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Theater Lighting Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Legence

Lighting Designer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$72K - $88K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Affiliated Engineers, Inc.

Lighting Designer II

Nashville, TN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Bachelor's Degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Theatrical Lighting Design, or Architectural Engineering with 3-8 years of experience in the lighting industry. * Fundamental knowledge of the ...

Affiliated Engineers, Inc.

Lighting Designer II

Nashville, TN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Bachelor's Degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Theatrical Lighting Design, or Architectural Engineering with 3-8 years of experience in the lighting industry. * Fundamental knowledge of the ...

IMEG

Lighting Project Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree in Architectural Engineering, Theatrical Lighting Design, Interior Design, or equivalent required * 5 years of experience minimum required, 6 ...

IMEG

Lighting Project Designer

Seattle, WA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree in Architectural Engineering, Theatrical Lighting Design, Interior Design, or equivalent required * 5 years of experience minimum required, 6 ...

IMEG

Lighting Project Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree in Architectural Engineering, Theatrical Lighting Design, Interior Design, or equivalent required * 5 years of experience minimum required, 6 ...

PAE CONSULTING ENGINEERS INC

Lighting Designer I

Seattle, WA · On-site

$61K - $80K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Design, or Theatrical Lighting • Time management and organization • Open and receptive to constructive critique • Clear graphic and oral communication of design • Ability to work ...

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All JobsTheater Lighting Design Jobs

Theater Lighting Design information

See salary details

$49K

$72.8K

$94K

How much do theater lighting design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 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 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.

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.

More about Theater Lighting Design jobs

What cities are hiring for Theater Lighting Design jobs?

Cities with the most Theater Lighting Design job openings:

What states have the most Theater Lighting Design jobs?

States with the most job openings for Theater Lighting Design jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Theater Lighting Design jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Theater Lighting Design jobs are:

Theater Lighting Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Theater Lighting Design job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,767 per year, or $35 per hour.

Lighting Designer - Future Opportunities

HLB Lighting Design

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$77K - $82K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Description
Supports the work of 1 or more team members and displays judgement and independent thinking in the design process. Position is 70% designer / 30% project manager.
Achieving Results - Project Responsibilities
  • Use critical thinking and discretion in assessing specific project needs and communicating effectively to the project manager.
  • Begin to familiarize/learn the process for reviewing monthly fee drafts with Project Manager/Associate/Principal.
  • Begins to understand how to apply authorized scope of work to tasks and meet deadlines.
  • Assist in managing agendas, meeting minutes, and regular project status communications to build knowledge in these areas.
  • Work independently on specific scopes of a project like calculations or documentation.
  • Supports the team to produce work efficiently and profitably.
  • Assists the project manager in creating labor hour budgets for projects. Working with Clients - Client Responsibilities
  • Develop good client and/or related business relationships.
  • Enhance HLB's value to the client and promote the firm.
  • Use communication tools to manage client expectations.

Working with Clients - Client Responsibilities
  • Starts to develop good client and/or related business relationships - working well with their equal at other firms
  • 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
  • Exhibit flexibility and cooperation with teammates.
  • Manage own work time and priorities and show ability to also do this with the project team.
  • Understand good framework for resolving issues.
  • Interface among the principals, design/technical staff and business team as needed.

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.
  • Represent 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.
  • Look for opportunities to collaborate with other HLB offices on project, DOF, C2Q, 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, Vision - as applicable to their role or business group
  • Ability to prioritize / time management skills
  • Self-motivated and self-directed
  • Team player
  • Motivator
  • Dependable

Education & Experience
  • Bachelor's degree or above in Lighting Design or Architectural Engineering or Architecture or Interior Design or Theatrical Lighting or related education and experience
  • 2 to 4 years' experience
  • Certification in Lighting Design (e.g. LC) or certification related to their field / degree or endeavoring to obtain it.
  • LEED BD+C or endeavors to achieve
  • IALD Associate level or above or endeavoring to obtain it.
  • Participate in industry related professional organizations locally

Compensation
$77,400 to $82,200
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.

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