How much does a lighting technician make?

In the United States, experience, in-demand skills, and useful certificates or licenses can help a lighting technician earn more. Pay also differs by industry and employer, location, and work hours; many jobs are project-based and include nights or weekends.

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. Excludes “Audio and Video Technicians” (27-4011).

What's a typical day like?

They check the lighting plan with production staff, unload and safely rig lights, then focus and test brightness and color. During a show or shoot, they run the lighting controls and handle small repairs.

Many U.S. lighting technicians learn through vocational classes and on-the-job experience; an associate degree is another route. Apprenticeships are also possible—for example, New Mexico’s program requires applicants to be 18 or older.

Vocational school or a few years' experience (preparation level 3 of 5)

Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.

At Hollywood’s IATSE Local 728, new members must pass a color-vision test because crews use cable colors to identify electrical wires.