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Lighting Director Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

LeafHome

Roof Line Lighting Installer

Eden Prairie, MN

$75K - $125K/yr

Welcome to Leaf Home Lighting! Whats in it for me? Start working now You can complete onboarding ... We pay weekly through direct deposit, no more waiting weeks or months to be paid Discounts and ...

Hubbard Broadcasting

Technical Director

Duluth, MN · On-site

* Technical direct newscasts using a VizRT Vectar (NewTek TriCaster) via a NewsMaker NewsCaster ... Maintain adequate studio lighting levels and work with Brand Manager to light new sets or make ...

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Lighting Director information

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$24.3K

$57.4K

$99.1K

How much do lighting director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for lighting director in Minnesota is $57,422.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,123.00 and $65,584.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a lighting director do?

A Lighting Director is responsible for designing, coordinating, and executing the lighting for live events, television shows, theater productions, or film sets. They work closely with directors, producers, and set designers to create the right mood, visibility, and effects. Their job includes selecting lighting equipment, programming lighting cues, and overseeing a team of technicians to ensure smooth operation. Attention to detail, creativity, and technical expertise are essential for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lighting director?

To thrive as a Lighting Director, you need a strong understanding of lighting design principles, electrical systems, and visual storytelling, often supported by experience in theatre, film, or television production. Proficiency with lighting consoles, DMX control systems, and lighting design software such as Vectorworks or Lightwright is typically required, and certifications like ETCP can be advantageous. Strong leadership, communication, and collaboration skills are essential for coordinating with directors, technicians, and other creative team members. These skills ensure effective execution of lighting plans that enhance the visual impact of live and recorded productions while maintaining safety and efficiency.

What are some typical challenges a lighting director might face during a production?

Lighting Directors often face challenges such as working within tight timeframes, adapting to unexpected changes in set design or schedules, and addressing technical issues like power limitations or malfunctioning equipment. They must quickly troubleshoot problems while ensuring that lighting cues align seamlessly with the overall production. Additionally, coordinating and communicating with directors, stage managers, and other departments is key to staying aligned on creative vision and logistics. The ability to stay calm under pressure and adjust plans as needed is crucial for maintaining a high-quality production environment.

How do you become a lighting director?

To become a lighting director, individuals typically gain experience by working in entry-level lighting or stage crew roles, develop skills in lighting design and operation, and often pursue training or certification in lighting technology or theater production. Building a strong portfolio and understanding of lighting equipment, such as consoles and fixtures, is essential for advancing in this field.

How much do lighting directors make?

Lighting directors typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000 to $80,000, with experienced professionals or those working on large productions earning higher. Salaries can vary based on industry, location, and level of experience, and many lighting directors also receive additional compensation for overtime or special projects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lighting jobs in Minnesota?

The most popular types of Lighting jobs in Minnesota are:

What are popular job titles related to Lighting Director jobs in Minnesota?

For Lighting Director jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Lighting Director jobs in Minnesota look for?

The top searched job categories for Lighting Director jobs in Minnesota are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Lighting Director jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Lighting Director job openings:

Lighting Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lighting Director job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,422 per year, or $27.6 per hour.

Associate Lighting and Projection Director

The Guthrie Theater

Minneapolis, MN • On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Department: Production - Lighting and Projection
Reports to: Lighting and Projection Director
Compensation: $65,000 - $70,000, depending on qualifications
Benefits: Benefits Eligible
Typical Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:30am-5:00pm. During tech and preview weeks hours will include 10am-11pm Tuesday-Sunday.
The Guthrie is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building an equitable environment that finds strength in diversity of identity, experience and perspective. We are dedicated to hiring and developing talented teams that are inclusive and welcoming to individuals with different backgrounds, thoughts, and abilities. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the theater field are strongly encouraged to apply.
Position Summary
The Associate Lighting and Projection Director is responsible for assisting the Lighting and Projection Director in the day-to-day management and operation of the Lighting Department and ensuring that the needs of guest Lighting Designers are met. This position provides work direction to members of the Lighting and Projection team. This role is expected to act as an assistant to visiting Lighting Designers during tech on assigned productions. All employees are expected to center, model and champion the Guthrie's core values of Artistic Excellence; Community; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility; and Fiscal Responsibility.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
1. Leadership and Supervision
  • Assist the Lighting and Projection Director with supervision of and provide work direction to the Lighting and Projection staff.
  • Actively participate in fostering a work environment incorporating the Guthrie values of Artistic Excellence; Community; Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion; and Fiscal Responsibility.
  • Attend and/or run department meetings to communicate pertinent information to the Lighting Department staff and the wider production staff when necessary.
  • Coach and develop Lighting Department staff by monitoring employee productivity and providing constructive feedback; facilitating conflict resolution among employees; and ensuring adherence to legal and organizational policies and procedures.
  • Act as back up to the Lighting and Projection Director in scheduling overhires, maintaining timesheets, approving Personal Time Off requests and other personnel records when required.

2. Designer Collaboration and Support
  • In conjunction with the Lighting and Projection Director:
  1. Collaborate with the design team and other production departments to establish methods for the design and execution of the lighting and/or other elements of productions.
  2. Act as a liaison with production departments on interdepartmental projects.
  3. Consult with designers and production department members on any issues that arise during the production process which pertain to the build, installation, and strike of lighting and projection equipment.
  4. Attend weekly Production Meetings as assigned and share pertinent information with Lighting Department staff from those meetings.
  5. Attend technical notes sessions after technical rehearsals as assigned.
  6. Attend focus calls, technical rehearsals, and some, or all, of the previews for a given production as assigned.
  7. Calling followspots during technical rehearsals and previews.

