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Lighting Designer Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

exp

Electrical Designer

Raleigh, NC

As a team of engineers, architects, designers, scientists, creators and a community of ... Layout lighting fixtures on plans and demonstrate fundamental knowledge of lighting concepts

EXP

Electrical Designer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

As a team of engineers, architects, designers, scientists, creators and a community of ... Layout lighting fixtures on plans and demonstrate fundamental knowledge of lighting concepts

For Garden's Sake

Residential Landscape Designer

Durham, NC · On-site

$80K/yr

Generate landscape designs utilizing AutoCAD, including softscaping, hardscaping, lighting, and drainage * Create design proposals and cost estimates for residential and commercial properties based ...

Apply Early

Quanta Services

Designer

Cary, NC · On-site +1

HBK Engineering is seeking a Designer for our Cary, NC office to deliver comprehensive design and ... Design and construction knowledge for Lighting, Underground (UG) and Overhead (OH) Utility systems.

Arcadis Projects

Electrical Designer II

Cary, NC

Our Cary office has an opportunity available for an Electrical Designer II to join team. This ... Knowledge of industry specific software AIG, SKM (Arc Flash), Visual (Lighting Calculations)

DPS Group

Electrical Designer II

Cary, NC · On-site

Produce and review 2D and 3D design drawings for high technology facilities (power lighting, fire ... Minimum 2-5 years' experience in Drafter/Designer roles preferred. * Electrical Engineering degree ...

HBK Engineering, LLC

Designer

Cary, NC · On-site

About this Role HBK Engineering is seeking a Designer for our Cary, NC office to deliver ... Design and construction knowledge for Lighting, Underground (UG) and Overhead (OH) Utility systems.

HBK Engineering, LLC

Designer

Cary, NC · On-site +1

About this Role HBK Engineering is seeking a Designer for our Cary, NC office to deliver ... Design and construction knowledge for Lighting, Underground (UG) and Overhead (OH) Utility systems.

Cushman & Wakefield

Sr. Project Designer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$75K/yr

Job Title Sr. Project Designer Summary The Sr. Project Designer will develop documents, drawings ... and equipment; lighting; acoustics; wayfinding; ergonomics and anthropometrics; and human ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsLighting Designer JobsLighting Designer Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Lighting Designer information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$47.6K

$70.7K

$91.4K

How much do lighting designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for lighting designer in Raleigh, NC is $70,735.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,200.00 and $77,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

How do you become a lighting designer?

To become a lighting designer, individuals typically pursue a bachelor's degree in theater, architecture, interior design, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships, developing skills in lighting software like Vectorworks or Lightwright, and building a portfolio are important steps. Certification from professional organizations can also enhance job prospects.

What qualifications do I need to be a lighting designer?

A lighting designer typically needs a bachelor's degree in theater, architecture, interior design, or a related field. Relevant skills include knowledge of lighting technology, design software, and an understanding of electrical systems; professional experience or internships can also be valuable. Certifications in lighting design or electrical safety may enhance job prospects.

What does a light designer do?

A lighting designer plans, creates, and implements lighting schemes for performances, events, or architectural projects. They select and position lighting equipment, such as fixtures and controls, to achieve desired visual effects and ensure proper illumination. The role often requires knowledge of lighting technology, design principles, and collaboration with other production or construction teams.

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 are lighting designers paid?

Lighting designers typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, location, and project complexity. Senior or specialized lighting designers working on large productions or commercial projects can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $100,000 annually. Many lighting designers also work freelance or on contract, which can affect their income levels.

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.
More about Lighting Designer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Lighting Designer jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Lighting Designer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
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What job categories do people searching Lighting Designer jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Lighting Designer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Lighting Designer jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Lighting Designer job openings:
Lighting Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lighting Designer job openings in Raleigh, NC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, and 12% Part Time. Highlights an 90% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,735 per year, or $34 per hour.
Lighting Designer II

Lighting Designer II

Affiliated Engineers, Inc.

Chapel Hill, NC • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Overview
Affiliated Engineers, Inc. (AEI) is a leading, multidisciplinary consulting engineering firm and collaborative community of over 900 employees who plan, design, and deliver high-performance, innovative, and holistic engineering solutions.
Recognized as a top engineering firm nationally, AEI is dedicated to enhancing the built environment through remarkable design and award-winning projects.
Pivotal Lighting Design is the lighting design studio within AEI. Pivotal provides architectural lighting design services specializing in AEI's core markets as well as project pursuits in areas such as exterior environments, civic, and corporate among others. Learn more at https://pivotallightingdesign.com/
We have a great opportunity for you to join Pivotal in a Lighting Designer II role in our Chapel Hill, NC office.
Why We Need You:
In this role, you will be working with senior lighting designers, supporting the design and documentation process from concepts through construction. Job tasks will include development of presentation boards, luminaire schedules, and cut sheet catalogs, illumination and LPD calculations in AGi32 or similar software, research of lighting and lighting controls products, documentation of lighting layouts in Revit, construction submittal reviews, and project site visits.
Expertise of our most successful Lighting Designer:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Theatrical Lighting Design, or Architectural Engineering with 3-8 years of experience in the lighting industry.
  • Fundamental knowledge of the design process, light sources and luminaire components, lighting controls, computer-generated lighting calculations, and photometry.
  • Experienced with Microsoft Office products AutoCAD, Revit, Adobe Creative Suite (esp. InDesign and Photoshop), and Bluebeam Revu.
  • Proficiency with AGi32, Lightstanza, or similar lighting calculation and rendering software.
  • Certification by the NCQLP, or a similar credential, or the ability to obtain certification within one year
  • Additional experience with concept realization software is a plus.
  • Demonstrated ability to express conceptual ideas in a visual format.
  • Familiarity with energy code compliance methodology and documentation tools.

Effective skills to help you flourish:
  • Experience in combining personal judgment with a wide variety of data and information to perform and evaluate system calculations and design options.
  • Solid interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Communicates well with individuals at all levels in the organization and project partners.
  • Ability to anticipate design work, and to delegate and balance work for others.
  • Curiosity to continue the learning process by attending in-house seminars and continuing education opportunities outside the office.
  • Strong spoken and written communications skills.
  • Excellent organization and time management skills.
  • Motivation focused on client outcomes.
  • Ability to prioritize multiple tasks.
  • Effective working individually and within team environments, both in-person and virtual.
  • Participation in a lighting industry professional organization (e.g. IES, IALD, WILD, etc.)

When you work here, you can expect:
  • A flexible, collaborative environment where your well-being matters-because your best work happens when you're supported.
  • Real opportunities to grow-through mentorship, professional development programs, and exposure to high-impact projects across disciplines.
  • To collaborate with inspiring teammates who challenge the status quo, foster innovation, and pave the way for future leaders.
  • A benefits package that offers health, dental, vision, and retirement, a performance-based year-end bonus, and thoughtful perks tailored to your needs-whether that's a flexible work environment, wellness resources, or community-focused initiatives, we'll continue to invest in.

If this dynamic environment and the chance to contribute to transformative projects resonate with your ambitions, we would love to connect with you. Join us and make an impact!
Apply online at https://aeieng.com/about/careers/
If you know someone who would thrive in this role, please share this posting with them directly via email or through your LinkedIn network.
AEI is proud to be an EEO/AA Employer/Vet/Disabled.

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