Lighting technicians

SOC Code: 27-4015
Also known as:
Dimmer Board Operator, Electrical Lighting Technician (ELT), Entertainment Lighting Technician, Gaffer, Lamp Operator
Median Annual Salary
$60,560
-4.6% growth (2024-2034)
800
Openings/Year
12K
Current Jobs

What Lighting technicians Do

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.

💰 Salary

$60,560
Median annual wage (2024)

📈 Job Growth

-4.6%
Decline

🎓 Education

Postsecondary nondegree award
Typical entry-level requirement

🚀 Annual Openings

800
Projected average per year

📚 On-the-Job Training

Short-term on-the-job training
Expected training period

Employment Projections (2024-2034)

Current Employment (2024)

12,100

Projected Employment (2034)

11,500

Related Careers

Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians

$77,180 • +0.6% growth
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Electricians

$62,350 • +9.5% growth
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Electrical and electronics installers and repairers, transportation equipment

$82,730 • +6.1% growth
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Electrical and electronics repairers, commercial and industrial equipment

$71,300 • -0.8% growth
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Technology & Tools

Autodesk AutoCAD Microsoft Access Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft Project

📚 Entry-Level Education

Postsecondary nondegree award
Most common requirement

Degree Programs for Lighting technicians

These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a lighting technicians:

Radio and Television Broadcasting Technology/Technician

1,515 degrees awarded • 85 colleges offer this program
View Colleges →

Photographic and Film/Video Technology/Technician

1,287 degrees awarded • 101 colleges offer this program
View Colleges →

Best Colleges for Becoming a Lighting technicians

Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become lighting technicians.

# College Location Related Degrees Repit Grade
1 Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, MD 14 A
2 Rowan University Glassboro, NJ 96 B
3 Eastern Florida State College Melbourne, FL 8 B
4 Bowie State University Bowie, MD 79 C+
5 Tarrant County College District Fort Worth, TX 74 C+
6 San Jacinto Community College Pasadena, TX 61 C+
7 South Plains College Levelland, TX 41 C+
8 Mt San Antonio College Walnut, CA 39 C+
9 Valencia College Orlando, FL 38 C+
10 Dallas College Dallas, TX 33 C+
11 Alabama A & M University Normal, AL 32 C+
12 Olympic College Bremerton, WA 25 C+
13 Colorado Mesa University Grand Junction, CO 24 C+
14 Ferris State University Big Rapids, MI 23 C+
15 Miami Dade College Miami, FL 22 C+
16 Eastern Oklahoma County Technology Center Choctaw, OK 21 C+
17 Hinds Community College Raymond, MS 21 C+
18 St. John's University-New York Queens, NY 19 C+
19 SUNY Buffalo State University Buffalo, NY 19 C+
20 Gaston College Dallas, NC 19 C+

Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do lighting technicians make?
The median annual salary for lighting technicians is $60,560.
What education do lighting technicians need?
Most lighting technicians positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Common degree programs include Radio and Television Broadcasting Technology/Technician, Photographic and Film/Video Technology/Technician.
Is becoming lighting technicians a good career choice?
Lighting technicians is projected to see -4.6% job growth from 2024 to 2034, which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 800 job openings expected annually, there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for lighting technicians?
Top colleges for aspiring lighting technicians include Johns Hopkins University, Rowan University, Eastern Florida State College, Bowie State University, Tarrant County College District. These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to lighting technicians?
Lighting technicians may also be known as: Dimmer Board Operator, Electrical Lighting Technician (ELT), Entertainment Lighting Technician, Gaffer, Lamp Operator, Light Technician (Light Tech), Lighting Controls Technician, Lighting Designer, Lighting Engineer, Lighting Operator, Lighting Service Technician (Lighting Service Tech), Lighting Specialist, Lighting Technician (Lighting Tech), Production Technician, Rigging Electrical Lighting Technician (RELT), Set Lighting Technician (Set Lighting Tech), Sound and Lighting Technician (Sound and Lighting Tech), Spotlight Operator, Stage Electrician, Stage Lighting Technician. These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.