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Theater Lighting Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

The Riverside Church

Overhire

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$30/hr

Design Lighting for Events (Dance, Plays, Musicals, ect.) * Assist in Lighting Hangs and Focus Calls Electricians * Act as run crew for shows in the Theater and events in the Church. * Assist in ...

AOA

Concept Lighting Designer

Winter Park, FL · On-site

  • Medical

  • PTO

This is not a traditional theatrical or architectural lighting design position. Success in this role requires balancing creativity, guest experience, technology integration, and real-world project ...

Schuler Shook

Project / Senior Theatre Consultant

Dallas, TX · On-site

$80K - $125K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Schuler Shook is an internationally recognized theatre planning, lighting design, and audio video design firm with projects in the United States and around the world. You will work with our team of ...

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Theater Lighting Design information

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$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.

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What states have the most Theater Lighting Design jobs?

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

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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.

Entertainment Engineer

Musco Sports Lighting

Oskaloosa, IA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Entertainment Engineer
The Musco Entertainment Engineering Team has an opening for a Entertainment Engineer in Oskaloosa, IA. If your experience aligns with the qualifications outlined below, we look forward to hearing from you!
Essential Criteria:
  • 2 or 4 year degree in Computer Science, Programming, Lighting Design, Theater Lighting, or related field. Practical experience of 3-5 years a plus.
  • General proficiency in computer skills
  • Hands-on experience in lighting design, lighting programming, and operation, with experience as a lighting technician, lighting programmer, console operator or similar role.
  • Familiarity with Audio Visual Lighting (AVL) networking
  • Knowledge of DMX, sACN, Artnet and other lighting protocols
  • Experience with lighting consoles and ETC hardware/software, such as GrandMA, Hog, Eos, and Mosaic Designer would be a plus.
  • Experience with advanced lighting and design tools such as, VectorWorks, WYSIWYG, Capture, Unreal Engine or equivalent Pre-Visualization (Pre-Vis) software.
  • Familiarity with web programming, networking, and scripting is an advantage and enhances system customization capabilities is a plus
  • Strong organizational skills, with a keen attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of conveying complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
  • Proven ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams and external stakeholders, ensuring project objectives are met and customer satisfaction is achieved.
  • Demonstrated ability to work well under pressure in dynamic environments, maintaining composure and professionalism on jobsites.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, with a capacity to build positive relationships and communicate effectively in a collaborative setting.

Roles and Responsibilities:
  • Engage directly with clients to understand their creative and technical vision. Translate these requirements into tailored lighting solutions.
  • Oversee all lighting programming and engineering aspects of entertainment lighting systems, including the development and implementation of sophisticated control interfaces, lighting effects, and user interfaces.
  • Provide lighting tech style technical support for the servicing and maintenance of theatrical lighting fixtures, lasers, and other specialized entertainment technologies. Ensure all equipment is calibrated, tested, and functioning at peak performance levels for live events. Troubleshoot complex technical issues and resolve discrepancies to maintain the integrity and functionality of all installed systems.
  • Utilize 3D modeling and pre-visualization software to create precise lighting simulations. Develop pre-vis renderings that offer clients a clear understanding of the final light show design and functionality before deployment.
  • Work with the sales team to produce high-quality rendered content and light show demonstrations.
  • Adhere to team standards for documentation, maintaining up-to-date records that capture the full scope of the project's technical details, configurations, and modifications.
  • Undertake additional technical or project-based responsibilities as assigned, contributing to the continuous improvement and innovation of lighting solutions and the overall success of the project.
  • Other duties as assigned

Who is Musco:
For more than 50 years, Musco has specialized in sports and large-area lighting and technology, providing innovative solutions for projects in more than 135 countries. Headquartered in Oskaloosa, Iowa, Musco has more than 2,100 team members worldwide. Musco was named an Iowa Top Workplace by The Des Moines Register (2023-2025) and a USA TODAY Top Workplace (2025-2026). Learn more at www.musco.com.
Team Culture and Partnerships:
At Musco, we offer meaningful work in a team-first culture with continuous learning and professional development. We value work-life balance, providing flexibility for community involvement, family activities, and personal time.
As supporters of recreational organizations, we help ensure safer and more enjoyable playing experiences worldwide. If giving back resonates with you, learn more about our partnerships.
At Musco, we make it happen and want you to be a part of it.
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