Lighting Technicians
SOC code 27-4015 · O*NET-SOC 27-4015.00 · Medium preparation needed
Lighting Technicians pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$68,060
a year
Hourly
$32.72
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$78,380
$37.68 per hour
Middle 50%
$52,770 – $95,640
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$42,310 – $130,760
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
8,900
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $42,310
- $20.34/hr
- 25th percentile
- $52,770
- $25.37/hr
- Median percentile
- $68,060
- $32.72/hr
- 75th percentile
- $95,640
- $45.98/hr
- 90th percentile
- $130,760
- $62.87/hr
What does a lighting technician do?
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.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- 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.
- Load, unload, or position lighting equipment.
- Match light fixture settings, such as brightness and color, to lighting design plans.
- Notify supervisors when major lighting equipment repairs are needed.
How to become a lighting technician
Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
The federal survey did not capture education levels for this specific occupation, so the preparation-level card above is the best guide to the entry route.
Common questions
How much does a lighting technician earn?
The national median is $68,060 a year. The full range runs from $42,310 at the 10th percentile to $130,760 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a lighting technician without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.