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Senior Lighting Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

George Sexton Associates, LLC

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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.

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.

Dialight

Senior Lighting Designer

Farmingdale, NJ · On-site

Position Summary As a Senior Lighting Designer and Project Manager , the successful candidate will collaborate with internal and external sales staff to create innovative lighting solutions for a ...

HLB Lighting Design

Senior Lighting Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$85K - $91K/yr

As a designer, taking the design intent and turning it into the work product. 20% designer, 80 ... Exhibits expertise or desire to specialize in a specific lighting project type or application and ...

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 ...

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 in training ...

AlfaTech

Sr. Designer (Lighting)

Monrovia, CA · On-site

Salary: $90,000 - $100,000 Sr. Lighting Designer About Us At AlfaTech we believe in more than just engineering solutions; we believe in promoting a culture of agility, collaboration, and inclusion.

AlfaTech

Sr. Designer (Lighting)

Monrovia, CA · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Sr. Lighting Designer About Us At AlfaTech we believe in more than just engineering solutions; we believe in promoting a culture of agility, collaboration, and inclusion. As a leading consulting ...

AlfaTech

Sr. Designer (Lighting)

Monrovia, CA · Hybrid

Sr. Lighting Designer About Us At AlfaTech we believe in more than just engineering solutions; we believe in promoting a culture of agility, collaboration, and inclusion. As a leading consulting ...

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Senior Lighting Designer information

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$59K

$105.9K

$131K

How much do senior lighting designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 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:
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Senior Lighting Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Lighting Designer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $105,882 per year, or $50.9 per hour.
Senior Lighting Designer - Architect

Senior Lighting Designer - Architect

George Sexton Associates, LLC

Washington, DC • On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

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Job description

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. Our projects are centered around lighting design and production for world-class museums, commercial, and residential projects. Working with GSA offers an opportunity to challenge yourself professionally and work with a highly-regarded and globally-recognized firm.

Overview: The Senior Lighting Designer collaborates with a team of project managers, junior lighting designers and other team members to develop lighting designs and corresponding documents that align with the client’s specifications and needs.

The Senior Lighting Designer provides design expertise and project management support in a team environment.

Important skills & experience includes:

  • Project or Program Management experience
  • Excellent communication skills in order to understand design needs and specifications, including energy requirements, for lighting design projects.
  • Ability to develop a lighting design and all lighting design documents in response to client’s specifications and needs, while working on a team.
  • Familiarity with commercial lighting fixtures and ability to select appropriate fixtures for projects in order to meet the client’s requests.
  • Ability to develop architectural drawings that will ultimately be included in the final planset.
  • Understanding of whether or not lighting installations are occurring in compliance with the design documents and ability to work to rectify issues that arise in order to satisfy the client.
  • Travelling for meetings and site visits are expected, as required by the project.

Qualifications:

  • Degree in lighting design.
  • Interest in lighting design with degree in architecture, architecture engineering, electrical engineering, interior design, or related field
  • Minimum 5 years of experience in the lighting design field.
  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Microsoft Office, COMCheck, daylight design, energy code compliance, Bluebeam, AutoCAD, Revit
  • Final aim and adjust on site.
  • Strong problem solving, research, and communication skills

Compensation: Salary is commensurate with experience. GSA provides excellent benefits, including health, dental, vision and 401k. There is opportunity for advancement with this position and within the firm.

How to Apply: Please visit www.gsadc.com/careers

EO Statement: GSA is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

Company Description

George Sexton Associates (GSA), has brought an established yet innovative approach to the fields of lighting design and museum design since the firm was founded in 1980. During this period, GSA has completed a wide range of lighting design projects that vary in size from large scale urban, commercial and institutional projects to smaller scale residential projects. In each project, GSA strives to integrate architectural, aesthetic and functional considerations, with the technical, budget and schedule requirements of our clients.
George Sexton Associates has developed an extensive portfolio of involvement with complex lighting design projects, including educational organizations, museums and galleries, landscapes and parks, capitol buildings, opera houses, libraries, hospitals, office buildings, rapid transit systems, sports arenas, outdoor sculpture, churches and public plazas. Examples of smaller projects include private art collections, residences and specific portions of larger projects such as public areas.
The staff at George Sexton Associates is comprised of professionals with a wide variety of complementary skills which we believe improves our ability to respond to the diverse needs of lighting design projects, design teams and our clients. Creative collaboration between the client's team and GSA, from the early stages of a project through completion, enhances our ability to assist with the development of effective design solutions that are informed by budget and scheduling goals.
George Sexton Associates is structured to handle all phases of a project from inception to completion, by consulting with architects, designers and engineers on the conceptual implications of light and identifying the critical issues involved. We offer detailed follow-through, including value-engineering, review of shop drawings, coordination, field observation, and on-site focusing to ensure that the lighting concepts are optimally achieved. Our method of team working is well suited for projects of varying size and complexity and the organizational structure of each project is determined by the requirements of the project itself.