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Lighting Director Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Direct and code any assigned newscasts and productions using our Ross, Overdrive and SAGA ... Must be able to lift up to 40-pound lighting instruments EEO AND INCLUSIVITY: Sinclair is proud to ...

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Lighting Director information

See Ohio salary details

$22.9K

$54K

$93.2K

How much do lighting director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for lighting director in Ohio is $54,024.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,334.00 and $61,703.00 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 Ohio?

The most popular types of Lighting jobs in Ohio are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in Ohio are hiring for Lighting Director jobs?

Cities in Ohio with the most Lighting Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Lighting Director job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,024 per year, or $26 per hour.

Lighting Engineer & Designer

Hurricane Productions LLC

Columbus, OH • On-site

$40/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description


Job Summary:
We are seeking a talented and passionate Live Events Lighting Engineer and Designer to join our production team. This position requires a creative individual with a strong technical background in lighting systems and a proven ability to translate artistic vision into captivating visual experiences. The ideal candidate will be responsible for all aspects of lighting, from conceptual design and programming to installation, operation, and maintenance, ensuring the highest quality of illumination for a diverse range of live events.
Requirements
Key Responsibilities:
Lighting Design & Pre-Production:
  • Collaborate with clients, producers, directors, and other designers (e.g., set, video) to understand project requirements and creative vision.
  • Develop innovative and impactful lighting designs that enhance the aesthetic and emotional impact of live events.
  • Create detailed lighting plots, fixture schedules, cable diagrams, and equipment lists using CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, Vectorworks Spotlight).
  • Specify appropriate lighting fixtures, control systems, power distribution, and rigging equipment based on design needs and budget.
  • Conduct site visits and collaborate with venues to assess power, rigging, and logistical requirements.
  • Develop and manage lighting budgets, ensuring cost-effective solutions without compromising quality.
  • Program lighting consoles (e.g., grandMA, Hog, Avolites) for various cues and effects, often in a pre-visualization environment.
  • Stay up-to-date with emerging lighting technologies, software, and industry best practices.

Lighting Engineering & On-Site Execution:
  • Oversee the safe and efficient installation, rigging, and focus of all lighting equipment.
  • Perform system setup, calibration, testing, and troubleshooting of complex lighting networks (DMX, Art-Net, sACN, etc.).
  • Operate lighting consoles during live events, executing cues and making real-time adjustments as needed.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues quickly and effectively under pressure.
  • Conduct pre-show checks and ensure all lighting systems are fully operational and meet safety standards.
  • Manage and mentor junior lighting technicians and crew members.
  • Ensure proper striking, packing, and inventory management of lighting equipment post-event.
  • Adhere to all safety regulations and best practices for working at heights and with electrical equipment.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Technical Theater, Lighting Design, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
  • 4+ years of demonstrable experience in live event lighting design and engineering, with a strong portfolio of diverse projects.
  • Proficiency in professional lighting design software (e.g., Vectorworks Spotlight, AutoCAD).
  • Expertise in operating and programming professional lighting consoles (e.g., grandMA, Hog, Avolites).
  • In-depth knowledge of various lighting fixtures (LED, intelligent moving lights, conventional, etc.), control protocols (DMX, Art-Net, sACN), and power distribution systems.
  • Strong understanding of theatrical rigging principles and safety standards.
  • Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, and plots.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot complex technical issues under pressure.
  • Strong artistic eye and a deep understanding of color theory, composition, and visual storytelling.
  • Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams and clients.
  • Ability to work long and irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, and to travel extensively as required.
  • Physical ability to lift and move heavy equipment, work at heights, and stand for extended periods.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Certifications in rigging, lift operation, or relevant safety training.
  • Experience with media servers and video integration for live events.
  • Knowledge of networking and IT principles as they apply to lighting systems.

Benefits
Compensation:
  • Based on Experience

HurricaneProductions, LLC provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) in allour employment practices to all employees and applicants for employmentwithout regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age,sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information,marital status, military status, or any other category protected byfederal, state, or local laws. This includes prohibiting unlawfuldiscrimination against those associated with or perceived to belong to aprotected class, whether or not an employee actually falls into suchclass, Hurricane Productions EEO practices are upheld in every locationthat it operates and in all aspects of the employment relationship,including hiring, recruiting, placement, transfer, promotion,compensation, discipline, termination, layoff, recall, training, andleaves of absence.