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Senior Lighting Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lighthouse games

Senior Lighting Artist

Whitehouse, TX · On-site

$106K - $127K/yr

As our Senior Lighting Artist, you will play a key role in shaping the aesthetic and ambience of our games. Lighting is critical to every aspect of content creation and can make or break the ...

Activision

WI · On-site

$127K - $152K/yr

Job Title Senior Lighting Artist - Raven - Middleton, WI Requisition ID R028051 Raven Software is seeking a highly capable, motivated Senior Lighting Artist to play a key role on our team, partner ...

New

ACTIVISION PUBLISHING, INC.

WI · On-site

$82K - $152K/yr

Senior Lighting Artist - Raven - Middleton, WI Raven Software is seeking a highly capable, motivated Senior Lighting Artist to play a key role on our team, partner across disciplines, and shape ...

Activision Blizzard

WI · On-site

$127K - $152K/yr

Job Title Senior Lighting Artist - Raven - Middleton, WI Requisition ID R028051 Raven Software is seeking a highly capable, motivated Senior Lighting Artist to play a key role on our team, partner ...

New

NAUGHTY DOG, LLC

$69.09 - $86.35/hr

As a Cinematic Lighting Artist , you will collaborate with concept artists, animators, VFX artists and fellow lighters to create visually spectacular and engaging cinematic sequences. You will be ...

Lighthouse games

Principal Lighting Artist

Whitehouse, TX · On-site

$106K - $127K/yr

Extensive experience as a Senior/Principal Lighting Artist in the games industry, with a strong portfolio showcasing your lighting work * Expertise in lighting principles, colour theory, and ...

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Senior Lighting Artist information

See salary details

$30.5K

$129.5K

$152.5K

How much do senior lighting artist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior lighting artist in the United States is $129,541.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $127,000.00 and $152,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior lighting artist do?

A Senior Lighting Artist is responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing lighting in video games, films, or other digital media. They work closely with art directors and technical teams to create visually compelling environments that enhance mood, realism, and storytelling. Their role involves balancing artistic vision with technical performance, ensuring that lighting complements the overall visual style while running efficiently in real-time engines. Additionally, they may mentor junior artists, establish lighting workflows, and troubleshoot rendering or performance issues.

What are some typical daily responsibilities for a senior lighting artist on a game or film production team?

Senior Lighting Artists are responsible for establishing and maintaining the overall mood and atmosphere through lighting setups and adjustments in digital environments. Daily tasks often include collaborating with environment artists and technical directors, troubleshooting lighting-related issues, and optimizing scenes for both aesthetics and performance. You may also review junior artists’ work, provide feedback, and help implement new techniques to improve visual quality. The role combines creative problem-solving with technical skills to ensure each scene meets the project's visual standards and storytelling goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the senior lighting artist position, and why are they important?

To excel as a Senior Lighting Artist, you need advanced expertise in lighting theory, color grading, composition, and a strong portfolio demonstrating environmental storytelling—usually supported by a degree in art, design, or a related field. Mastery of industry-standard tools such as Autodesk Maya, Unreal Engine, Unity, or other rendering and lighting software is expected, along with familiarity with physically based rendering (PBR) workflows. Strong collaboration skills, problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and mentorship aptitude help you work well with art teams and guide juniors. These skills ensure visually compelling results, streamlined workflows, and a consistent artistic vision across complex projects.

Are senior lighting artists in demand?

Senior lighting artists are in demand in the entertainment and gaming industries due to the need for high-quality visual environments. Their expertise in lighting techniques, software such as Maya or Unreal Engine, and a strong portfolio increase job prospects, especially as visual effects and immersive experiences grow in popularity.

How much do senior lighting artists make?

Senior lighting artists typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. They often work with tools like Maya or Unreal Engine and require strong artistic and technical skills. Salaries can vary based on the size of the studio and project complexity.
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Senior Lighting Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Lighting Artist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,541 per year, or $62.3 per hour.

Senior Lighting Artist

Whitehouse, TX • On-site

Lighthouse games
See more jobs at Lighthouse gamesexternal

$106K - $127K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Lighthouse Games is a new AAA studio in Leamington Spa. We are defined by our pedigree of talent and serious ambition to build a new best-in-class game. When you join us at Lighthouse, you’ll create the best work of your career within a collaborative, hybrid working environment. You’ll learn from the best and work alongside the future greats of the gaming industry.

As our Senior Lighting Artist, you will play a key role in shaping the aesthetic and ambience of our games. Lighting is critical to every aspect of content creation and can make or break the immersion of a game. As we aim to create memorable experiences for our players, we're looking for someone with a keen eye for detail and a passion for bringing worlds to life through lighting and post-processing. You will work closely with the Lead Lighting Artist and other art disciplines to achieve the highest quality and maintain consistent visual standards.

Your responsibilities will include creating lighting setups and executing post-processing effects, as well as collaborating with environment artists to ensure cohesive and immersive lighting across all game spaces. You will also assist in defining and maintaining a lighting pipeline and contribute to establishing lighting benchmarks and guidelines for the team.

  • Proven experience as a Lighting Artist in the games industry
  • Strong understanding of lighting principles, color theory, and composition
  • Proficiency with lighting tools and software (e.g. Unreal Engine, Maya)
  • Experience with post-processing effects and techniques
  • Ability to work collaboratively with other artists and give/receive feedback
  • Excellent communication skills and attention to detail
  • Passion for games and a strong artistic vision
  • 25 Days Holiday, plus 1 day for your birthday
  • Studio Shutdown between Christmas and New Year
  • Discretionary Bonus Scheme
  • Private Pension Scheme
  • Private Healthcare
  • Health and Well-Being Benefits
  • Dental Care
  • Optical treatments
  • Mental Health Support
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