Lighting Technician

Explore This Path

Perfect for those passionate about creating captivating visual experiences.
Bring productions to life by crafting the perfect lighting atmosphere.
Work behind the scenes to transform spaces with innovative lighting techniques.

💰 Earn $50K-$99K

📚 Vocational Training

⏱️ 12–24 MONTH TRAINING

📈 -3% JOB GROWTH

Find Training

What You’ll Do

Set up, maintain, and dismantle light fixtures, lighting control devices, and the associated lighting electrical and rigging equipment used for photography, television, film, video, and live productions. May focus or operate light fixtures, or attach color filters or other lighting accessories.

Assess safety of wiring or equipment set-up to determine the risk of fire or electrical shock.
Consult with lighting director or production staff to determine lighting requirements.
Disassemble and store equipment after performances.
Install color effects or image patterns, such as color filters, onto lighting fixtures.
Install electrical cables or wire fixtures.

Scoop

Minimum Education

Vocational Training

Career Prospects

Shaky (Decreasing by 1-5%)

Training Time

1 to 2 years

Job Openings

900 Annually

Median Earnings

$73,480 in California

$62,240 Nationally

$25K

$50K

$75K

$100K

$125K

$150K

$175K

$200K

$225K

$250K

Real Talk Reel

Want to see what it's like to be a Lighting Technician? We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life.

@encoreemea

@yourherefordshire

Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Thinking and problem solving
Using data or completing tasks
Working with my hands

You are skilled in 💫

Critical Thinking
Equipment Maintenance
Operations Monitoring
Quality Control Analysis
Repairing
Troubleshooting

You value 🙏

Having support
Having freedom
Job security

Deep Dive

Lighting Technician

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 4-5+ years

Associate's Degree

An associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-3 years

Vocational School

A vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years