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Lighting Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Senior Lighting Designer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$85K - $91K/yr

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 ...

Lighting Designer SmartSource ยฎ , an ABCOM Technology Group company, has more than 35 years of experience serving clients' business technology needs in the events, staffing, legal, government ...

Lighting Designer SmartSource ยฎ , an ABCOM Technology Group company, has more than 35 years of experience serving clients' business technology needs in the events, staffing, legal, government ...

Lighting Designer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$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 ...

Lighting Designer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$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 ...

Lighting Engineer

Libertyville, IL ยท On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

The Lighting Solutions Engineer serves as the technical link between customers, sales, engineering, and manufacturing. This role ensures lighting products are properly specified, applied, and ...

Design lighting layouts that include basic control sensors and draft lighting control sequences of operations and zone schedules in Revit or, more rarely, AutoCAD * Coordinate internally or ...

Design lighting layouts that include basic control sensors and draft lighting control sequences of operations and zone schedules in Revit or, more rarely, AutoCAD * Coordinate internally or ...

Lighting Designer III

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$73K - $92K/yr

Design lighting and control systems for healthcare, education and commercial clients. Analyze lighting and engineering documents and layout systems in regards to components and parts. Research and ...

We solve the lighting needs for industrial, municipal and commercial customers. . Our management team has over 35 years of commercial lighting sales experience, and understands the new LED lighting ...

We solve the lighting needs for industrial, municipal and commercial customers. . Our management team has over 35 years of commercial lighting sales experience, and understands the new LED lighting ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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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Lighting information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$12

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$32

How much do lighting jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for lighting in Chicago, IL is $21.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.84 and $25.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lighting professional?

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.

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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lighting technician?

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 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 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.

How do you become a lighting specialist?

To become a lighting specialist, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with training or experience in lighting design, electrical work, or related fields. Many professionals gain skills through apprenticeships, technical programs, or certifications such as those from the National Association of Lighting Professionals, and develop proficiency with lighting design software and electrical systems.

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 jobs in Chicago, IL?

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Lighting job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,602 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

Senior Lighting Designer

HLB Lighting Design

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

$85K - $91K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 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.