Position
Salary

How much does a Lighting Technician make?

The average salary for a Lighting Technician is $51,835 per year in the US.

Lighting Technicians play a key role in making events and performances successful. They set up lighting, check equipment, and adjust lights to create the right mood and feel. Understanding the salary of a Lighting Technician can help those in this role know what to expect.

The average yearly salary for a Lighting Technician is about $51,835. This means most Lighting Technicians earn between $34,000 and $100,000 per year. Here is a closer look at how these salaries break down:

  • 12.63% earn around $34,000
  • 25.81% earn around $40,000
  • 16.29% earn around $46,000
  • 17.94% earn around $52,000
  • 8.79% earn around $58,000
  • 2.01% earn around $64,000
  • 5.13% earn around $70,000
  • 2.38% earn around $76,000
  • 1.46% earn around $82,000
  • 0.73% earn around $88,000
  • 1.83% earn around $94,000
  • 0.73% earn around $100,000
This information shows that with experience and skill, many Lighting Technicians can earn a good living.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Lighting Technician?

Birmingham, AL, Los Angeles, CA, and Washington, DC, offer some of the highest salaries for lighting technicians. These cities provide great opportunities for skilled professionals in the field. Atlanta, Georgia, and Charlotte, North Carolina, are also competitive places with good wages.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Lighting Technician jobs, highlighting Birmingham, AL with the highest at $61,477 and Orlando, FL with the lowest at $48,740.
  1. Birmingham, AL
    Average Salary: $61,477
    Working in Birmingham offers a blend of industry and entertainment. Companies like Vulcan Materials provide opportunities to work on large-scale projects. Many venues, such as the BJCC, hire technicians for events.
    Find Lighting Technician jobs in Birmingham, AL


  2. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $59,464
    Los Angeles offers a vibrant entertainment scene. Opportunities abound in Hollywood, with top studios and venues like Dolby Theatre and Staples Center needing skilled technicians. The city's diverse industry keeps the work dynamic and engaging.
    Find Lighting Technician jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  3. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $59,380
    In Washington, DC, the political and entertainment sectors create a strong demand for lighting professionals. Government venues and popular theaters, such as the Kennedy Center, often need skilled technicians for events and performances.
    Find Lighting Technician jobs in Washington, DC


  4. Las Vegas, NV
    Average Salary: $59,045
    Las Vegas is known for its nightlife and entertainment. The city’s many hotels and casinos, such as the MGM Grand, require lighting specialists for a variety of events. The job market here offers many opportunities for growth.
    Find Lighting Technician jobs in Las Vegas, NV


  5. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $54,572
    Denver has a growing entertainment scene with venues like the Fillmore Auditorium seeking skilled professionals. The city’s diverse events, from concerts to conventions, provide varied work for lighting experts.
    Find Lighting Technician jobs in Denver, CO


  6. Phoenix, AZ
    Average Salary: $50,814
    Phoenix offers a mix of corporate and entertainment opportunities. With major firms and event venues, such as the Talking Stick Resort Arena, needing lighting professionals, the job market is quite dynamic.
    Find Lighting Technician jobs in Phoenix, AZ


  7. Cincinnati, OH
    Average Salary: $50,646
    In Cincinnati, the entertainment scene includes venues like the Aronoff Center, offering many opportunities for lighting specialists. The city’s diverse range of events provides a steady flow of work.
    Find Lighting Technician jobs in Cincinnati, OH


  8. Reno, NV
    Average Salary: $50,575
    Reno combines a growing entertainment scene with opportunities in the tech industry. Venues like Grand Sierra Resort need skilled technicians for their events, offering a balanced mix of work.
    Find Lighting Technician jobs in Reno, NV


  9. Salt Lake City, UT
    Average Salary: $50,172
    Salt Lake City offers a mix of entertainment and corporate events. The city’s venues, including the Salt Lake Center, need lighting professionals for a variety of events, providing steady employment.
    Find Lighting Technician jobs in Salt Lake City, UT


  10. Orlando, FL
    Average Salary: $48,740
    Orlando’s vibrant tourism industry offers many opportunities for lighting specialists. Theme parks, such as Walt Disney World, create a high demand for skilled technicians to manage lighting for various attractions.
    Find Lighting Technician jobs in Orlando, FL

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

Solis Lighting and Electrical pays Lighting Technicians well. On average, they offer about $53,917 a year. This makes them a top choice for those seeking good pay in this field. Blueprint Staffing also provides competitive salaries. They pay around $50,000 annually. This company is another good option for job seekers aiming for a stable income. Window Genie offers salaries closer to $41,000 per year. While lower than the others, it still offers a respectable wage in the industry.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Lighting Technician jobs, highlighting Solis Lighting and Electrical with the highest at $53,917 and Window Genie with the lowest at $41,095.
  1. Solis Lighting and Electrical
    Average Salary: $53,917
    Solis Lighting and Electrical offers exciting opportunities for Lighting Technicians. They provide lighting solutions for events and entertainment venues across the country. Locations include New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Workers enjoy competitive pay and benefits.


  2. Blueprint Staffing
    Average Salary: $50,000
    At Blueprint Staffing, Lighting Technicians have the chance to work on diverse projects. They place skilled professionals in various industries, including entertainment and architecture. They have offices in many states, including California, Texas, and Florida. This company values its employees and offers a solid pay structure.


  3. Window Genie
    Average Salary: $41,095
    Window Genie hires Lighting Technicians for a range of roles. They focus on providing high-quality window services with a special emphasis on energy efficiency. Their operations span across several states, including Illinois and Michigan. Employees enjoy a supportive work environment and decent pay.

How to earn more as a Lighting Technician?

Aspiring lighting technicians often wonder how to advance their careers and increase their earnings. Success in this field often depends on a combination of skills, experience, and strategic career moves. By focusing on a few key factors, one can significantly boost their income and job satisfaction.

Firstly, gaining experience is crucial. Technicians who work on larger or more high-profile projects often earn more. Experience helps build a reputation and network, leading to better job opportunities. Joining industry groups and attending trade shows can also offer insights into higher-paying gigs. Continuing education through workshops and certifications can set a technician apart. Specializing in certain types of lighting, such as architectural or stage lighting, can also command higher rates.

Secondly, developing a strong portfolio can attract better-paying clients. Showcasing past work, especially high-quality projects, helps potential employers see the value of hiring the technician. A well-organized online portfolio or physical book can serve as a powerful tool for job applications. Testimonials and references from past clients can also enhance credibility. Investing in quality equipment and learning the latest technology trends ensures a technician remains competitive and efficient, which can lead to higher pay.

Additionally, effective communication and networking play a vital role in earning more as a lighting technician. Building relationships with event planners, directors, and other industry professionals can lead to referrals and repeat business. Attending industry conferences and joining professional associations can expand a technician's network. Social media can also be a useful tool for sharing work and connecting with peers and potential clients.

  1. Gain Experience: Work on larger projects and build a network.
  2. Develop a Portfolio: Showcase past work and gather testimonials.
  3. Invest in Equipment: Stay updated with the latest technology.
  4. Enhance Communication: Build relationships and expand your network.
  5. Continuous Learning: Attend workshops and get certifications.

Currently 86 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
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Lighting Technician
86 Job Openings