ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Lighting Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

HLB Lighting Design

Lighting Designer

Culver City, CA · On-site

$76K - $81K/yr

Bachelor's degree or above in Lighting Design or Architectural Engineering or Architecture or Interior Design or Theatrical Lighting or related education and experience * 2 to 4 years' experience

HLB Lighting Design

Lighting Designer

Culver City, CA · On-site

$76K - $81K/yr

Bachelor's degree or above in Lighting Design or Architectural Engineering or Architecture or Interior Design or Theatrical Lighting or related education and experience * 2 to 4 years' experience

Stanford Hotels

Lighting Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$40/hr

Pay Range: $40.00-$43.00, overtime eligible The Lighting Designer will support the Director of Lighting Design on upcoming design projects. The ideal candidate is collaborative, pro-active, self ...

IA Interior Architects

Lighting Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Lighting Designer Please include a portfolio or work samples with your application. Experience and skills in Revit are a plus! IA Interior Architects translates client goals, brand and culture into ...

legence

Lighting Designer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

CMTA Lighting, a Business Unit of CMTA, formerly known as AMA Group, seeks an enthusiastic and creative Lighting Designer to join our team. The ideal candidate will have recent architectural lighting ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

P2S Inc.

Lighting Designer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$90K - $115K/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 ...

Legence

Lighting Designer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$90K - $115K/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 ...

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 ...

FA-Facilities

Lighting Technician

Bodega Bay, CA

$47.88/hr

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring a Lighting Technician within the Facilities division. In this exciting role, you will provide labor support with routine interior/exterior lighting ...

Got Light

Lighting Technician

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Got Light designs and produces lighting, audio, and video for hundreds of events each year including some of the most notable openings, premiers, and galas in San Francisco & beyond! Make Art. Have ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsLighting JobsLighting Jobs in California

Lighting information

See California salary details

$12

$21

$31

How much do lighting jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for lighting in California is $21.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $24.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Lighting vs Electrical Technician?

AspectLightingElectrical Technician
CertificationsLighting certifications, electrical safetyElectrical certifications, safety licenses
Work EnvironmentStage, film, architectural projectsConstruction sites, industrial settings
Industry UsageEntertainment, architecture, eventsConstruction, manufacturing, maintenance

Lighting specialists focus on designing and installing lighting systems for various environments, often requiring specific lighting certifications. Electrical Technicians handle broader electrical systems, including wiring and troubleshooting across multiple industries. While both roles require electrical knowledge, Lighting professionals specialize in lighting design and fixtures, making their work more specific to illumination projects.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

In the lighting industry, high-paying roles such as chief lighting designer, lighting director, or executive positions in large production companies can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, leadership responsibilities, and working on major projects. These roles often require advanced skills, industry connections, and sometimes ownership or executive status within organizations.

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

To thrive as a Lighting Technician, you need a solid understanding of lighting design, electrical systems, and safety regulations, often backed by a relevant technical diploma or training. Familiarity with lighting consoles, DMX control systems, and industry-standard fixtures is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and problem-solving skills help you excel during setup, live events, and troubleshooting. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and visually impactful lighting that enhances performances or productions.

What jobs make $3,000 a day?

In the lighting industry, high-paying roles such as freelance lighting designers for large productions or specialized technical directors can earn around $3,000 daily, especially for projects requiring advanced skills, extensive experience, and often working on a contract basis. These roles typically involve working in film, television, or large-scale events and may require certifications, a strong portfolio, and the ability to work long hours. Such high earnings are usually associated with senior-level positions or independent contractors in the field.

What jobs pay $700 a day?

In the lighting industry, freelance or specialized lighting technicians, such as those working on high-budget film, television, or large-scale event productions, can earn $700 or more per day. These roles often require advanced skills, experience, and sometimes certifications, and pay varies based on project scope and location.

What are some common challenges lighting technicians face when working on live events, and how can they prepare for them?

