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Theatre Lighting Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

IMEG

Lighting Design Intern | Chicago, IL

Chicago, IL · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

... or Theatrical Lighting Design, Interior Design or equivalent required • Strong interest in architectural lighting design consulting • Previous exposure to CAD and/or BIM software • Proficient ...

IMEG

Lighting Design Intern | Chicago, IL

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$22 - $24/hr

... or Theatrical Lighting Design, Interior Design or equivalent required Strong interest in architectural lighting design consulting Previous exposure to CAD and/or BIM software Proficient with MS ...

Legence

Lighting Designer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$72K - $88K/yr

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

IMEG

Lighting Project Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

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

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

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 ...

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Theatre Lighting Design information

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How much do theatre lighting design jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 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.

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Theatre Lighting Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Theatre Lighting Design job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,767 per year, or $35 per hour.

Assistant Professor of Lighting Design

Wofford College

Spartanburg, SC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

The Department of Theatre at Wofford College invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Lighting Design, beginning August 2026. We seek a dynamic artist-educator who is excited to engage with undergraduate students in a liberal arts setting and contribute to a collaborative and forward-thinking theatre program. The Department is housed in the Rosalind S. Richardson Center for the Arts, a state-of-the-art building (opened 2017) that is home to both theatre and visual arts, including a 325-seat proscenium theatre, a 100-seat black box theatre, classrooms, and offices, in addition to extensive gallery, museum, and studio spaces.
For more information about Wofford College and the Department of Theatre, visit the Theatre program page.
Teaching and Production Responsibilities
The successful candidate will
  • Serve as the department's resident lighting designer
  • Teach at least two courses per semester related to design and production, with flexibility to teach in related areas of expertise or interest. The teaching load is 3:1:3, typically including two classroom courses and one course equivalent for production design responsibilities, plus a flexible Interim course during January.
  • Design lighting for all departmental productions (typically 3-4 annually), including:
    • Two main stage shows
    • Two black box projects
    • A student-directed January term production
    • End-of-semester course showcases
  • Mentor and supervise student lighting designers and technicians
  • Maintain and oversee lighting systems in two well-equipped performance venues
  • Collaborate closely with faculty, staff, and guest artists to support a vibrant season

Qualifications
  • MFA in Theatre Design (with a concentration in Lighting Design) required by August 2026 (or MFA in Lighting Design, Theatre Design, Theatre Technology, or another similar terminal degree required by August 2026)
  • Demonstrated excellence or potential in undergraduate teaching (strongly preferred)
  • Professional or academic lighting design experience
  • Commitment to inclusive teaching and supporting a diverse student body
  • Strong collaborative, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills (and a sense of humor)
  • Experience with ETC lighting sytems is required. Knowledge of Vectorworks (preferred) or AutoCAD, QLab, and Lightwright required. Knowledge of Sketchup, Revit, Solidworks, Rhino, or similar programs desirable.

Application Process
For your application to be fully considered, please apply via the Wofford Careers Page and be sure to include the following:
  • Cover letter addressing qualifications and interest in the position
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Portfolio of lighting design work (PDF or link to online portfolio)
  • Statement of teaching philosophy, including approach to inclusive pedagogy
  • Contact information for three professional references

Applications received by February 15, 2026, will receive full consideration. The position will remain open until filled.
ABOUT WOFFORD COLLEGE
Wofford College, established in 1854, is a private liberal arts residential college located a few blocks north of downtown Spartanburg, South Carolina. Wofford offers 27 major fields of study to a student body of nearly 1,800 undergraduates and is nationally known for the strength of its academic program, outstanding faculty, and study abroad participation. Wofford is home to one of the nation's 290 Phi Beta Kappa chapters. The college community supports 19 NCAA Division I athletics teams and numerous student organizations, including honor societies, professional organizations, faith-based organizations, Greek life, and club sports.
SPARTANBURG, SOUTH CAROLINA
Spartanburg is located in upstate South Carolina, 30 miles east of Greenville, South Carolina, an hour from Charlotte, North Carolina, and three hours east of Atlanta, Georgia. Historic Charleston and the South Carolina coast are three hours away, and Wofford sits an hour south of the artistic, culinary hub of Asheville, North Carolina. Spartanburg is a growing, diverse community that supports six college and university campuses along with numerous civic arts and cultural associations. It became the first city in South Carolina to join the Government Alliance on Race and Equity and, in 2012, became one of five cities nationally to participate in the 10-year Wellville program, a national nonprofit initiative dedicated to improving equitable well-being in U.S. cities. Spartanburg and Wofford partner on multiple community equity initiatives, including the Northside Initiative, which has brought together a diverse group of citizens to revitalize a neighborhood in ways that don't reproduce the harm of earlier urban renewal programs.
EEO STATEMENT
Wofford College values diversity within our students, faculty and staff and strives to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people. Wofford College does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. For information about Wofford's Title IX compliance, visit wofford.edu/administration/title-ix. It is the policy of Wofford College to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities for employment. If you require any accommodations to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact HumanResources@Wofford.edu.

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