Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, aged to 2026 using compounded market movement. State selections show BLS state-level figures where published. Actual pay varies with experience, industry, and organization size.
Assess safety of wiring or equipment set-up to determine the risk of fire or electrical shock.
Consult with lighting director or production staff to determine lighting requirements.
Disassemble and store equipment after performances.
Install color effects or image patterns, such as color filters, onto lighting fixtures.
Install electrical cables or wire fixtures.
Includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (CC BY 4.0).
Lighting Technician pay by experience level
Entry level$44,000
Typical starting pay (about the 10th percentile)
Early career$54,500
A few years in (about the 25th percentile)
Experienced$70,500
Mid-career median pay
Senior$99,000
Seasoned professionals (about the 75th percentile)
Top earners$135,500
Highest earners (about the 90th percentile)
Experience tiers are derived from the BLS wage percentile distribution for this occupation, aged to 2026. Actual pay varies by employer, location, and specialization.
Job outlook
-4.6%
projected change in jobs, 2024–2034
800
projected openings per year
Declining
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program (2024–2034). Openings include growth and replacement needs.
Lighting Technician salary by industry
Motion Picture and Sound Recording Industries
2,070 workers
$117,000
Motion Picture and Video Industries
2,040 workers
$118,000
Performing Arts, Spectator Sports, and Related Industries
1,980 workers
$66,500
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
980 workers
$82,500
Rental and Leasing Services
860 workers
$66,500
Rental and Leasing Services (5322, 5323, and 5324 only)
860 workers
$66,500
Performing Arts Companies
690 workers
$62,000
Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events
630 workers
$70,000
Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers
610 workers
$67,500
Administrative and Support Services
600 workers
$74,000
National sector-level figures, BLS OEWS May 2025, aged to 2026.