Lighting technicians working on live events often face challenges such as last-minute changes to the event schedule, adapting to different venue layouts, and troubleshooting equipment under tight time constraints. Being well-prepared involves conducting thorough pre-event checks, familiarizing themselves with the venue's infrastructure, and maintaining clear communication with the production team. Staying adaptable, keeping backup equipment on hand, and continuously updating technical skills can help lighting technicians handle these challenges smoothly and ensure successful event execution.

What Are Jobs in the Lighting Industry?

Lighting offers a variety of career opportunities. Examples include working for an electrical products manufacturing company or an energy services company. You can also work as an independent lighting designer, a distributor or wholesaler, a manager or salesperson at a showroom, or a fixture manufacturer. Some people work as a technician to install and setup lighting for homes or businesses. Other people focus on sales. Depending on the career path that you take, other duties and responsibilities might include working to design lighting and fixtures, working in production to create items associated with lighting, or managing lighting stores or factories.

What are lighting professionals and what do they do?

Lighting professionals are experts who design, install, and manage lighting systems for various environments such as theaters, film sets, concerts, architectural spaces, and events. They ensure that the lighting enhances visibility, mood, and aesthetics, as well as meets technical requirements for safety and efficiency. Their work often involves selecting appropriate lighting equipment, programming lighting effects, and collaborating with other professionals like directors or architects to achieve the desired visual impact.

How much do lighting techs get paid?

Lighting technicians typically earn an average hourly wage ranging from $15 to $30, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the production. Entry-level techs may start at lower rates, while experienced professionals working on large productions or with specialized skills can earn higher pay, often supplemented by overtime and per diem allowances.
More about Lighting jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Lighting jobs in California? The most popular types of Lighting jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Lighting jobs in California? For Lighting jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lighting jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Lighting jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Lighting jobs? Cities in California with the most Lighting job openings:
Lighting jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lighting job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,688 per year, or $21 per hour.
Lighting Designer

Lighting Designer

HLB Lighting Design

Culver City, CA • On-site

$76K - $81K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Description
Supports the work of 1 or more team members and displays judgement and independent thinking in the design process. Position is 70% designer / 30% project manager.
Achieving Results - Project Responsibilities
  • Use critical thinking and discretion in assessing specific project needs and communicating effectively to the project manager.
  • Begin to familiarize/learn the process for reviewing monthly fee drafts with Project Manager/Associate/Principal.
  • Begins to understand how to apply authorized scope of work to tasks and meet deadlines.
  • Assist in managing agendas, meeting minutes, and regular project status communications to build knowledge in these areas.
  • Work independently on specific scopes of a project like calculations or documentation.
  • Supports the team to produce work efficiently and profitably.
  • Assists the project manager in creating labor hour budgets for projects. Working with Clients - Client Responsibilities
  • Develop good client and/or related business relationships.
  • Enhance HLB's value to the client and promote the firm.
  • Use communication tools to manage client expectations.

Working with Clients - Client Responsibilities
  • Starts to develop good client and/or related business relationships - working well with their equal at other firms
  • 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
  • Exhibit flexibility and cooperation with teammates.
  • Manage own work time and priorities and show ability to also do this with the project team.
  • Understand good framework for resolving issues.
  • Interface among the principals, design/technical staff and business team as needed.

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.
  • Represent 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.
  • Look for opportunities to collaborate with other HLB offices on project, DOF, C2Q, 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, Vision - as applicable to their role or business group
  • Ability to prioritize / time management skills
  • Self-motivated and self-directed
  • Team player
  • Motivator
  • Dependable

Education & Experience
  • Bachelor's degree or above in Lighting Design or Architectural Engineering or Architecture or Interior Design or Theatrical Lighting or related education and experience
  • 2 to 4 years' experience
  • Certification in Lighting Design (e.g. LC) or certification related to their field / degree or endeavoring to obtain it.
  • LEED BD+C or endeavors to achieve
  • IALD Associate level or above or endeavoring to obtain it.
  • Participate in industry related professional organizations locally

Compensation
$76,400 to $81,200
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.

Apply