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Lighting Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

HLB Lighting Design

Senior Lighting Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$85K - $91K/yr

Manages agendas, meeting minutes, and regular project status communications * Develops technical skills appropriate to area of expertise and continually improves skills and knowledge through ...

SmartSource

Lighting Designer

Glendale Heights, IL · On-site

The Lighting Designer will work directly with sales, project managers, and clients to develop practical lighting solutions that align with event objectives and budgets while also serving as the lead ...

SmartSource

Lighting Designer

Glendale Heights, IL · On-site

The Lighting Designer will work directly with sales, project managers, and clients to develop practical lighting solutions that align with event objectives and budgets while also serving as the lead ...

Ghafari Associates LLC

Lighting Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

... Project Manager or client as appropriate. * Adhere to project quality, budget, and schedule ... Lighting Certification (L.C). preferred Skills/Competencies: * Proficiency in Autodesk Revit and ...

Ghafari Associates LLC

Lighting Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

... Project Manager or client as appropriate. * Adhere to project quality, budget, and schedule ... Lighting Certification (L.C). preferred Skills/Competencies: * Proficiency in Autodesk Revit and ...

IMEG

Lighting Project Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Manage smaller to middle-size projects and collaborate with senior lighting design team members, project executives, or client executives to learn and write proposals Required Skills/Abilities

IMEG

Lighting Project Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Manage smaller to middle-size projects and collaborate with senior lighting design team members, project executives, or client executives to learn and write proposals Required Skills/Abilities

Accents Lighting

Office Manager

Joliet, IL · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

We are seeking an office manager to join our team! You will perform clerical and administrative ... Accents Lighting is a 28+ year old indoor/outdoor low voltage lighting company in Joliet with a ...

Accents Lighting

Office Manager

Joliet, IL · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

We are seeking an office manager to join our team! You will perform clerical and administrative ... Accents Lighting is a 28+ year old indoor/outdoor low voltage lighting company in Joliet with a ...

Brimar LED

LED LIGHTING SPECIALIST

Lake Forest, IL · On-site

Our management team has over 35 years of commercial lighting sales experience, and understands the new LED lighting revolution. We distribute the highest quality UL certified LED lighting options ...

Brimar LED

LED LIGHTING SPECIALIST

Lake Forest, IL

Our management team has over 35 years of commercial lighting sales experience, and understands the new LED lighting revolution. We distribute the highest quality UL certified LED lighting options ...

Brimar LED

LED Lighting Specialist

Lake Forest, IL · On-site

Our staff of Sales managers have over thirty years in the direct lighting distribution field.We Also provide the finest in out door LED parking lot and street lighting. To present a professional and ...

Brimar LED

LED Lighting Specialist

Lake Forest, IL

Our staff of Sales managers have over thirty years in the direct lighting distribution field.We Also provide the finest in out door LED parking lot and street lighting. To present a professional and ...

Brimar LED

LED Lighting Specialist

Lake Forest, IL

Our staff of sales managers have over thirty years of direct lighting experience.We also provide the finest in outdoor LED parking lot and street lighting custom retrofitted for any need.We are ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsLighting JobsLighting Manager JobsLighting Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

Lighting Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$29.9K

$107.8K

$121.7K

How much do lighting manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for lighting manager in Chicago, IL is $107,813.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $117,500.00 and $120,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a lighting manager do?

A Lighting Manager is responsible for overseeing the design, installation, and operation of lighting systems for events, performances, film sets, or venues. They work closely with directors, designers, and technicians to create the desired visual effects and ensure proper illumination on stage or set. Their duties include planning lighting layouts, managing equipment, supervising lighting crews, and troubleshooting technical issues during productions. Lighting Managers also ensure that all lighting complies with safety standards and meets the artistic vision of the project.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lighting manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lighting Manager, you need expertise in lighting design, electrical systems, and project management, often supported by a degree in lighting design, technical theater, or a related field. Familiarity with lighting control consoles, CAD software, and industry-standard fixtures, as well as certifications like ETCP, is typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help coordinate teams and adapt to changing production needs. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring creative vision, technical reliability, and safety in live or filmed productions.

What are some common challenges lighting managers face during live productions, and how can they be addressed?

Lighting Managers often encounter challenges such as last-minute changes to set design, unpredictable venue conditions, and balancing creative vision with technical limitations. To address these, it's important to maintain clear communication with directors, stage managers, and crew, and to stay adaptable with backup plans and flexible lighting designs. Experience with troubleshooting and strong organizational skills help ensure that lighting cues are executed smoothly, even under tight deadlines or unexpected circumstances.