3. Design Documentation
  • Create and/or maintain all lighting paperwork for assigned productions, including, but not limited to: CAD plot drafting, hookups & instrument schedules, focus charts, tracksheets, spot cue sheets, magic sheets, and any other lighting paperwork deemed necessary for any Guthrie production or presentation.
  • Assist Lighting Designers or Projection Designers on assigned productions in communicating daily work notes in a clear, concise and effective manner.
  • Assist Lighting Designers or Projection Designers on assigned productions in creatively and effectively using all the theater's resources in the execution of their design.
  • Build and/or update word processing spreadsheets, database documents and CAD drafting files to keep all relevant Lighting Department files current and readily available.
  • Assist Lighting and Projection Director in the creation of any internal drafting and documentation of projection systems.

4. Administration
  • Organize and prepare information for daily workflow and maintenance of the lighting shop.
  • Work collaboratively with other departments as needed to determine and implement archival systems for future reference.
  • Maintain and update equipment inventory lists, databases or spreadsheets.
  • Assist the Lighting and Projection Director with the managerial needs of the Lighting Department.
  • Establish crew calls during technical rehearsals on assigned productions.
  • Provide on-site direction to lighting staff on various projects.
  • Assist the Lighting and Projection Director in researching and procuring departmental equipment and supplies.
  • Determine needs for departmental purchases and assist the Lighting and Projection Director in budget-tracking tasks.

Requirements
Essential Knowledge and Qualifications
  • Demonstrated leadership experience in theater or commercial theatrical lighting production. Formal, informal and cross-disciplinary experiences will be considered.
  • Demonstrated leadership, supervision and project management experience.
  • Proficient CAD skills to build, maintain and update all pertinent lighting drawings.
  • Experience in working with projections and various media server systems. Watchout 6 or 7 preferred.
  • Demonstrated experience in ETC EOS, Vectorworks and Lightwright.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office® products, specifically Word, Excel, and Outlook.
  • Working knowledge of IATSE collective bargaining agreements strongly preferred.
  • Strong commitment to health and safety in the workplace, with knowledge of current best health and safety practice within the US Theatre Industry.
  • Demonstrated professional diplomacy in personnel management and designer collaboration.
  • Skill and experience in creative problem solving to meet the artistic needs of the show within time and financial requirements. Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Works well under pressure and responds calmly and efficiently to frequent changes during the production and rehearsal process.
  • Must be willing to work flexible hours/days, including evenings and weekends, reflective of the dynamic schedule of the theater.
  • Experience with and commitment to working with individuals and teams that exemplify diversity of identity, experience, and perspective, including but not limited to race, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, family and/or marital status, creed, religion, ancestry, disability, national origin, sexual orientation or sexual identity, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, body size/type, status with regard to public assistance or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?
The Guthrie relies on the talents of many artists and staff, both on and off the stage, to create powerful works of theater at the Guthrie. We are dedicated to building an equitable environment that is mixed across lines of difference. Acknowledging that there are many identities that are underrepresented in the theater overall, the Guthrie strongly encourages candidates who bring diversity of identity, experience and thought to apply. We also acknowledge that candidates can have unique and non-linear and transferable skills. We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every single qualification but have transferrable skills and passion for our mission and vision.
WHY SHOULD I APPLY?
Be a part of a leading non-profit organization that is committed to serving not only the local Twin Cities community but the industry as a whole. The Guthrie offers top-notch employee benefits and staff perks which includes:
  • Competitive Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Accounts (HSA), Employer contributions to HSA, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Dependent Care FSA, Group Life Insurance, Voluntary Life Insurance, Long Term Disability, Short Term Disability, Employee Assistance Program, 403(b) Retirement Plan (with employer match up to 4.5% after one year of service)
  • Transportation: Subsidized passes for Metro Transit buses and trains, discounted pre-tax monthly ramp parking
  • Paid Time Off: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO), Volunteer Time Off (VTO)
  • Complimentary Tickets: To Guthrie productions
  • Discounted Tickets: To all shows produced by the Guthrie and to some performances hosted by the Guthrie
  • Classes and Camps: Discounts to Guthrie classes and camps
  • Other Perks and Resources: Guthrie Store discount; Employee Affinity Groups

ABOUT THE GUTHRIE
The Guthrie Theater engages exceptional theater artists in the exploration of both classic and contemporary plays connecting the community we serve to one another and to the world. Through its extraordinary artists, staff and facility, the Guthrie is committed to the people of Minnesota, and from its place, rooted deeply in the Twin Cities, influences the field as a leading 21st century arts organization. Every year more than 500 people, both on stage and off, help ensure our success in creating and supporting the highest level of theater. As an organization, we are committed to our values of Artistic Excellence, Community, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and Fiscal Responsibility. The Guthrie Theater is located in the historic Mill District along the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As the largest city in the state, Minneapolis offers a large variety of parks, lakes, great food, festivals, malls and more.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The Guthrie Theater would like to acknowledge that we gather on the traditional land of the Dakota People and honor with gratitude the land itself and the people who have stewarded it throughout the generations, including the Ojibwe and other Indigenous nations.
Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter to be considered for the position.
Salary Description
$65,000 - $70,000, depending on qualifications

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