Lighting Technicians in Massachusetts

Considering working as a Lighting Technicians in Massachusetts? Here’s what the data says. 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. Excludes “Audio and Video Technicians” (27-4011).

What do Lighting Technicians Make in Massachusetts?

The lighting technicians working in Massachusetts, wages run about $62,010 per year (or about $29.81/hour).Earnings range from $40,070 at the 10th percentile to $141,870 at the 90th percentile.

The location quotient — a measure of how concentrated this occupation is in Massachusetts compared to the national average — is 0.48, indicating fewer lighting technicians per worker than the national average.

National Wage Comparison

Nationally, lighting technicians earn a median of $45,092 per year ($21.68/hour), above the Massachusetts median.

Employment Outlook

There are roughly 88,113 lighting technicians nationwide. In Massachusetts alone, approximately 120 people work in this role. That matches the typical state median of 120.

Top Massachusetts Metros for Lighting Technicians

The metro areas below employ the most lighting technicians in Massachusetts.

Top States for Lighting Technicians Employment

View the states that employ the most lighting technicians work.

Highest-Paying States for Lighting Technicians

These states pay the most for lighting technicians.

Daily Tasks

Lighting Technicians typically:

• Assess safety of wiring or equipment set-up to determine the risk of fire or electrical shock.
• Consult with lighting director or production staff to determine lighting requirements.
• Disassemble and store equipment after performances.
• Install color effects or image patterns, such as color filters, onto lighting fixtures.
• Install electrical cables or wire fixtures.
• Load, unload, or position lighting equipment.
• Match light fixture settings, such as brightness and color, to lighting design plans.
• Notify supervisors when major lighting equipment repairs are needed.
• Operate manual or automated systems to control lighting throughout productions.
• Patch or wire lights to dimmers or other electronic consoles.
• Perform minor repairs or routine maintenance on lighting equipment, such as replacing lamps or damaged color filters.
• Program lighting consoles or load automated lighting control systems onto consoles.

Tools & Technology

Common tools and software used in this occupation include: Hot technologies: Autodesk AutoCAD In-demand technologies: Microsoft Office software

Related Careers

Careers similar to lighting technicians include:

• Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
• Robotics Technicians
• Electricians
• Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
• Solar Photovoltaic Installers
• Helpers–Electricians

Also Known As

Controls Technician (Controls Tech), Dimmer Board Operator, Electrical Lighting Technician (ELT), Entertainment Lighting Technician, Entertainment Professional, 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).

References

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
• O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
• BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
• O*NET-SOC code: 27-4015.00