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Lighting Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Stanford Hotels

Lighting Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$40/hr

Pay Range: $40.00-$43.00, overtime eligible The Lighting Designer will support the Director of Lighting Design on upcoming design projects. The ideal candidate is collaborative, pro-active, self ...

HLB Lighting Design

Lighting Designer

Miami, FL · On-site

$68K - $73K/yr

Position is 70% designer / 30% project manager. Achieving Results - Project Responsibilities * Use ... Bachelor's degree or above in Lighting Design or Architectural Engineering or Architecture or ...

Americas Region

Lighting Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

As lighting designers, we use the medium of light to shape and influence how people interact with the built environment and our team creates expressive, sustainable and award-winning concepts with ...

HLB Lighting Design

Lighting Designer

Culver City, CA · On-site

$76K - $81K/yr

Position is 70% designer / 30% project manager. Achieving Results - Project Responsibilities * Use ... Bachelor's degree or above in Lighting Design or Architectural Engineering or Architecture or ...

Legence

Lighting Designer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$72K - $88K/yr

As a Lighting Designer you will be supporting the design team and projects in all aspects and phases. You will work alongside the design team in preparing documentation to present lighting, testing ...

Ghafari Associates LLC

Lighting Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

The Lighting Designer will also provide the design and engineering to develop the construction documents for the installation, interconnection and control of lighting fixtures. Essential Job ...

HKA Enterprises

Lighting Designer

Charlotte, NC · On-site

Residential • Commercial • Subdivision Lighting • Field & Office We're looking for a personable, organized Lighting Designer to formulate and design outdoor lighting plans for residential ...

Ghafari Associates LLC

Lighting Designer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

The Lighting Designer will also provide the design and engineering to develop the construction documents for the installation, interconnection and control of lighting fixtures. Essential Job ...

Gallaudet

Lighting Designer

Center, TX

$18.40/hr

Lighting Designer Worker Type: Fixed Term (Fixed Term) Pay Type: Hourly Exempt Status: No Supervisory Organization (Department): Student Engagement - JM Summary: Lighting Designer provides lighting ...

McFarland-Johnson Inc

Lighting Designer

Acton, MA · On-site

We're seeking a motivated and creative Architectural Lighting Designer to join our multidisciplinary design team. This position offers an excellent opportunity for an emerging professional to ...

Arup

Lighting Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

As lighting designers, we use the medium of light to shape and influence how people interact with the built environment and our team creates expressive, sustainable and award-winning concepts with ...

MG Engineering

Lighting Designer

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

Job Type Full-time Description The Lighting Designer is a trusted member of the project team, working under the direct supervision of the Assistant Lighting Manager to provide valuable design and ...

Ghafari Associates LLC

Lighting Designer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

The Lighting Designer will also provide the design and engineering to develop the construction documents for the installation, interconnection and control of lighting fixtures. Essential Job ...

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Lighting Designer information

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$49K

$72.8K

$94K

How much do lighting designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for lighting designer in the United States is $72,767.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,000.00 and $80,000.00 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.
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Lighting Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lighting Designer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,767 per year, or $35 per hour.

Lighting Designer

Stanford Hotels

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Pay Range: $40.00-$43.00, overtime eligible
The Lighting Designer will support the Director of Lighting Design on upcoming design projects. The ideal candidate is collaborative, pro-active, self-motivated, positive, enthusiastic, energetic and willing to learn new things.
This position is located at the Stanford Hotels Corporate Office in San Francisco. Hours are 8:00-5:00pm Monday-Friday.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
  • Adopt and implement company's lighting design standards
  • Prepare lighting concept presentation package
  • Prepare lighting design layout
  • Prepare lighting detail and sightline studies
  • Prepare lighting fixture specification package including:
    • Lighting fixture schedule
    • Lighting fixture take-off
    • Lighting load calculations
    • Lighting fixture budget
    • Egress lighting layout and specification
  • Prepare lighting control system layout and specification
  • Perform lumen plot
  • Perform energy code/title-24 compliance study
  • Prepare and participate in lighting mockup
  • Research lighting products for specific project application
  • Work with lighting manufacturers on product specifications and price quote inquiry
  • Prepare and issue purchase orders
  • Conduct and document product shipment tracking status
  • Work with company's internal designers, purchasing team, and project managers
  • Coordinate with architect and interior designer
  • Coordinate with electrical consultants
  • Coordinate with contractors during construction
  • Review and provide response to lighting submittals
  • Review and respond to request for information (RFI) during construction
  • Travel to jobsite during construction, as needed

WHAT WE NEED:
  • 3-5 years working experience as lighting designer at lighting consulting firm
  • Fluent in Microsoft Office
    • Word
    • Excel Spreadsheet
    • PowerPoint
  • Fluent in AutoCAD 2021 or newer
  • Fluent in software:
    • Adobe Acrobat
    • Bluebeam
    • AG132
    • SketchUp
    • Enscape
    • Photoshop
    • Lightroom Classic
  • Bachelor of Architectural Engineering - Lighting Design Degree required
  • Hospitality Lighting Design preferred

WHAT WE OFFER:
  • Vacation, Holiday, and Sick pay
  • Medical/Dental/Vision (with opt. out option)
  • Fitness Reimbursement
  • Hotel Room Discount
  • Travel Reimbursement
  • Life Insurance
  • AD&D
  • 401(k) - 4% Match
  • Discount programs
  • Education Assistance Program
  • Long-Term Disability
  • Voluntary Short-Term Disability
  • Voluntary Hospital Insurance, Voluntary Critical Illness Insurance, Voluntary Accident Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits

Stanford Hotels Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants and employees will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; sex; gender identity; sexual orientation; religious practices and observances; national origin; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; status as a protected veteran or spouse/family member of a protected veteran; or disability. If you need accommodation for any part of the application process because of a medical condition or disability, please send an email to Rebecca Dawes at rdawes@stanfordhotels.com or call 415-266-9821 to let us know the nature of your request.
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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