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.
Lighting Technicians
SOC: 27-4015 O*NET: 27-4015.00
Median Salary
$68,060
per year
Job Growth
📉 -4.6%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
0.8
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
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.
What does a Lighting Technicians do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$42,310
10th percentile
Early Career
$52,770
25th percentile
Median
$68,060
50th percentile
Experienced
$95,640
75th percentile
Top Earners
$130,760
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$42,310
25th
$52,770
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$68,060
Mean: $78,380
75th
$95,640
90th
$130,760
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $88,450 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $52,770 and $95,640
- •Salary spread is 63.0% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 8,900 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Low Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:12,100
Top Industries
Information24.7%
Motion Picture and Sound Recording Industries23.3%
Motion Picture and Video Industries22.9%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:-4.6%
Annual Openings:800
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)12,100
Current
2034 (Projected)11,500
-4.6%
-600
Employment Change
-4.6%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: Decline
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Lighting Technicians professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 29 locations
California
2,950 jobs$94,0702.83x
New York
780 jobs$78,0001.41x
Florida
600 jobs$62,1901.05x
Nevada
390 jobs$61,2504.44x
New Jersey
340 jobs$87,5501.39x
Tennessee
280 jobs$60,8701.50x
Georgia
260 jobs$70,1500.94x
Ohio
260 jobs$54,9400.81x
Michigan
230 jobs$60,2100.91x
Texas
210 jobs$53,1500.26x
Virginia
190 jobs$60,3400.82x
Indiana
190 jobs$50,0801.06x
Oregon
180 jobs$57,9001.63x
Illinois
160 jobs$00.47x
Colorado
150 jobs$00.91x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025
Key Growth Factors
- •Employment decline projected
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Lighting Technicians
Technology Intensity
High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires advanced digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Autodesk AutoCAD
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Access
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Project
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Autodesk AutoCAD
Microsoft Access
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Project
Microsoft Excel
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏗️
Location
Varies
💪
Physical Demand
LOW
👥
Team Orientation
Varies
🤝
Customer Interaction
NONE
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in varies environments?
- •Can you meet low physical demands?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
16
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
0
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Analysis & Evaluation (2)Management & Supervision (1)Operations & Execution (3)General Responsibilities (9)Planning & Development (1)
1
Assess safety of wiring or equipment set-up to determine the risk of fire or electrical shock.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation100% perform100%
2
Consult with lighting director or production staff to determine lighting requirements.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Management & Supervision97% perform98%
3
Disassemble and store equipment after performances.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution94% perform96%
4
Install color effects or image patterns, such as color filters, onto lighting fixtures.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Install electrical cables or wire fixtures.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Load, unload, or position lighting equipment.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Match light fixture settings, such as brightness and color, to lighting design plans.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development82% perform88%
8
Notify supervisors when major lighting equipment repairs are needed.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Operate manual or automated systems to control lighting throughout productions.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Operations & Execution76% perform84%
10
Patch or wire lights to dimmers or other electronic consoles.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on analysis & evaluation activities
- •44% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Lighting Technicians
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Lighting Technicians professionals typically have a RCA Holland code
RRealistic
CConventional
AArtistic
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Lighting Technicians
Complete Work Styles Profile
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Typical duration: Varies
Preparation Level
Job Zone 3
Medium Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training:
Training of more than one year
💼 Experience Requirement
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Associate degree programs
- • Apprenticeships (1-2 years)
- • Vocational training with related experience
3
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Associate degree programsApprenticeships (1-2 years)Vocational training with related experience
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Lighting Technicians.
Browse Training Programs →Trade Colleges That Train for Lighting Technicians
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
Mesa Community College
Mesa, AZ
1.1k program completions/year
Chattahoochee Technical College
Marietta, GA
1.1k program completions/year
Chandler-Gilbert Community College
Chandler, AZ
733 program completions/year
Central Piedmont Community College
Charlotte, NC
626 program completions/year
Estrella Mountain Community College
Avondale, AZ
561 program completions/year
Saddleback College
Mission Viejo, CA
493 program completions/year
Wake Technical Community College
Raleigh, NC
481 program completions/year
Mt San Antonio College
Walnut, CA
465 program completions/year
Long Beach City College
Long Beach, CA
457 program completions/year
Pasadena City College
Pasadena, CA
453 program completions/year
Orange Coast College
Costa Mesa, CA
441 program completions/year
Columbus State Community College
Columbus, OH
409 program completions/year