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Theatre Lighting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Facilitates the safe and efficient operation of theater stage production systems, including stage rigging, stage lighting system, audio/visual system, stage sound system, and related components.

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Theatre Lighting information

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$12

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$31

How much do theatre lighting jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for theatre lighting in the United States is $21.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a theatre lighting technician?

Theatre lighting technicians are professionals responsible for designing, setting up, operating, and maintaining lighting systems for live performances and events. Their work involves creating lighting effects that enhance the mood, visibility, and overall atmosphere on stage. They collaborate closely with directors, set designers, and other technical staff to ensure the lighting complements the production's artistic vision. Lighting technicians also troubleshoot equipment and handle safety protocols during performances.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a theatre lighting technician?

To thrive as a Theatre Lighting Technician, you need a solid understanding of lighting design principles, electrical systems, and often a relevant technical qualification or degree. Familiarity with lighting consoles, rigging equipment, and industry-standard software like ETC Eos or GrandMA is typically required. Attention to detail, creativity, and strong teamwork skills help technicians adapt to complex productions and collaborate effectively with directors and crew. These skills and qualities ensure visually compelling, safe, and technically flawless lighting for successful theatrical performances.

What are some common challenges theatre lighting professionals face during live performances?

Theatre lighting professionals often encounter challenges such as adapting quickly to unexpected technical issues, last-minute script or blocking changes, and coordinating closely with other departments like sound, set design, and stage management. Ensuring precise timing and seamless cue execution under pressure is crucial, as even minor errors can disrupt the audience’s experience. Additionally, maintaining and troubleshooting lighting equipment during rehearsals and shows requires strong technical skills and the ability to stay calm and solution-oriented in a fast-paced environment.

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

AspectTheatre LightingStage Lighting Technician
CredentialsLighting design certifications, technical trainingTechnical certifications, electrical knowledge
Work EnvironmentTheatre productions, live performancesConcerts, theater, events
Employer & IndustryTheatre companies, production housesEvent companies, touring productions
Search & ComparisonOften compared for lighting design vs technical setup

While both Theatre Lighting and Stage Lighting Technicians work with lighting setups, Theatre Lighting focuses on designing and creating the overall lighting concept for performances, often involving artistic and creative decisions. Stage Lighting Technicians primarily handle the technical execution, setup, and operation of lighting equipment during live events. Understanding these roles helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the entertainment industry.

How much do theatre lighting designers make?

Theatre lighting designers typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of productions. Salaries can increase with advanced skills in lighting design software and a strong portfolio of work.

How to become a theatre lighting technician?

To become a theatre lighting technician, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by training or an apprenticeship in stage lighting. Skills in electrical work, knowledge of lighting equipment and control systems, and familiarity with safety protocols are essential; some pursue technical theater programs or certifications to enhance their qualifications.

How to get into theatre lighting?

To pursue a career in theatre lighting, gain experience through internships or entry-level positions in theatrical production, and develop skills in lighting design, operation, and programming. Familiarity with lighting consoles, such as ETC or GrandMA, and understanding of stagecraft are essential, along with a relevant education or training in theater technology or production arts.
More about Theatre Lighting jobs

What cities are hiring for Theatre Lighting jobs?

Cities with the most Theatre Lighting job openings:

What states have the most Theatre Lighting jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Theatre Lighting job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,268 per year, or $21.3 per hour.

Senior Lighting Designer (Chicago)

Lighting Practice

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$85 - $105/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

This Senior Lighting Designer position would service The Lighting Practice’s Chicago office.

We are seeking talented, motivated people who:

  • Have at least seven years of experience managing design teams and projects for various market sectors within AEC industry.
  • Enjoy focusing on project organization with a full commitment to provide high standard design and services to clients.
  • Enjoy motivating and engaging team members to achieve a performance objective of projects as well as building rapport and relationships with clients and consultants.

Our design process is collaborative and interactive, ourprojects are diverse and challenging. We design lighting for exterior environments and façades, public spaces, retail, corporate, academic, hospitality, and healthcare facilities.

A Senior Lighting Designer will work on a variety of projects and collaborate with The Lighting Practice’s award-winning teams based in Chicago, IL, Dallas, TX, New York, NY, and Philadelphia, PA. Their responsibilities include:

  • Generate ideas for quick response and implement innovation and creative solutions to achieve design and business goals from schematic Design through Construction Administration phase.
  • Influence and stimulate team members to collaborate in design and decision-making process.
  • Delegate effectively to team members, especially routine and repetitive details, with responsibility for follow up and accountability for timely results.
  • Coordinate and report project status, labor projection, and monthly billing with Principals.
  • Participate in business development, including assisting in composing proposals and add service requests, maintaining relationship with clients and promoting TLP brand through design awards and industry publications.
  • Promote initiatives and collaborations to improve team and operational efficiency.
  • Travel to client meetings and project site visits.

The Lighting Practice is an equal opportunity employer.

Compensation is commensurate with experience. Full-time positions include a complete company paid benefits package. TLP offers a competitive benefits package which currently includes a generous PTO policy and paid holiday schedule, 401(k) contributions, 95% paid medical, 100% paid dental, vision, life and disability. We maintain a hybrid work environment with dedicated in-office and remote days in addition to flexible working hours.

Compensation range offered for this IL Job Posting: $85k – $105k annually.

Please submit your qualifications (cover letter, resume, references, and three to five samples of work) in the Apply Now section below.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Lighting Design or a related field (Theater Lighting, Interior Design/Architecture, Architecture, Architectural Engineering, or Electrical Engineering)
  • At least seven years of experience in the architectural lighting industry
  • Poised and persuasive communication style, as well as action-oriented and collaborative decision-making.
  • Emphasis on effectiveness of systems that achieve results through and with team members.
  • Confidence to purposely drive toward project goals while constantly problem-solving in a flexible and constantly changing environment.
  • Fluent in spoken and written English
SOFTWARE SKILLS Required:
  • BIM Software (Revit experience preferred)
  • Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
  • Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign)
  • Submit a cover letter, resume, and samples of work Drop files here or Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 50 MB, Max. files: 3. Please upload a PDF that includes: cover letter, resume, and one to two samples of work.
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