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Lighting Designer Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Cushman & Wakefield

Sr. Project Designer

Raleigh, NC

$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 ...

Cushman & Wakefield

Sr. Project Designer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$65K/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 ...

Cushman & Wakefield

Sr. Project Designer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$65K/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 ...

Cushman & Wakefield

Sr. Project Designer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$65K/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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Cushman & Wakefield

Sr. Project Designer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$65K/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 ...

Hitachi

MEP HVAC Engineer

Raleigh, NC

You will develop HVAC and electrical power/lighting designs, create layouts and schematics in AutoCAD and Revit, and produce specifications and design documentation aligned to project needs. Your ...

Hitachi, Ltd.

MEP HVAC Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

You will develop HVAC and electrical power/lighting designs, create layouts and schematics in AutoCAD and Revit, and produce specifications and design documentation aligned to project needs. Your ...

K&A Engineering Consulting

Substation Designer

Cary, NC · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Substation Designer to join our team at K&A ... Control Building Equipment, Cable Tray, Lighting, Grounding Plans and Section What we're looking ...

K&A Engineering, Inc.

Substation Designer

Cary, NC

$70K - $100K/yr

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Substation Designer to join our team at K&A ... Control Building Equipment, Cable Tray, Lighting, Grounding Plans and Section What were looking for:

BHDP

Interior Designer | Workplace

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Role Summary The Interior Designer II supports the design teams through design exploration ... Delivers multiple projects and packages, material palettes, lighting and furniture design and ...

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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:
What are popular job titles related to Lighting Designer jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Lighting Designer jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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.
Sr. Project Designer

Sr. Project Designer

Cushman & Wakefield

Raleigh, NC

$75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 10 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Lead the interior design effort of special or more complex projects.

  • Support Project Designers in quality review of design deliverables.

  • Execute full design process from initial sketch through start of construction.

Cushman & Wakefield rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 153 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

74th of 156 rated real estate companies

Job description

Job Title

Sr. Project Designer

Job Description Summary

The Sr. Project Designer will develop documents, drawings, and diagrams to meet the requirements and goals of the client.

Job Description

Job Description


Responsibilities

  • Lead the interior design effort of special or more complex projects.
  • Support Project Designers in quality review of design deliverables.
  • Contribute experience to the interior environment with knowledge and skills about space planning, interior building materials and finishes; casework, furniture, furnishings, and equipment; lighting; acoustics; wayfinding; ergonomics and anthropometrics; and human environmental behavior.
  • Execute full design process, from initial sketch through start of construction
  • Work independently or with minor oversight to perform assignments including, conceptual design, schematic design, design development, space planning and construction documentation
  • Produce mood, material and design presentations independently or with minimal supervision
  • Participate in internal and consultant meetings
  • Provide extensive and rapid fire knowledge of FF&E vendors and resources to the team
  • Be wildly creative and push the boundaries!

Qualifications

  • At least four (4) years of design experience within the commercial real estate market
  • Preferred Bachelor's degree from an CIDA accredited institution in a related discipline or field of study (i.e. Architecture, --Interior Design, Corporate Real Estate, Facilities, Project or Construction Management, etc.) required, OR Bachelor's degree in Other Major than above plus Interior Design Certification, Degree or Diploma.
  • Space planning experience using Revit
  • Excellent time management, communication, collaboration, and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines, in addition to the ability to work independently
  • Excellent time management, communication, organizational, and collaboration skills
  • Skills coordinating Audio Visual and other specialty consultants
  • Understand, document, and confirm the client's and stakeholders' goals and objectives, including design outcomes, space needs, project budget, and needs for specific or measurable outcomes.
  • Data Collection: Collect data from client and stakeholders by engaging in programming, surveys, focus groups, charrette exercises, and benchmarking to maximize design outcomes and occupant satisfaction

Cushman & Wakefield also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health, vision, and dental insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life, and disability insurance programs, and paid and unpaid time away from work. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, Cushman and Wakefield provide eligible employees with competitive pay, which may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, total hours worked, job type, business line, and applicability of collective bargaining agreements.
The compensation that will be offered to the successful candidate will depend on factors such as whether the position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement, the geographic area in which the work will be performed, market pay rates in that area, and the candidate's experience and qualifications.
The company will not pay less than minimum wage for this role.
The compensation for the position is: $ 63,750.00 - $75,000.00Cushman & Wakefield is an Equal Opportunity employer to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position at Cushman & Wakefield, please call the ADA line at 1-888-365-5406 or emailAccommodations@cushwake.com. Please refer to the job title and job location when you contact us.

INCO: "Cushman & Wakefield"

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