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Salary and Benefits

Lighting Designer
$44K-$54K / yr. (est.)
$45K
$49,957 / year
$55K
Average base salary
The salary information provided is based on data collected from various reliable sources and may vary depending on individual qualifications and other factors.

About Lighting Designer

What does a Lighting Designer do?

As Lighting Designers, we design and plan lighting and electrical systems, and work in collaboration with different professionals, including interior designers, engineers, and architects. We communicate extensively with the customer while there to identify their desires and needs, and after assessing a project site, we design a lighting plan for the site according to customer specifications. Additionally, we act as a liaison between the client and engineering departments, balancing client desires and aesthetics with practical concerns and work within the financial constraints of the client, so we ensure that what we are designing remains within the client’s budget, and collect all receipts for expenses in order to track budget.

Core tasks:

  • install the designed lighting and electrical systems at the site
  • hang and pay attention to all lighting devices and install proper electrical lines to power the lighting system
  • asses the site itself and safety concerns including state and local energy and building codes
  • design lighting systems for a given site, and travel to the site to assess and analyze it effectively

Insights

How Many Years of Experience Do Professionals Need Before Becoming Lighting Designer?
On average, people work 3-5 years in other positions prior to becoming a Lighting Designer.
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Lighting DesignerHouston, TX - A year ago
I think it's important to have a strong foundation before diving into lighting design. Those years in other positions help with overall professional growth. 💪
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Lighting DesignerMiami, FL - A year ago
3-5 years?! Ain't nobody got time for that! You gotta hustle your way to the top in the lighting industry! 💯
How Long Do Lighting Designer Employees Typically Stay in Their Roles?
On average, Lighting Designers works in this position for 5+ years across multiple employers.
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Event PlannerMiami, FL - A year ago
In the fast-paced world of event planning, I appreciate Lighting Designers who can adapt to different setups. Their ability to work with various companies keeps things fresh and exciting! 💃
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Interior DesignerSeattle, WA - A year ago
As an Interior Designer, I value collaboration with Lighting Designers who bring a diverse range of experiences from working with different employers. It leads to innovative design solutions. 💡
What Is the Job Hopper Score for Lighting Designer Employees?
Frequent job changes in Lighting Designer, indicating a willingness to change companies and roles more frequently.
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Lighting TechnicianMiami, FL - A year ago
Yo, I've gotta say, mixing it up, trying new gigs, that keeps the passion alive! I ain't afraid to explore different projects and take risks! Who's with me?! 🔥
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StagehandSeattle, WA - A year ago
Hmm, I understand the desire for growth, but many small theaters rely on a tight-knit team where consistency and trust are fundamental. Frequent job changes can impact the entire production.

Career path

Path to job

Discover a Lighting Designer's areas of knowledge sorted by their majors.
Explore the list of higher education institutions that a Lighting Designer typically studied at.
Full Sail University
New York University

Path after job

Community

Demographics

What Is the Age and Gender Ratio of Lighting Designer Employees?
Gender ratio in Lighting Designer position: 0.710546241211466 Male and 0.289453758788534 Female. Age ratio in Lighting Designer position: 16-20: 22%, 21-30: 63%, 31-40: 11%, 41-50: 3%, 51-60: 1%, 60+: 0%. Lighting Designer position is predominantly male (71.1%) with the largest age group being 21-30 years old, followed by 16-20 years old.
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Lighting DesignerSeattle, WA - A year ago
why are we still discussing gender ratios? the most important thing is talent, not whether you're a man or a woman. 🤔
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Lighting DesignerBoston, MA - A year ago
it's undeniable that there's a lack of diversity in the lighting design industry. let's work together to create more balanced opportunities for everyone! 💪

Workplaces

Who Are the Top Employers for Lighting Designer?
Top employers of Lighting Designer position: Freelance Lighting Designer & Technician, Independent, Walt Disney Imagineering. People who work in Lighting Designer position most typically go on to work for the Freelance Lighting Designer & Technician.
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Lighting DesignerAustin, TX - A year ago
Forget freelancing, being part of a company like Walt Disney Imagineering means working on groundbreaking projects and collaborating with top talents.
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Lighting DesignerSeattle, WA - A year ago
As an independent Lighting Designer, I have the freedom to take risks and explore unconventional lighting designs.
Freelance Lighting Designer & Technician
Independent
Walt Disney Imagineering
What Industries Does Lighting Designer Typically Have Experience In?
Industry Background: The most typical industries of Lighting Designer: Arts / Entertainment / Recreation, Professional / Scientific / Technical, Education, Religious / Grantmaking / Civic, Construction. Lighting Designer employees most likely come from a Arts / Entertainment / Recreation industry background.
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Lighting DesignerNew York City, NY - A year ago
🤔 I'm curious, do Lighting Designers in the education industry focus more on academic spaces like classrooms and lecture halls, or is it broader than that?
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Lighting DesignerDallas, TX - A year ago
😡 Ugh, another artist claiming to be a Lighting Designer in the civic industry. Know the difference between a lamp and a spotlight before spouting nonsense!

Find your job as Lighting Designer

Discussion about Lighting Designer

Want to know more about Lighting Designer position?
Share your thoughts and ideas about Lighting Designer position with others in our community.
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Do a lot of women work as a Lighting Designer?
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Sophie Hayes4 years ago
More men than women work as a Lighting Designer.
What is the most common age of a Lighting Designer?
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Isabella Holmes4 years ago
25 is the average age of people working as a Lighting Designer.
Is a Lighting Designer considered to be a senior profession?
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Sophie Hayes4 years ago
You need 4 years of experience to work as a Lighting Designer.
Which industries have a lot of people working in Lighting Designer roles?
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Benjamin Gardner4 years ago
Arts / Entertainment / Recreation is typical for a Lighting Designer to work in.
Is a degree needed to work as a Lighting Designer?
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Liam Brown4 years ago
No higher education is the typical for a Lighting Designer
As a Lighting Designer, which company should I definitely check out for jobs?
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Isabella Holmes4 years ago
Most people work for Freelance Lighting Designer & Technician, Independent and Walt Disney Imagineering
How many years do people work as a Lighting Designer before changing their role?
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Isabella Holmes4 years ago
On average people change after more than 5 years.
Is it common for people to switch companies and still work as a Lighting Designer?
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Isabella Holmes4 years ago
We can say that a Lighting Designer is likely a job hopper role.
What work history do people usually have before becoming a Lighting Designer?
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Liam Brown4 years ago
Typical prior positions for a Lighting Designer are Lighting Technician, Lighting Director or Master Electrician
What are the typical next steps for someone working as a Lighting Designer?
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Sophie Hayes4 years ago
Lighting Technician, Lighting Director or Technical Director can be a good next step
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