Position
Salary

How much does a Lighting Technician make?

The average salary for a Lighting Technician is $52,208 per year in the US.

A Lighting Technician plays a crucial role in various industries, from theater productions to film and television sets. This role involves setting up and controlling lighting for performances or productions. The average yearly salary for this job is around $52,208. It shows that this job can offer a stable income for those who work hard and excel.


Salary figures can vary based on experience, location, and the industry. Here is a breakdown of the average salaries at different experience levels:

  • Newest technicians can expect to earn around $33,650 per year.
  • Those with some experience can earn about $45,714 yearly.
  • More experienced technicians can see salaries rise to around $69,841 per year.
  • At the highest end, top-tier technicians can earn over $100,000 annually.
This range reflects the potential for growth and increased earnings as one gains more experience and expertise in the field.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Lighting Technician?

Job seekers looking for top-tier lighting technician positions can find excellent opportunities in several cities. Los Angeles, CA, stands out with an average salary of $63,654, making it a leading choice. Cities like Las Vegas, NV, and Washington, DC, also offer competitive salaries, around $62,352 and $56,173, respectively. Further, cities such as Reno, NV, and Phoenix, AZ, offer attractive salaries, providing potential for a rewarding career. Denver, CO, and Salt Lake City, UT, also feature in the list, with average salaries exceeding $50,000. These locations present promising opportunities for skilled lighting technicians.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Lighting Technician jobs, highlighting Los Angeles, CA with the highest at $63,654 and Raleigh, NC with the lowest at $41,231.
  1. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $63,654
    In Los Angeles, you can expect a dynamic work environment with numerous opportunities in the entertainment industry. Hollywood is a hub for film and television, where your expertise can shine. Companies like Disney and Universal Studios offer many positions.
    Find Lighting Technician jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  2. Las Vegas, NV
    Average Salary: $62,352
    Las Vegas boasts a lively atmosphere with a steady demand for lighting in the casino and entertainment industries. Work with major hotel chains such as MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment. The vibrant nightlife keeps the industry bustling.
    Find Lighting Technician jobs in Las Vegas, NV


  3. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $56,173
    Washington, D.C. offers a unique blend of government and entertainment sectors. You can find work with various agencies and organizations. Companies like the National Theatre and government events need skilled lighting professionals.
    Find Lighting Technician jobs in Washington, DC


  4. Reno, NV
    Average Salary: $54,682
    Reno provides a smaller market but with lots of potential. Casinos and theaters need skilled hands to ensure top-notch lighting. Work with casinos like Harrah’s and various local theaters.
    Find Lighting Technician jobs in Reno, NV


  5. Phoenix, AZ
    Average Salary: $53,522
    Phoenix has a growing entertainment sector with plenty of opportunities. The desert city offers a mix of live theater, music venues, and corporate events. Companies like the Phoenix Symphony and local theaters need your expertise.
    Find Lighting Technician jobs in Phoenix, AZ


  6. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $52,678
    Denver offers a dynamic market with diverse opportunities. From theaters to concert venues, there is always a need for skilled lighting technicians. Work with the Denver Center for the Performing Arts and various music venues.
    Find Lighting Technician jobs in Denver, CO


  7. Salt Lake City, UT
    Average Salary: $51,132
    Salt Lake City provides a stable job market with opportunities in both theater and corporate events. The city's growing entertainment scene offers many positions. Companies like the Utah Symphony and local theaters are always in need.
    Find Lighting Technician jobs in Salt Lake City, UT


  8. Houston, TX
    Average Salary: $46,362
    Houston’s entertainment industry is thriving. From sports events to theater productions, there is a constant need for skilled lighting professionals. Companies like the Houston Grand Opera and various concert venues offer many positions.
    Find Lighting Technician jobs in Houston, TX


  9. Orlando, FL
    Average Salary: $45,077
    Orlando offers a vibrant job market with numerous opportunities in the entertainment and theme park industries. Companies like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios need skilled lighting professionals to keep shows running smoothly.
    Find Lighting Technician jobs in Orlando, FL


  10. Raleigh, NC
    Average Salary: $41,231
    Raleigh provides a balanced job market with opportunities in theater and corporate events. The city’s growing arts scene offers many positions. Work with the North Carolina Theatre and various local venues.
    Find Lighting Technician jobs in Raleigh, NC

What are the best companies a Lighting Technician can work for?

Nextech offers some of the highest salaries for Lighting Technician jobs, averaging around $56,313 annually. This top-tier pay reflects the company's commitment to quality and its investment in skilled professionals. Rogers Services and Utility Partners of America also provide attractive compensation packages, with average salaries of $51,000 and $46,294 respectively.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Lighting Technician jobs, highlighting Nextech with the highest at $56,313 and Outdoor Lighting Perspectives with the lowest at $39,857.
  1. Nextech
    Average Salary: $56,313
    Nextech is a leading company in the lighting industry. They offer top-notch compensation for Lighting Technicians. Their offices are located in several cities, including Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago. At Nextech, technicians work on a variety of projects, from commercial spaces to residential homes.


  2. Rogers Services
    Average Salary: $51,000
    Rogers Services is a well-known name in lighting and audio-visual solutions. They provide a competitive salary for Lighting Technicians. They have offices in major cities such as Atlanta, Dallas, and Philadelphia. Technicians here get to work on a diverse range of projects, ensuring optimal lighting solutions for clients.


  3. Utility Partners of America
    Average Salary: $46,294
    Utility Partners of America focuses on providing comprehensive lighting solutions. They offer a solid salary for Lighting Technicians. Locations include Houston, San Francisco, and Boston. Employees work on various projects, from commercial installations to residential setups, ensuring customer satisfaction.


  4. Window Genie
    Average Salary: $42,182
    Window Genie specializes in window cleaning and exterior lighting services. They offer a fair salary for Lighting Technicians. Their presence is felt in cities like Denver, Seattle, and Minneapolis. Technicians at Window Genie work on both large-scale and small projects, enhancing the lighting of buildings.


  5. Outdoor Lighting Perspectives
    Average Salary: $39,857
    Outdoor Lighting Perspectives is dedicated to creating stunning outdoor lighting designs. They provide a decent salary for Lighting Technicians. They have operations in Portland, Miami, and San Diego. Technicians here focus on designing and installing outdoor lighting for homes and businesses.

How to earn more as a Lighting Technician?

Lighting Technicians have great opportunities to increase their earnings through several key strategies. This professional field can be highly rewarding for those who know how to leverage their skills and experiences effectively. One of the best ways to earn more is to gain experience in different types of events and venues. This makes a Technician more versatile and valuable to potential employers.

Another important factor is to seek out opportunities for professional development. Taking courses or attending workshops to learn about new lighting technologies and techniques can set a Technician apart from the competition. Networking with other professionals in the industry also plays a crucial role. Building a strong professional network can lead to more job opportunities and higher-paying positions. Certifications and specialized skills in areas like LED lighting or moving lights can significantly boost earnings. Finally, negotiating salary and seeking out roles in higher-demand markets can further enhance a Technician's income potential.

Consider these key strategies to maximize earnings as a Lighting Technician:

  1. Gain experience in various event types and venues
  2. Pursue professional development through courses and workshops
  3. Build a strong network within the industry
  4. Acquire certifications and specialized skills
  5. Negotiate salary and seek high-demand markets

Currently 65 Lighting Technician job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Lighting Technician in the US?

Learn what a Lighting Technician does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Lighting Technician today.
Position
Overview
Lighting Technician
65 Job Openings