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Lighting Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ghafari Associates LLC

Lighting Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$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 ...

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 ...

Clark Nexsen

Lighting Designer

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

We are seeking a Lighting Designer to join our electrical team and will work under the direction of a senior engineer/designer. This individual will support lighting design for a variety of building ...

Paisley Park

On Call Lighting Designer

Chanhassen, MN · On-site

$20 - $28/hr

Become a Lighting Designer for Paisley Park, where art, music, events, fashion, culture, and history are celebrated. This is an On-Call position located within the Production Department when events ...

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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 Jun 28, 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.

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.
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Lighting Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lighting Designer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,767 per year, or $35 per hour.
Lighting Designer

Lighting Designer

Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson, Inc.

Charlotte, NC • Hybrid

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Join Clark Nexsen, a JMT Company, and become part of a dynamic, collaborative team dedicated to delivering exceptional service to our clients—while making a meaningful impact on our communities and the world through the projects we help bring to life.

We are seeking a Lighting Designer to join our electrical team and will work under the direction of a senior engineer/designer. This individual will support lighting design for a variety of building types, including commercial, institutional, government, and mixed-use projects. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, creative, and eager to grow their technical and design skills in a collaborative team environment.

Immigration sponsorship or support (e.g. H1B, F-1 CPT/OPT/STEM OPT) is not available for this position, except for qualified candidates eligible for the TN visa classification.

General responsibilities include but are not limited to the following

  • Assist in the development of lighting design concepts under the direction of senior staff
  • Perform lighting calculations using software such as AGi32, ElumTools, or LightStanza
  • Create lighting layouts and details in Revit and/or AutoCAD
  • Support the preparation of specifications, schedules, and lighting control strategies
  • Coordinate with architects, interior designers, and engineers to integrate lighting into the overall design
  • Conduct research on lighting products and technologies
  • Assist with the preparation of presentations, renderings, and documentation

Required Skills
Required Experience
  • Experience with IES standards, energy codes, and NEC
  • Knowledge of daylighting strategies, including LEED/WELL design concepts
  • Working knowledge of Revit and lighting control systems
  • Membership or interest in IES, IALD, or similar professional organizations

Working Conditions

At JMT, we prioritize a healthy work/life balance and offer a flexible hybrid working schedule. The selected candidate is expected to work in a JMT office location at least three days per week or as needed to perform assigned duties. While most of our work is desk-based, there may be times when standing, walking, bending and lifting of minimal weight are required. Our office environment is comfortable, has adequate lighting and temperature, and is free from noise, dust, and other hazards. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

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