ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Senior Lighting Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

EwingCole

Lighting Designer I

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$72K - $95K/yr

The Lighting Designer I performs lighting design and documentation as the lead-role on smaller projects and under the support of a senior lighting designer on larger more complex projects. Individual ...

George Sexton Associates, LLC

Be Seen First

Senior Lighting Designer - Architect

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Senior Lighting Designer George Sexton Associates (GSA) is seeking to hire a creative, knowledgeable Senior Lighting Designer to add to our collaborative design team at both our DC and NYC offices.

EwingCole

Lighting Designer I

Manhattan, NY · Hybrid

$72K - $95K/yr

The Lighting Designer I performs lighting design and documentation as the lead-role on smaller projects and under the support of a senior lighting designer on larger more complex projects. Individual ...

George Sexton Associates, LLC

Be Seen First

Senior Lighting Designer - Architect

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Senior Lighting Designer George Sexton Associates (GSA) is seeking to hire a creative, knowledgeable Senior Lighting Designer to add to our collaborative design team at both our DC and NYC offices.

Americas Region

Senior Lighting Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$104K - $127K/yr

Senior Lighting Designer (Los Angeles, CA) * Work on lighting design projects from concept through design phases until construction administration. * Prepare proposals, including scope definitions ...

Arup

Senior Lighting Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$104K - $127K/yr

Senior Lighting Designer (Los Angeles, CA) * Work on lighting design projects from concept through design phases until construction administration. * Prepare proposals, including scope definitions ...

Stantec

Senior Lighting Designer

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

Your Opportunity Buildings Specialty Lighting practice is expanding and looking for a Senior Lighting Designer to join our growing team. The main purpose of this position is to support the growth of ...

Stantec

Senior Lighting Designer

Washington, DC · On-site

Your Opportunity Buildings Specialty Lighting practice is expanding and looking for a Senior Lighting Designer to join our growing team. The main purpose of this position is to support the growth of ...

Stantec

Senior Lighting Designer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

Your Opportunity Buildings Specialty Lighting practice is expanding and looking for a Senior Lighting Designer to join our growing team. The main purpose of this position is to support the growth of ...

Stantec

Senior Lighting Designer

Boston, MA · On-site

Your Opportunity Buildings Specialty Lighting practice is expanding and looking for a Senior Lighting Designer to join our growing team. The main purpose of this position is to support the growth of ...

IA Interior Architects

Lighting Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

The Lighting Designer, working under the leadership of a more senior Lighting team member or Project Manager, designs and develops architectural lighting from schematic through construction documents.

IA Interior Architects

Lighting Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

The Lighting Designer, working under the leadership of a more senior Lighting team member or Project Manager, designs and develops architectural lighting from schematic through construction documents.

AE Design

Senior Lighting Designer

Denver, CO · On-site

$107K - $125K/yr

General Role Description As a senior lighting designer, you will provide creative and proactive solutions for our clients and their projects. The position requires strong leadership ...

AE Design

Senior Lighting Designer

Denver, CO · On-site

$107K - $125K/yr

General Role Description As a senior lighting designer, you will provide creative and proactive solutions for our clients and their projects. The position requires strong leadership in training ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSenior Lighting Designer Jobs

Senior Lighting Designer information

See salary details

$59K

$105.9K

$131K

How much do senior lighting designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior lighting designer in the United States is $105,882.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,000.00 and $109,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Senior Lighting Designer typically collaborate with architects and other design professionals on large-scale projects?

A Senior Lighting Designer works closely with architects, interior designers, and engineers to ensure that lighting solutions complement the overall vision and functionality of a space. This collaboration often involves participating in design meetings, reviewing architectural plans, and providing technical guidance on lighting layouts, fixture selection, and energy efficiency. Effective communication and coordination are essential, as the lighting designer must balance aesthetic considerations with practical constraints like budgets, regulations, and installation timelines. These professionals also frequently lead project teams and mentor junior designers, supporting both creative and technical project goals.

What is the difference between Senior Lighting Designer vs Lighting Designer?

AspectSenior Lighting DesignerLighting Designer
CredentialsTypically requires 5+ years experience, relevant certifications, and advanced knowledgeEntry to mid-level experience, foundational certifications, and basic knowledge
Work EnvironmentLead projects, collaborate with clients and teams, oversee design developmentAssist in design tasks, support senior staff, and execute lighting plans
Industry UsageUsed across architecture, theater, film, and event industries for complex projectsCommonly employed in smaller projects or as part of a team in various industries

The main difference between a Senior Lighting Designer and a Lighting Designer lies in experience, responsibilities, and project scope. Senior Lighting Designers typically lead projects and have more advanced credentials, while Lighting Designers support project execution at an entry or mid-level. Both roles are essential in the lighting industry, but the senior position involves greater leadership and expertise.

