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Theatrical Lighting Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ALLEY THEATRE

Overhire Lighting Technician

Houston, TX · On-site

$18/hr

Unique among regional theatres, the Alley is committed to maintaining a Resident Acting Company and ... Nationally recognized directors, actors, playwrights, and designers from across the country have ...

ALLEY THEATRE

Overhire Lighting Technician

Houston, TX

$18/hr

Unique among regional theatres, the Alley is committed to maintaining a Resident Acting Company and ... Nationally recognized directors, actors, playwrights, and designers from across the country have ...

IMEG

Lighting Project Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree in Architectural Engineering, Theatrical ... Illuminating Concepts' lighting designs balance form and function to create solutions that are ...

IMEG

Lighting Project Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree in Architectural Engineering, Theatrical ... Illuminating Concepts' lighting designs balance form and function to create solutions that are ...

IMEG

Lighting Project Designer

Seattle, WA · On-site

Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree in Architectural Engineering, Theatrical ... Illuminating Concepts' lighting designs balance form and function to create solutions that are ...

SeaWorld

Supervisor, Theatrical Services

Orlando, FL · On-site

$16 - $22.25/hr

Participate in production meetings in role of Technical Director and/or Lighting Designer. * Coach ... Direct the installation of theatrical equipment for events and permanent show installations.

The Riverside Church

Overhire

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$30/hr

Theater Date: March 2026 Work Hours: Called As Needed Pay Type: Hourly Rate: $30.00 per Hour Job Summary: We are looking for Overhires to work as Stagehands, Lighting Designers, Light Board Operators ...

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Theatrical Lighting Designer information

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$16.5K

$60.8K

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How much do theatrical lighting designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for theatrical lighting designer in the United States is $60,761.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,500.00 and $74,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a theatrical lighting designer do?

As a theatrical lighting designer (LD), your job is to select and install the lights for a theater, stage, or set. In this role, you set up each light and ensure its controls are functioning properly, help operate lighting equipment during theatrical productions, and direct other staff members when there is a problem with the lighting. Despite the implications of the name, being a theatre lighting designer is an extremely hands-on role that frequently involves things like electrical maintenance, using drafting software, and remaining up to date with recent theater lighting options. This job often requires working nights, weekends, and holidays to help meet business needs.

What does a theatrical lighting designer do?

A Theatrical Lighting Designer is responsible for creating the lighting plan for stage productions, including plays, musicals, and other live performances. They work closely with the director and other designers to develop lighting that enhances the mood, visibility, and dramatic effect of each scene. Their job involves selecting lighting equipment, designing light plots, programming cues, and overseeing the setup and operation during performances. They also collaborate with electricians and stage managers to ensure the lighting design is executed safely and effectively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a theatrical lighting designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Theatrical Lighting Designer, you need a strong background in lighting design principles, color theory, and stagecraft, often supported by a degree in theater or related experience. Proficiency with lighting consoles (such as ETC or GrandMA), CAD drafting software, and lighting visualization tools is typically required. Creativity, collaboration, and strong communication skills help designers interpret artistic vision and work effectively with directors and production teams. These skills ensure the creation of compelling visual environments that support storytelling and enhance live performances.

What are some common challenges faced by theatrical lighting designers during a production, and how are they typically addressed?

Theatrical lighting designers often face challenges such as working within tight schedules, adapting to last-minute changes, and coordinating with directors, set designers, and technical crews. Balancing artistic vision with budget constraints and equipment availability is also common. These challenges are typically addressed through clear communication, detailed planning, and flexibility—lighting designers attend rehearsals, participate in production meetings, and adjust their designs as necessary to ensure the lighting supports the overall vision of the show.

What is the difference between Theatrical Lighting Designer vs Stage Lighting Technician?

AspectTheatrical Lighting DesignerStage Lighting Technician
CredentialsLighting design degree or equivalent, portfolioTechnical training, certifications in lighting equipment
Work EnvironmentCreative, collaborative, design-focusedTechnical, installation, maintenance
Employer & IndustryTheaters, production companies, touring showsTheaters, live events, touring productions

Theatrical Lighting Designers focus on creating the visual concept and designing lighting schemes for performances, while Stage Lighting Technicians handle the technical setup, operation, and maintenance of lighting equipment. Both roles are essential in theater productions, but designers are more involved in the creative process, whereas technicians focus on execution and technical support.

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Theatrical Lighting Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Theatrical Lighting Designer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,761 per year, or $29.2 per hour.

Lighting Designer - Future Opportunities

HLB Lighting Design

Chicago, IL • On-site

$72K - $77K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 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
$72,800 to $77,400
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.

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