Lighting Technician

Your Fit

Income

$61K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

-3.4%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Lighting Technician?

A Lighting Technician is responsible for setting up and controlling lighting equipment to create the desired atmosphere and effects in live events, theater, film, and television productions. They play a crucial role in enhancing the visual impact and mood of a production.

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Lighting Technician.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

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How much does a Lighting Technician earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$36K per year	$47K per year	$61K per year	$83K per year	$118K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $11K above the national average.

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What does a Lighting Technician do?

Work environment

Lighting Technicians work in various settings, including theaters, television studios, film sets, and locations for live events like concerts and conferences. The environment is often fast-paced and dynamic, requiring work at different hours, including evenings and weekends, and sometimes in challenging conditions.

Quick task list

Sets up and operates lighting equipment.
Collaborates with directors and designers to understand the lighting needs for a production.
Programs and maintains lighting consoles and software.
Rigs lights and ensures safety compliance.
Adjusts lighting effects during rehearsals and live performances.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Theater Lighting: Focusing on lighting for live theater productions.
Concert Lighting: Specializing in dynamic lighting for live music performances.
Film and Television Lighting: Creating lighting setups for film and TV productions.
Event Lighting: Designing and implementing lighting for corporate events, weddings, and other special events.
Architectural Lighting: Working with architectural features and landscapes to enhance environments.

Description

Lighting Technicians combine technical knowledge with creative skills to influence the visual aspects of a production. They must understand various lighting equipment and technologies, as well as the principles of light, color, and shadow. Their work begins in the pre-production phase, where they plan and design lighting setups based on the requirements of the project.

During production, Lighting Technicians work closely with other members of the crew to ensure that the lighting enhances the overall production. They need to be adaptable, able to respond quickly to changes and troubleshoot technical issues. Safety is also a key concern, as they often work with high-powered equipment and at heights.

Post-production work can involve dismantling setups and maintaining equipment. The role requires good physical fitness, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure. Keeping up-to-date with the latest lighting technology and techniques is essential in this rapidly evolving field.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Playing a creative role in the visual storytelling of a production.
The excitement and variety of working on different types of projects.
Seeing the immediate impact of your work on a production's atmosphere and quality.

You might make a good Lighting Technician if you are...

Creative with a good eye for aesthetics and visual composition.
Technically skilled and interested in learning about lighting technology.
A problem-solver who enjoys working on practical and logistical challenges.
Able to work well under pressure and adapt to changing scenarios.
Comfortable working in a collaborative environment and taking direction.

Pros:

Creative and varied work across different types of productions.
Opportunities to work in exciting environments like live events and film sets.
Potential to travel and work in unique locations.

Cons:

Often requires working long and irregular hours.
Physically demanding, with a need to work at heights and handle heavy equipment.
Job opportunities can be competitive and sometimes seasonal.

How to become a Lighting Technician

Typical education

Formal education can vary, but many Lighting Technicians have at least a two-year associate degree or technical training in theater technology, film production, or a related field. On-the-job training and apprenticeships are also common paths into this career.

High school preparation

Courses:

Drama or Theater Arts to gain a basic understanding of stage production.
Physics to understand the properties of light and electricity.
Art and Design to develop a sense of aesthetics and visual composition.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining a drama club or helping with school productions.
Volunteering for local theater groups or community events.
Exploring photography or videography to understand the impact of lighting.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a degree or certificate in theater technology, film production, or a related field.
Seek internships or apprenticeships with theater companies, production studios, or event companies.
Attend workshops and seminars on the latest lighting technology and software.

More resources

United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT) - Offers resources and networking opportunities for theater professionals.
International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) - Professional organization dedicated to the lighting design industry.
Behind the Scenes - Provides safety and health information for entertainment industry workers.
Lynda.com - Online courses covering a range of topics, including lighting design and technology.
Stage Lighting Store - A resource for learning about different lighting equipment and techniques.
Professional Lighting and Sound Association (PLASA) - Provides resources and standards for those involved in stage and entertainment lighting.

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