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Lighting Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Americas Region

Lighting Designer

San Francisco, CA

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 ...

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 ...

Eagle Brook Church

Lighting Designer

Centerville, MN · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Lighting Designer // EAGLE BROOK CHURCH JOB OBJECTIVES * Leads the creative design and execution of lighting for weekend services, special events and Student Ministries at scheduled campuses

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 ...

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 ...

Livewire

Lighting Designer

Fargo, ND · On-site

Lighting Designer FTE: 1.0 | Exempt Location: Fargo, North Dakota Requires travel: Yes; company vehicle provided Opening: Immediate Last revised: 2026-08 Livewire, a company committed to producing ...

New

Eagle Brook Church

Lighting Designer

Centerville, MN · On-site +1

$25 - $28/hr

Lighting Designer // EAGLE BROOK CHURCH JOB OBJECTIVES * Leads the creative design and execution of lighting for weekend services, special events and Student Ministries at scheduled campuses

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 ...

LPA Design Studios

Lighting Designer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$66K - $97K/yr

We're currently seeking an Entry-Level Lighting Designer to join our MEP+L Systems team. You'll be part of a culture that values deep collaboration, technical excellence, and continual growth. In ...

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 ...

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 ...

MGE LDC

Lighting Designer

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

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 project management support to the ...

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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 Jul 19, 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.

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.

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 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $72,767 per year, or $35 per hour.

Lighting Designer

Americas Region

San Francisco, CA

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Joining Arup 

Arup's purpose, shared values, and collaborative approach has set us apart for over 75 years, guiding how we shape a better world.

We are currently looking for a Lighting Designer to join our team in the San Francisco office. The ideal candidate will enjoy a team environment and also needs to be flexible enough to work independently when needed. Candidates for this role will be eager to learn and will expand their knowledge and hands on experience by challenging themselves and using the highly creative and technical resources around them.

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 light.  We combine our creative thinking and technical skills to create distinct solutions for our clients to positively impact people, communities and nature. Our open and progressive approach to design is deeply rooted in research and evidence-based methodologies. We are curious, working holistically to create the ideal platform for transformative ideas to flourish.

The Opportunity 

  • Contribute to a variety of project types, including Healthcare, Transport, Commercial Property, Government Buildings, and Arts & Culture

  • Develop concepts and strategies for lighting projects (Architectural and Daylighting) with team members

  • Produce lighting calculations as needed to influence design decisions

  • Coordinate and integrate electric lighting systems with daylight harvesting controls

  • Produce lighting models including building computer and physical models (3-D and 2-D)

  • Develop visual materials to represent lighting designs with software such as: InDesign, Photoshop, 3D Studio max, Rhino

  • Work on projects using 3D AutoCAD and Revit

  • Lighting and controls design for a variety of project types and markets and also, put together reports 

  • Conceptual design through construction administration including supervision of lighting systems commissioning

  • Attend design charrettes, internal and client meetings

  • At Arup, you belong to an extraordinary collective - in which we encourage individuality to thrive. Our strength comes from how we respect, share and connect our diverse experiences, perspectives and ideas. 

You will have the opportunity to do socially useful work that has meaning - to Arup, to your career, to our members and to the clients and communities we serve.

Is this role right for you?

  • Bachelor in Lighting Design, Architectural Engineering, Architectural or Interior Design

  • 4+ years of relevant experience

  • Experience in the lighting design industry with an emphasis healthcare or commercial property projects

  • Ability to produce construction documents in Revit and AutoCAD

  • Proven capability with tools such as MS word, Excel, AGI 32, InDesign

  • Ability to communicate thoughts and technical ideas in an accessible way

  • Attitude of taking initiative, enthusiasm, eagerness to learn, teamwork, creativity

  • Working knowledge of architectural luminaires, as well as analog and digital lighting controls

  • Preferred:

Daylighting experience including analysis

Project experience in large-scale high-profile healthcare or commercial work

Interest in industry technical advancements

Project experience, and/or lighting achievements related to social impact and human factors 

Please note that all applicants must apply directly via the job portal.If this role is not quite what you are looking for, but you are interested in other opportunities for a future with purpose, please sign up to ourTalent Communitywhere you will be kept up to date with roles suitable for you to shape a better world.

What we offer you

At Arup, we care about each member's success, so we can grow together.

Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognizes the contribution of each of our members to our shared success. As well as competitive, fair and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all of our members can belong, grow and thrive - through benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do. 

We are owned in trust on behalf of our members, giving us the freedom, with personal responsibility, to set our own direction and choose work that aligns with our purpose and adds to Arup's legacy. Our members collaborate on ambitious projects to deliver remarkable outcomes for our clients and communities. Profit Share is a key part of our reward, enabling members to share in the results of our collective efforts. 

Benefits at Work - At Arup, we have a comprehensive and valuable benefits program that works for our employees and their families while keeping costs low. These benefits provide health and welfare security for you as well as paid time off for rest and renewal. As a member of Arup, everyone shares in our success through a global profit share scheme (payments are dependent on the firm's financial performance). Our Global Profit Share Plan (paid bi-annually) provides an opportunity for you to share in the success of the Firm. As a valued employee of Arup, you can also choose to participate in our 401(k) plan with up to 10% company match to help you save for your future 

Flexible Working - We believe that flexible arrangements create a more inclusive way of working that supports our diversity and the wellbeing of our people. Options for alternative schedules and the ability to work outside of the office for a portion of your workweek are available

San Francisco Hiring Range - Hiring Range - The good faith base salary hiring range for this job if performed in Los Angeles is $100,000 to $108,000 per year. This range is commensurate with experience, educational background, and skill level. Benefits are not included in the base salary. Please note hiring ranges for candidates performing work outside of Los Angeles will differ. 

Different People, Shared Values

Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age (within legal limits), gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you're pregnant or on family leave. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas - this drives our excellence. 

Guided by our values and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we create and contribute to equitable spaces and systems, while cultivating a sense of belonging for all. Our internal employee networks support our inclusive culture: from race, ethnicity and cross-cultural working to gender equity and LGBTQ+ and disability inclusion - we aim to create a space for you to express yourself and make a positive difference. Discover more about life at Arup at www.arup.com/careers/your-life-at-arup. 

Our Application Process

We will be reviewing our candidates for this position on a rolling basis. Once you have applied you will be evaluated and potentially moved on to the next round, at which point a member of the talent resourcing team will reach out to you directly.

 
Arup is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, spouse of a protected veteran, or disability.

Stay safe online. Recruitment fraud is on the rise, and Arup's name, logo, and branding have been used in fraudulent job advertisements. Arup will never ask for bank information as part of our recruitment process.  

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