Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Lighting Technician
What lighting technicians actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a lighting technician?
Load in lighting equipment for a concert. From there, the day usually includes hang and focus lighting fixtures, run cable and power distribution, and program lighting consoles. Hours are irregular, with evenings, weekends and long load-ins.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a lighting technician working full time.
- Load in lighting equipment for a concert.
- Hang moving lights on truss.
- Run power and DMX cable.
- Focus fixtures with the designer.
- Program cues on the console.
- Run lighting cues during the show.
- Strike and pack equipment.
Where lighting technicians work
Lighting techs work in theaters, concert venues, studios and film sets, often at heights and late at night.
Hours and schedule
Hours are irregular, with evenings, weekends and long load-ins.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- 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
Tools you’ll use every day
- Lighting consoles such as ETC Eos or grandMA
- Moving and LED fixtures
- Dimmers and power distribution
- DMX cables
- Truss and rigging
- Lifts and ladders
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Creative technical work
- Exciting shows
- Certificate entry
- Variety of venues
What’s hard
- Irregular, late hours
- Work at heights
- Freelance income
- Physically demanding
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I love theater, concerts or film
- I like technical work
- I’m comfortable at heights
- I can work late nights
- I enjoy creative lighting
- I like teamwork
Not sure? Take the free Lighting Technician fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Use fall protection at heights
- Install safety cables on fixtures
- Follow electrical safety and lockout
- Wear gloves with hot fixtures