Lighting Technicians
27-4015.00
Updated 2025

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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.

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

  • 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.
  • Operate manual or automated systems to control lighting throughout productions.
  • Patch or wire lights to dimmers or other electronic consoles.
  • Perform minor repairs or routine maintenance on lighting equipment, such as replacing lamps or damaged color filters.
  • Program lighting consoles or load automated lighting control systems onto consoles.
  • Set up and focus light fixtures to meet requirements of television, theater, concerts, or other productions.
  • Set up scaffolding or cranes to assist with setting up of lighting equipment.
  • Test lighting equipment function and desired lighting effects.
  • Visit and assess structural and electrical layout of locations before setting up lighting equipment.
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Technology Skills

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Occupational Requirements

Detailed Work Activities

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Experience Requirements

Job Zone

Title
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Education
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Related 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.
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.
Job Zone Examples
These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, desktop publishers, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters and simultaneous captioners, and medical assistants.
SVP Range
(6.0 to < 7.0)

Training & Credentials

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Worker Characteristics

Interests

Interest code: RC
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  • Realistic — Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
  • Conventional — Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

Workforce Characteristics

Wages & Employment Trends

Median wages (2023)
$29.92 hourly, $62,240 annual
State wages
Local wages
Employment (2023)
10,800 employees
Projected growth (2023-2033)
Decline (-1% or lower)
Projected job openings (2023-2033)
900
State trends
Top industries (2023)

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2023 wage data and 2023-2033 employment projections . “Projected growth” represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2023-2033). “Projected job openings” represent openings due to growth and replacement.

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More Information

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