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Lighting Designer Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Lead Level Designer

Cary, NC · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

In this role, you will lead a team of designers to create engaging experiences and points of ... Hands-on involvement with prop placement, lighting, mood, atmosphere, and design markup. * Strong ...

Role summary The designer is part of the Freshfields Design Studio, a multi-location team across UK, Asia and US, this role provides essential expertise to support the needs of our rapidly growing US ...

Senior Level Designer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$99K - $106K/yr

As a Senior Level Designer, you will play a key role in bringing game worlds to life through both ... A strong eye for layout, lighting, and visual clarity in 3D environments. * Comfortable ...

Role summary The designer is part of the Freshfields Design Studio, a multi-location team across UK, Asia and US, this role provides essential expertise to support the needs of our rapidly growing US ...

Senior Level Designer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$99K - $106K/yr

As a Senior Level Designer, you will play a key role in bringing game worlds to life through both ... A strong eye for layout, lighting, and visual clarity in 3D environments. * Comfortable ...

Senior Level Designer

Raleigh, NC

$99K - $106K/yr

As a Senior Level Designer, you will play a key role in bringing game worlds to life through both ... A strong eye for layout, lighting, and visual clarity in 3D environments. * Comfortable ...

Overview Empire Office is currently seeking a Designer in our North Carolina office to join our team. This position will hold responsibilities to provide Design services to dealership customers ...

Overview Empire Office is currently seeking a Designer in our North Carolina office to join our team. This position will hold responsibilities to provide Design services to dealership customers ...

Perkins&Will North Carolina studio is seeking a talented and enthusiastic Designer III to join a highly collaborative and dynamic team with opportunities for growth. Typical Years of Requisite ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Aug 20, 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 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.

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:

Infographic showing various Lighting Designer job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,735 per year, or $34 per hour.

Lead Level Designer

Epic Games

Cary, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

WHAT MAKES US EPIC?
At the core of Epic's success are talented, passionate people. Epic prides itself on creating a collaborative, welcoming, and creative environment. Whether it's building award-winning games or crafting engine technology that enables others to make visually stunning interactive experiences, we're always innovating.
Being Epic means being a part of a team that continually strives to do right by our community and users. We're constantly innovating to raise the bar of engine and game development.
DESIGN
What We Do
Put your design skills to work at a cutting-edge company that challenges the norm. From character and level design to competitive gameplay and system design, help shape the future of interactive entertainment at Epic.
What You'll Do
Epic is looking for a Lead Level Designer to join our dynamic team. This person will contribute to various aspects of game design as part of our collaboration with Disney. In this role, you will lead a team of designers to create engaging experiences and points of interest for our players.
In this role, you will
  • Lead the vision and execution for building compelling gameplay spaces, points of interest, and levels.
  • Lead, mentor, and grow the design team, helping designers achieve career goals while increasing overall team capability.
  • Roll up your sleeves and contribute as an individual contributor when needed, setting the quality bar for design through example.
  • Participate actively in high-level decision-making and ensure the design team remains focused on the right priorities to deliver high-quality results.
  • Work closely with production teams to define, prioritize, assign, and evaluate design work.
What we're looking for
  • Minimum of 7 years of experience shipping multiple titles as a Level Designer.
  • At least 2 years of experience in a design leadership role, with demonstrated ability to effectively manage or lead a team.
  • Experience with a level editor (Unreal Engine 5 or similar).
  • Hands-on involvement with prop placement, lighting, mood, atmosphere, and design markup.
  • Strong experience collaborating and communicating closely with artists.
  • Demonstrated ability to improvise and solve problems creatively.
EPIC JOB + EPIC BENEFITS = EPIC LIFE
Our intent is to cover all things that are medically necessary and improve the quality of life. We pay 100% of the premiums for both you and your dependents. Our coverage includes Medical, Dental, a Vision HRA, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance & a 401k with competitive match. We also offer a robust mental well-being program through Modern Health, which provides free therapy and coaching for employees & dependents. Throughout the year we celebrate our employees with events and company-wide paid breaks. We offer unlimited PTO and sick time and recognize individuals for 7 years of employment with a paid sabbatical.
ABOUT US
Epic Games is a leading interactive entertainment company. For over 30 years we've been making award-winning games and engine technology that empowers others to make visually stunning games and 3D content that bring environments to life like never before. Epic's award-winning Unreal Engine technology not only provides game developers the ability to build high-fidelity, interactive experiences for PC, console, mobile, and VR, it is also a tool being embraced by content creators across a variety of industries such as media and entertainment, automotive, and architectural design. As we continue to build our Engine technology and develop remarkable games, we strive to build teams of world-class talent.
Like what you hear? Come be a part of something Epic!
Epic Games deeply values diverse teams and an inclusive work culture, and we are proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. Learn more about our Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy here.
Note to Recruitment Agencies: Epic does not accept any unsolicited resumes or approaches from any unauthorized third party (including recruitment or placement agencies) (i.e., a third party with whom we do not have a negotiated and validly executed agreement). We will not pay any fees to any unauthorized third party. Further details on these matters can be found here.