What is the difference between Lighting Manager vs Lighting Technician?

AspectLighting ManagerLighting Technician
CredentialsRelevant certifications, experience in lighting design and managementTechnical training, certifications in lighting installation and operation
Work EnvironmentOversees lighting projects, manages teams, plans lighting setupsPerforms installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of lighting equipment
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in event production, theater, film, and large-scale projectsCommon in construction, stage setup, and technical support roles

The Lighting Manager focuses on overseeing lighting projects, managing teams, and planning lighting designs, while the Lighting Technician handles the hands-on installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of lighting equipment. Both roles are essential in the lighting industry but differ in responsibilities and scope.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lighting jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Lighting jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Lighting Manager jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Lighting Manager jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Lighting Manager jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Lighting Manager jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Lighting Manager jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Lighting Manager job openings:

Lighting Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lighting Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $107,813 per year, or $51.8 per hour.

Senior Lighting Designer

Chicago, IL • On-site

HLB Lighting Design
Architectural Services • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about HLB Lighting Designexternal

$85K - $91K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Description
Supports and/or manages the work of 1 or more team members, is a project manager, has some input on relevant (local) office decisions, and is becoming a leader in their respective office. As a designer, taking the design intent and turning it into the work product. 20% designer, 80% project manager.
Achieving Results - Project Responsibilities
  • Reviews monthly fee drafts with Project Manager/Associate/Principal
  • Understands how to apply authorized scope of work to tasks and meet deadlines
  • Manages agendas, meeting minutes, and regular project status communications
  • Develops technical skills appropriate to area of expertise and continually improves skills and knowledge through supplemental education, seminars, etc.
  • Capable of full delivery of a project from start to finish with team / ownership of all associated tasks, but does this with the guidance of an Associate or Principal
  • Supports and assists in managing the team to produce work efficiently and profitably
  • Creating labor hour budgets for projects relative to work they have generated or as needed
  • Ability to multi-task and establish priorities
  • Reviews deliverables prior to issue based on QA/QC procedures
  • Exhibits expertise or desire to specialize in a specific lighting project type or application and manages those types of projects (Practice Leader Group - PLG)

Working with Clients - Client Responsibilities
  • Develops good client and/or related business relationships resulting in client satisfaction and continued loyalty from that client
  • Enhance HLB's value to the client and promote the firm
  • Uses communication tools to manage client expectations

Working with Teammates and Managers - Management Responsibilities
  • Exhibits flexibility and cooperation with teammates
  • Manage and / or support team effectively
  • Manages their work and shows ability to prioritize time of others in the team
  • Starting to understand good framework for resolving issues
  • Interfaces among the principals, design/technical staff and business team as needed
  • Has a leadership role in office-wide coordination of resources and staff

HLB's Corporate Culture and Values - Responsibilities to HLB initiatives
  • Participation in and contribution to procedures and environment that are in the best interest of the firm
  • Participation in recruiting and retaining efforts
  • Represents the firm in a professional manner
  • Participation in Designing Our Future/HLB 10:10 Vision, C2Q initiatives
  • Reinforce HLB values - Artistry, Curiosity, Balance, Integrity, Legacy
  • Looks for opportunities to collaborate with other HLB offices on project, DOF, business workgroup avenues in a meaningful way

Requirements
Skill Set
  • Excellent Organizational skills
  • Proven technical skills appropriate to work area
  • Oral and written skills
  • Computer programs: Revit, Excel, Word, Power Point, Adobe Suite including Acrobat, Photoshop and InDesign, AutoCAD, AGI or Visual or Elum Tools, Diva, Grasshopper, Ecotect, Radiance, Daysim, Rhino, Radiance, VantagePoint - as applicable to their role or business group
  • Ability to prioritize / time management skills
  • Self-motivated and self-directed
  • Team player
  • Motivator
  • Dependable

Education
  • Bachelor's degree or above in Lighting Design or Architectural Engineering or Architecture or Interior Design or Theatrical Lighting or related education and experience
  • 3 to 5 years' experience
  • Certification in Lighting Design (e.g. LC) or certification related to their field / degree
  • LEED BD+C or endeavors to achieve
  • IALD Associate level or above
  • Consider CLD certification
  • Participate in industry related professional organizations locally

Compensation
$85,400 to $91,000
The final agreed upon compensation is based on cost of living, individual education, qualifications, and experience.
Benefit Clause: Includes but not limited to Medical, Dental & Vision plans, flexible spending account, 401(k) plans, life & AD&D insurance, short/long term disability plans, holidays, and paid time off.

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