Lighting Technicians
Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media
On film, television, and live productions, lights, control gear, cabling, and rigging have to be put up, kept working, and taken down afterward. Requirements come from the lighting director or production staff; brightness and color are then matched to the plan, with filters or image patterns added when the design needs them. Cables get run, equipment is loaded and positioned, and wiring is checked for fire or shock risk before anyone relies on the setup. After the show or shoot, gear is disassembled and stored, and major repair needs are passed to a supervisor. Suits people who like physical setup work, following a lighting plan closely, and electrical safety checks.
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$68'060
Median Wage Market Position
$68'060
What you might do
- Match fixture brightness and color to plans
- Install cables and wire lighting fixtures
- Talk with staff about lighting needs
- Check setups for fire and shock risk
- Attach color filters to lighting fixtures
- Take down and store gear after shows
Skills that matter
- Checking wiring for fire and shock risk
- Matching fixtures to lighting design plans
- Installing cables and light fixtures
- Adding color filters and image patterns
- Consulting with the lighting director
- Loading and storing lighting equipment
AI & the future of this role
Film, TV, and live shows still depend on physical lighting setup, safety practices, and artistic choices made on set. Automated cues may help with repeats, but venues and productions tend to need skilled people present.
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Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details