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Theater Lighting Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ALLEY THEATRE

Overhire Lighting Technician

Houston, TX · On-site

$17.50/hr

... design under the guidance of the Electrics Supervisor and Alley Theatre Lighting Team. Overhire Lighting Technicians will service both Alley theatre spaces for load-ins, changeovers, focus calls ...

ALLEY THEATRE

Overhire Lighting Technician

Houston, TX

$17.50/hr

... design under the guidance of the Electrics Supervisor and Alley Theatre Lighting Team. Overhire Lighting Technicians will service both Alley theatre spaces for load-ins, changeovers, focus calls ...

W3Global Inc.

Lighting Designer II

Dallas, TX

$85K - $105K/yr

Bachelor's Degree in Lighting Design or a related field (Theater Lighting, Interior Design, Architecture, or Architectural Engineering) * Minimum 3+ years of experience in architectural lighting ...

Dance Place

Lighting Technician

Washington, DC · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

... the design support, maintenance, and operation of the theater's lighting systems. Reporting to the Technical Director, the Lighting Technician works collaboratively with the production team ...

Dance Place

Lighting Technician

Washington, DC

$25 - $35/hr

... Theater technical staff and is responsible for the design support, maintenance, and operation of the theater's lighting systems. Reporting to the Technical Director, theLighting Technician works ...

Dance Place

Lighting Technician

Washington, DC · On-site

... Theater technical staff and is responsible for the design support, maintenance, and operation of the theaters lighting systems. Reporting to the Technical Director, theLighting Technician works ...

legence

Lighting Designer

El Segundo, CA

The ideal candidate will have recent architectural lighting design training, or lighting adjacent design training (interiors / architecture / landscape architecture / theatrical lighting) and 2 - 3 ...

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All JobsTheater Lighting Design Jobs

Theater Lighting Design information

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$49K

$72.8K

$94K

How much do theater lighting design jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for theater lighting design in the United States is $72,767.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,000.00 and $80,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges theater lighting designers face during live productions?

Theater lighting designers often encounter challenges such as adapting to last-minute script or staging changes, working within tight technical and budget constraints, and ensuring that lighting cues are perfectly synchronized with performers and other technical departments. Collaboration with directors, stage managers, and set designers is crucial to achieve the desired artistic vision while maintaining safety and functionality. Flexibility and problem-solving skills are key, as designers must frequently troubleshoot equipment or make quick adjustments during rehearsals and live shows.

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

To thrive as a Theater Lighting Designer, you need a solid understanding of lighting principles, design concepts, and often a degree in theater production or a related field. Familiarity with lighting control systems, CAD software like Vectorworks, and industry-standard lighting consoles is typically required. Creativity, strong communication, and problem-solving skills help you collaborate effectively with directors and technical teams. These skills are essential to create impactful visual storytelling, ensure technical precision, and support the overall artistic vision of a production.

What is the difference between Theater Lighting Design vs Stage Lighting Technician?

AspectTheater Lighting DesignStage Lighting Technician
CredentialsDesign certifications, lighting design coursesTechnical training, lighting operation certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, theaters, production meetingsOn-site at theaters, live event setups
ResponsibilitiesCreating lighting concepts, designing lighting plotsInstalling, operating, and maintaining lighting equipment
Industry UsageUsed in pre-production, planning phasesActive during performances and setups

While Theater Lighting Design focuses on creating the overall visual concept and designing lighting plans, Stage Lighting Technicians implement and operate the lighting during performances. Both roles are essential in theater productions but differ in scope, responsibilities, and timing within the production process.

What is theater lighting design?

Theater lighting design is the art and science of creating lighting plans and effects for stage productions. A theater lighting designer uses light to enhance the mood, focus the audience's attention, and support the storytelling of a performance. This involves choosing the right types of lights, determining their placement, and programming cues to match the action on stage. Lighting designers work closely with directors, set designers, and other crew members to achieve the desired visual impact. Their work is both creative and technical, requiring knowledge of lighting equipment, color theory, and stagecraft.
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Theater Lighting Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Theater Lighting Design job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 11% Full Time, 86% Part Time, and 3% Temporary. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,767 per year, or $35 per hour.
Assistant Professor of Theatre, Lighting Design

Assistant Professor of Theatre, Lighting Design

University of Southern Mississippi

Hattiesburg, MS • On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

University Of Southern Mississippi rating

4.4

Company rating: 4.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

529th of 535 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Assistant Professor of Theatre, Lighting Design
The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Assistant Professor of Theatre, Lighting Design.
Position Details
Location
Hattiesburg
118 College Drive
Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001
United States
Division
School of Performing and Visual Arts
Position Type
Faculty
Employment Status
Full Time
Grant Funded
No
Pay Grade
Generic Grade
Posting Close Date
Open Until Filled
Special Instructions to Applicants
We anticipatethe review of applications to begin December 1, 2025. This contract will beginAugust 1, 2026 and is a tenure-track position beginning in the Fall 2026-Spring2027 academic year.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in theUnited States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. TheUniversity will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).
Job Summary
This 9-month, tenure-track faculty position instructs BAand BFA theatre students in Lighting and Sound Design and will design andmentor student designers for the Southern Miss Theatre Season. The Universityof Southern Mississippi is NAST accredited and includes BA and BFA programshoused in a fully equipped multi-theatre complex with shops. USM producesa 4-show mainstage season in theatre.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
  1. Serve as lighting and/orsound designer for a minimum of 2 productions a year and mentor lighting and soundfor all remaining Theatre productions during the academic year.
  2. Teachundergraduate coursework in Lighting and Sound Design.
  3. Teach in otherareas depending on faculty expertise.
  4. Advise Theatremajors.
  5. Engage in programand school recruitment and service activity.
  6. Stay engaged with the wider field with regard to current developments in lighting, sound, and theatrical electrics and best practices, including safety.
  7. Act as Master Electrician for the Theatre Program, supervising students in the electrics shops.
  8. Additional summer work with Southern Arena Theatre (SAT) may be available.
  9. Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum QualificationsMFA intheatrical lighting or closely related area. At least one year teaching experience. Good collaborative skills.Ability to teach both lighting and sound design.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Ability to work collaboratively with faculty colleagues in design and performance and with technical staff.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Vectorworks and/or AutoCad, ETC light boards, (Ion XE, Ion, Element II), ETC dimmers. Intelligent lighting fixtures, LEDs.
  • Proficiency with Digital and Analog Sound Boards-Midas 32, etc.
  • Sound Software- Qlab, Editing software such as Audacity.
  • Live mixing for musicals.
  • Ability to mentor skilled and unskilled student labor in the electrics shop.
  • Ability to manage budget allocations and facilitate spending in compliance with University policies and procedures.
  • Experience setting clear performance expectations and providing meaningful feedback pertaining to safety and protocol for lighting for theatrical production.

Preferred QualificationsEnjoy working closely with students ofvarying abilities and skills.
Knowledge of projections forproductions.
About The University of Southern Mississippi
Since our founding in 1910, The University of SouthernMississippi has remained dedicated to preparingstudents for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 studentsin Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across theMississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. Weare a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one ofthe nation's leading research institutions.
Southern Miss is known for pioneering work inpolymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringinglanguage to children with communication disorders. We are also a nationalleader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography,nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.
We produce graduates ready to enterfields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs suchas computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We're developing the next generation ofbusiness leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages byproducing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition ofexcellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nationaccredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, ourstudent-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion andpersistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.
The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.

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