Audio and Video Technician
Set up and run sound, video and lighting for events, meetings and productions.
- $58,100
- 3–12 months
Arts, Media & Design career
Lighting Technician
Also called: Stage Electrician · Lighting Designer · Gaffer · Lighting Programmer
What lighting technicians do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a lighting technician do?
Lighting technicians set up, maintain and operate lighting equipment for theaters, concerts, film and TV productions and events. The median pay is $68,060 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 6 months–2 years, and employment is projected to grow -4.8% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$68,060$32.72/hour · May 2025
- Job growth-4.8%2025–35, a projected decline
- Openings per year600Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationPostsecondary nondegree awardBLS classification
- Time to train6 months–2 yearsTypical program length
- U.S. jobs9,900Employment, 2025
What lighting technicians do
Lighting technicians create the look of shows and productions. They hang and focus lights, run cable and power, program lighting consoles, operate cues during shows and maintain equipment. In film, gaffers lead lighting crews; in theater, electricians carry out lighting designs.
Many technicians complete certificate programs or learn on the job. ETCP certification is respected for entertainment electricians and riggers. Work can be freelance and irregular, but skilled techs are in demand.
Typical duties
- Hang and focus lighting fixtures
- Run cable and power distribution
- Program lighting consoles
- Operate cues during shows
- Maintain and repair equipment
- Follow lighting designs
- Work safely at heights
Work environment and schedule
Lighting techs work in theaters, concert venues, studios and film sets, often at heights and late at night.
Schedule: Hours are irregular, with evenings, weekends and long load-ins.
A day in the life
- Load in lighting equipment for a concert.
- Hang moving lights on truss.
- Run power and DMX cable.
- Focus fixtures with the designer.
See a full day in the life of a lighting technician →
Lighting Technician salary
Half of lighting technicians earned more than $68,060 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $42,310 for the lowest 10% to $130,760 for the top 10%.
Full lighting technician pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a lighting technician
- Learn lighting basics
- Work as a stagehand
- Learn consoles
- Earn certifications
- Advance
A postsecondary certificate is common, and many technicians learn on the job.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a lighting technician →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Lighting fixtures
- DMX and control systems
- Console programming
- Electrical safety
- Rigging basics
People skills
- Teamwork
- Creativity
- Calm under pressure
- Attention to detail
All lighting technician skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Creative technical work
- Exciting shows
- Certificate entry
- Variety of venues
Cons
- Irregular, late hours
- Work at heights
- Freelance income
- Physically demanding
Certifications and licenses
- ETCP Entertainment Electrician: Certification for entertainment electricians.
- ETCP Rigger: Rigging certification.
- Console training: Training on ETC or grandMA.
- OSHA 10: Safety training.
Career path
- Stagehand: Assist with lighting.
- Lighting Technician: Hang, focus and run lights.
- Programmer or Gaffer: Program consoles or lead crews.
- Lighting Designer: Design lighting.
Learn the job before day one
Our Lighting Technician training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as hang and focus a light and program a lighting cue, safety and how to land your first job.
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Compare: Lighting Technician vs. AV Technician · Lighting Technician vs. Sound Engineer · Lighting Technician vs. Electrician · Lighting Technician vs. Camera Operator
Lighting Technician FAQ
Do lighting techs need a degree?
Not usually.
What is ETCP?
A certification program for entertainment technicians.
Is lighting work freelance?
Often.
How much does a lighting technician make?
The median annual wage for lighting technicians was $68,060 ($32.72 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $42,310 and the highest 10% earned more than $130,760.
How long does it take to become a lighting technician?
Most people need about 6 months–2 years of training. A postsecondary certificate is common, and many technicians learn on the job.
Do you need a degree to be a lighting technician?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “postsecondary nondegree award” as the typical entry-level education, plus short-term on-the-job training.
More lighting technician questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 27-4015 (Lighting technicians).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Lighting technicians (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.