Career comparison
Electrician vs. Lighting Technician
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Lighting technicians earn more at the median ($68,060 vs. $63,190), while lighting technicians usually get to work faster (6 months–2 years of training). Electricians install, maintain and repair electrical wiring, panels and equipment safely to code. Lighting technicians set up, program and run lighting for stages, film sets and events.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Electrician | Lighting Technician | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $63,190 ($30.38/hr) | $68,060 ($32.72/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $42,640 – $108,510 | $42,310 – $130,760 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +9.2% (much faster than average) | -4.8% (a projected decline) |
| Openings per year | 72,700 | 600 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| Training time | 4–5 years (paid apprenticeship) | 6 months–2 years |
| Key credential | Journeyman electrician license | ETCP Entertainment Electrician |
| Work setting | Electricians work indoors and outdoors at construction sites, homes, businesses and factories. | Lighting techs work in theaters, concert venues, studios and film sets, often at heights and late at night.. |
What each job does
Electrician
- Read blueprints, schematics and electrical plans
- Install conduit, wiring, panels, breakers, receptacles and fixtures
- Inspect and test electrical systems with meters and testers
- Troubleshoot and repair faults in circuits, motors and controls
- Follow the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local codes
Lighting Technician
- Hang and focus lighting fixtures
- Run cable and power distribution
- Program lighting consoles
- Operate cues during shows
- Maintain and repair equipment
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work, physical work, and teamwork. They sit in different fields, skilled trades & construction and arts, media & design, but share transferable skills such as problem-solving and teamwork.
Which should you choose?
Choose electrician if…
- I like working with my hands and solving technical problems
- I’m comfortable with math and following detailed diagrams
- I respect safety rules, and follow them every time
Choose lighting technician if…
- I love theater, concerts or film
- I like technical work
- I’m comfortable at heights
Still torn? Take the Electrician fit quiz and the Lighting Technician fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, electrician or lighting technician?
Lighting Technicians earn more at the median: $68,060 versus $63,190 for electricians, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Lighting Technicians typically train faster (6 months–2 years) than electricians (4–5 years (paid apprenticeship)).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects electricians to grow +9.2% from 2025–35, compared with -4.8% for lighting technicians.