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Theatre Lighting Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ALLEY THEATRE

Overhire Lighting Technician

Houston, TX · On-site

$18/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

$18/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 ...

legence

Lighting Designer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

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

Holly Springs

Theatre Technician

Holly Springs, NC

$16 - $18/hr

... lighting design - theatre set construction or carpentry Work is performed under the general supervision of the Theatre Production Specialist. Scheduled work hours, including evenings and weekends ...

HLB Lighting Design

Lighting Designer

Culver City, CA · On-site

$76K - $81K/yr

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

HLB Lighting Design

Lighting Designer

Miami, FL · On-site

$68K - $73K/yr

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

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Theatre Lighting Design information

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$49K

$72.8K

$94K

How much do theatre lighting design jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for theatre 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 theatre lighting design?

Theatre lighting design is the art and practice of creating lighting plans and effects for live stage productions. It involves selecting and arranging lighting equipment, choosing colors, and programming cues to enhance the mood, visibility, and storytelling of a performance. Lighting designers work closely with directors, set designers, and other production staff to support the show's vision and guide the audience's attention. The role requires both technical expertise and creative problem-solving.

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

To thrive as a Theatre Lighting Designer, you need a deep understanding of lighting principles, stagecraft, and design, often supported by a relevant degree or experience in theatrical production. Proficiency with industry-standard lighting consoles (such as ETC or GrandMA), CAD software, and lighting visualization tools is crucial. Creativity, strong communication, and the ability to collaborate closely with directors and production teams are standout soft skills in this field. These skills and qualities ensure effective storytelling, technical precision, and seamless integration of lighting design in live performances.

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

AspectTheatre Lighting DesignStage Lighting Technician
CredentialsOften requires a degree in theatre, lighting design, or related fieldTypically has technical training or certification in lighting operation
Work EnvironmentDesigns lighting plans, collaborates with directors and designersExecutes lighting cues, operates lighting equipment during performances
Industry UsageUsed in planning and creating lighting concepts for productionsInvolved in the technical implementation and operation of lighting

While Theatre Lighting Designers create the overall lighting concept and plan for a production, Stage Lighting Technicians focus on executing those designs during performances. Both roles are essential, but they differ in scope and responsibilities within the lighting process.

How much does a theater lighting designer make?

Theatre lighting designers typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the scale of productions. Senior or highly experienced designers working on major productions can earn higher salaries, and many work freelance or contract-based schedules.

What are some common challenges faced by theatre lighting designers during a production process?

Theatre lighting designers often navigate challenges such as adapting their creative vision to fit technical limitations, working within tight budgets, and coordinating with other departments like set and costume design to ensure cohesive stage visuals. They must also be adept at troubleshooting unexpected issues during rehearsals and performances, such as equipment malfunctions or last-minute script changes. Collaboration and flexibility are key, as lighting designers frequently adjust their plans to support directors’ evolving concepts and the needs of live performers.

Are lighting designers in demand?

Lighting designers in the theatre industry are in steady demand due to ongoing productions, renovations, and new venue openings. They require technical skills with lighting software and equipment, and employment opportunities are often available in entertainment, event production, and architectural projects.

How much are lighting designers paid?

Lighting designers in theatre typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the scale of productions. Entry-level designers may start lower, while experienced professionals working on large productions or for major companies can earn higher salaries. Many also work freelance or on a contract basis, which can affect income levels.

What does a lighting designer do to get into theatre?

A lighting designer typically starts by gaining knowledge of stage lighting through formal education or training, such as a degree in theatre or lighting design. They often build experience by working as assistants or in entry-level roles, learning to operate lighting equipment and software like DMX or Vectorworks. Developing a strong portfolio and networking within the theatre community are also important steps to entering the profession.
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Theatre Lighting Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Theatre Lighting Design job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% 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 3 days ago

University Of Southern Mississippi rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

577th of 612 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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