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

To thrive as a Senior Lighting Designer, you need expertise in lighting design principles, architectural understanding, and a degree in lighting, architecture, or a related field, often complemented by several years of professional experience. Mastery of technical tools like AutoCAD, Revit, Dialux, and lighting control systems, as well as relevant certifications such as LC (Lighting Certified), is typically required. Strong project management, creative problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills that distinguish top performers in this role. These abilities ensure innovative, functional, and visually compelling lighting solutions that meet client needs and project specifications.

What does a Senior Lighting Designer do?

A Senior Lighting Designer is responsible for creating and implementing lighting solutions for architectural, theatrical, or event projects. They work closely with clients, architects, and engineers to develop lighting concepts that enhance aesthetics, functionality, and energy efficiency. Their role often involves designing lighting plans, selecting fixtures, managing teams, and ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations. Senior Lighting Designers also oversee project budgets, timelines, and coordinate with contractors during installation. Their expertise ensures that lighting enhances both the visual appeal and usability of spaces.
More about Senior Lighting Designer jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Lighting Designer jobs? Cities with the most Senior Lighting Designer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Lighting Designer jobs? The most popular types of Lighting Designer jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Lighting Designer jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Lighting Designer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Senior Lighting Designer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Lighting Designer jobs are:
Senior Lighting Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Lighting Designer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,882 per year, or $50.9 per hour.
Lighting Designer I

Lighting Designer I

EwingCole

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$72K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
EwingCole is a nationally recognized architecture, engineering, interior design and planning firm with offices across the country. Our multi-disciplinary practice is built on the core values of professional excellence, design quality and collaboration. We are seeking a motivated Lighting Designer I to join our New York office.
The Lighting Designer I performs lighting design and documentation as the lead-role on smaller projects and under the support of a senior lighting designer on larger more complex projects. Individual is responsible for mentorship of Lighting design intern position. They have passed the LC exam and completed the required work experience to successfully gain LC professional licensure.
Essential Functions
  • Completing lighting calculations in AGI and review calculations completed by lighting design intern and less experienced professionals to aid in fixture selections and layouts
  • Has extensive knowledge of the IES lighting handbook and associated Recommended Practice documents
  • Has extensive understanding of typical lighting design criteria including new/developing changes in the lighting design industry
  • Review products and evaluate components, design quality of materials, issues of maintenance, product quality and provide recommendations for projects. Review comments/questions of junior staff on product selections and characteristics
  • Understand cost impact of lighting product selections and control systems (including general mark-ups, labor costs, and typical $/SF budgets) for projects, and can specify within project budget.
  • Knowledgeable in lighting control systems and develop one line diagrams, details, and specifications with minimal supervision from a senior lighting designer
  • Extensive understanding of national and local lighting and energy codes specific to each project and capable of selecting products and completing design to meet these parameters.
  • Lead coordination for lighting design team with architects and other disciplines for RCP coordination, design intent, W/SF for mechanical, etc.
  • Prepare presentation material for clients and present ideas clearly and concisely
  • Mentor less experienced lighting design staff with drafting requirements, lighting design concepts, project design process, etc.
  • Edit lighting specifications with the supervision of a senior lighting designer
  • Take ownership of a full design through all phases of a project with minimal supervision from a senior lighting designer
  • Perform in-house and on-site construction administration tasks
  • Document projects utilizing AutoCad and Revit, and create mark-ups for drafting by others
  • Attend seminars and continuing education programs. Participate in design, analysis, and documentation training
  • Performs other duties and responsibilities as required or requested.

Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Architectural Engineering or Architecture
  • 0 to 3 years' experience
  • Lighting Certified (LC) preferred
  • Engineering calculation programs and equipment selection software
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • Basic computer analysis skills

Benefits of Working at EwingCole
Generous paid time off, 401(k) plan with company match, tuition reimbursement, flexible/hybrid work options, paid parental leave, excellent insurance offerings including medical, dental, vision, accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, identity protection and more.
EwingCole will not be accepting outside recruitment assistance on this position including from agencies with a written agreement in place. Any staffing/employment agency, person or entity that submits a resume to EwingCole does so with the understanding that the applicant's resume will become the property of EwingCole. EwingCole will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion and without any fee owed to the submitting staffing/employment agency, person or entity.
#LI-Hybrid
Salary Description
$72,000 - $95,000

Apply