud applications, including Premiere Pro, After Effects, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Adobe Express.
  • Experience operating digital video cameras, lighting equipment, and audio equipment in studio or on-location environments.
  • Familiarity with technology-enabled video creation tools, template-based production platforms, AI-assisted creative tools, and emerging multimedia technologies.
  • Working knowledge of visual storytelling, motion graphics, video editing, audio production, and digital content best practices.
  • Ability to translate scripts, creative briefs, and complex information into engaging multimedia experiences.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
  • Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
  • Experience working with project management software.
  • Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
  • HTML/CSS experience for email is a plus, but not required.
Other Information

Ascendium offers an outstanding benefits package designed to provide employees and their families with a high degree of security. These benefits include, but are not limited to:

  • Generous time off, including up to eight weeks of paid parental leave.
  • Student loan repayment assistance and tuition reimbursement.
  • Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.

Ascendium provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, creed, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

H-1B sponsorship (initiation or transfer) is not available for this position.

If you would like assistance with the application process, please email Ascendium Human Resources. We invite all applicants to complete the Voluntary Affirmative Action questions when submitting application materials. The questions are found at the end of the online application process. To learn more about our commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity, please visit the Ascendium Careers webpage.

Ascendium requires criminal, employment, and education background investigations before hiring.