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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 ...

New

W3Global Inc.

Lighting Designer II

Dallas, TX

$85K - $105K/yr

Lighting Designer II Location: Dallas, TX Employment type: Onsite / Full time Overview: * We are seeking a talented and motivated Lighting Designer II to join a collaborative, team-oriented ...

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 ...

W3Global Inc.

Lighting Designer

El Cajon, CA · Hybrid

$80K - $120K/yr

Lighting Designer Employment Type: Full-Time, Hybrid (2 days onsite) Location: El Cajon, CA Job Summary: We are seeking a detail-oriented Lighting Designer with strong technical design skills and ...

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 ...

New

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 ...

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 ...

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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How much do lighting designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 4, 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 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 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 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 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.

More about Lighting Designer jobs
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What are popular job titles related to Lighting Designer jobs? For Lighting Designer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Lighting Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lighting Designer job openings in the United States as of May 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.
Architectural Lighting Designer

Architectural Lighting Designer

Lightology LLC

Chicago, IL • On-site

$50K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Lightology is the largest contemporary lighting showroom in North America. Our goal is to educate our customers on the intricacies of lighting design. With this knowledge, our customers come to appreciate the significant impact that great lighting design can have on their home, office, store, or restaurant. This knowledge, accompanied by a partnership with our staff and our exceptional product line gives our customers all the tools necessary to create an atmosphere uniquely suited to their needs.
Find us at www.lightology.com
Position: Architectural Lighting Designer
Position reports to the Chief Executive Officer
Job Location: 1718 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago IL, 60614
Job Type: Full-Time
Pay Rate: $50,000-$70,000 yearly
As an Architectural Lighting Designer you'll create and help implement lighting plans and quotes for our Lightology sales staff, interior designers, and lighting designers. You'll also collaborate with architects and engineers to enhance spaces, create their vision through lighting design, ensure compliance with industry standards, and prepare presentations for clients.
As an Architectural Lighting Designer in Lincoln Park, Chicago, you will develop and execute lighting plans and quotes for our Lightology sales team, interior designers, and lighting professionals. Your role will involve working closely with interior designers, lighting designers, architects, and engineers to bring their design visions to life. You will enhance spaces with innovative lighting solutions, ensure compliance with industry standards, and create impactful presentations for clients.
Responsibilities
  • Design and Planning - Develop and implement innovative lighting designs for architectural projects, considering aesthetic and functional needs.
  • Collaboration - Work closely with sales staff, interior/lighting designers, and engineers to integrate lighting solutions seamlessly into the overall design.
  • Technical Expertise - Select appropriate lighting fixtures, and Controls, ensuring compliance with UL standards, codes, and sustainability practices.
  • Documentation - Create detailed lighting layouts, plans, and specifications, including lighting calculations, fixture Schedules, and quotes.
  • Client Communication - Prepare presentations and visualizations to communicate design concepts effectively to clients.
  • Project Management - Review construction progress of lighting installations, issue field reports, and manage project budgets and timelines.

Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in architecture, electrical engineering, or a related field.
  • Proficiency in AutoCAD and other lighting design software, lighting calculations, and understanding of industry standards and codes.
  • Relevant experience in architectural lighting design, preferably with a portfolio showcasing your work.
  • Familiarity with sustainable lighting practices and energy-efficient technologies. Smart Controls.

Benefits
  • Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance enrollment on the 1st of the month after 30 days of employment
  • 401(k) Retirement plan after 6 months of employment.
  • Up to 80 hours of accrued Vacation Paid Leave, prorated your first year.
  • State and locally-regulated Paid Sick Time.
  • Paid Company Holidays, after 30 days.
  • Short Term, Long Term Disability, Life, and AD&D optional Insurance benefits the 1st of the month after 30 days of employment.
  • Company-sponsored Life with AD&D Insurance Coverage.
  • Optional Enrollment in Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA).

Salary Description
$50,000 - $70,000 per year

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