FAQ
Lighting Technician FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a lighting technician.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a lighting technician: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about lighting technicians
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.
Is lighting technician a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change -4.8% from 2025–35 (a projected decline), with about 600 openings each year. Upsides include creative technical work; a common challenge is that irregular, late hours.
What skills does a lighting technician need?
Key technical skills include lighting fixtures, dmx and control systems, console programming, and electrical safety. Employers also value teamwork, creativity, and calm under pressure.
What certifications are available for lighting technicians?
Common credentials include ETCP Entertainment Electrician, ETCP Rigger, Console training, and OSHA 10. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Still deciding?
Try the Lighting Technician fit quiz, compare with Audio and Video Technician, or explore Lighting Technician training.
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.