ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Theatre Lighting Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

IMEG

Lighting Project Designer

Chicago, IL

  • 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

  • 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 ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsTheatre Lighting Design Jobs

Theatre Lighting Design information

See salary details

$49K

$72.8K

$94K

How much do theatre lighting design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 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?

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 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.

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.

More about Theatre Lighting Design jobs

What cities are hiring for Theatre Lighting Design jobs?

Cities with the most Theatre Lighting Design job openings:

What states have the most Theatre Lighting Design jobs?

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

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

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

Theatre Lighting Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Theatre Lighting Design job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 12% 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 19 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.

Apply