A lighting designer (LD) needs at least a bachelor’s degree, typically in lighting design or theater production. You must know how to perform all common theater lighting responsibilities, including how to set and focus the lighting in the right area according to the performance. Most employers prefer those with experience in a lighting assistant position. Many lighting designers go on to earn a master’s degree in lighting design. Other important qualifications include excellent artistic, creative, and technical skills. The career sometimes requires basic knowledge of construction as well as electrical safety.

If you are interested in a job related to Lighting Designer, here are some popular related job searches with the most open positions on ZipRecruiter.

Top Types Of Lighting Designer Jobs

List of the top 10 highest paying Lighting Designer positions in 2026, with salary ranges, according to ZipRecruiter.

Senior Lighting Designer
Salary range: $102,000 - $109,000
Senior Lighting Designer is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Senior Lighting Designer jobs pay between $102,000 (25th percentile) and $109,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Senior Lighting Designer job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Architectural Lighting Designer
Salary range: $60,000 - $85,000
Architectural Lighting Designer is a typical job search query Most salaries for Architectural Lighting Designer jobs pay between $60,000 (25th percentile) and $85,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Architectural Lighting Designer job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Lighting Engineer
Salary range: $54,500 - $78,000
A lighting engineer or technician works on the lights and their accompanying equipment for live or recorded entertainment. As a lighting engineer, your duties include inspection and testing of these electrical fixtures, as well as the development of a set-up and setting that works best for the show. You work collaboratively with stage and camera techs to create both functional and visually appealing lighting. Experience in the specific type of show you are lighting is beneficial, as lights for a theater performance are different than a rock concert.
Theatrical Lighting Designer
Salary range: $41,500 - $74,000
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.
Led Lighting Design Engineer
Salary range: $82,500 - $115,500
Led Lighting Design Engineer is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Led Lighting Design Engineer jobs pay between $82,500 (25th percentile) and $115,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Led Lighting Design Engineer job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Led Lighting Engineer
Salary range: $45,000 - $100,000
Led Lighting Engineer is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Led Lighting Engineer jobs pay between $45,000 (25th percentile) and $100,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Led Lighting Engineer job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Sports Illustrated Model
Salary range: $31,000 - $150,000
Sports Illustrated Model is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Sports Illustrated Model jobs pay between $31,000 (25th percentile) and $150,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Sports Illustrated Model job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Lighting
Salary range: $36,000 - $51,500
Lighting is a common job search query. Most salaries for Lighting jobs pay between $36,000 (25th percentile) and $51,500 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Lighting job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Ge Lighting
Salary range: $54,500 - $78,000
Ge Lighting is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Ge Lighting jobs pay between $54,500 (25th percentile) and $78,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Ge Lighting job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Dialux
Salary range: $65,000 - $80,000
Dialux is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Dialux jobs pay between $65,000 (25th percentile) and $80,000 (75th percentile) annually. You’ll find many open positions nationwide for Dialux job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

All Jobs Lighting Designer Jobs 10 of the Most Popular Types of Lighting Designer Jobs in 2026