Lighting Technicians in Michigan

Thinking about a career as a Lighting Technicians in Michigan? 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 Michigan?

The lighting technicians working in Michigan, the median annual wage is $55,380 per year (or roughly $26.63/hour).Earnings range from $32,900 at the 10th percentile to $117,690 at the 90th percentile.

National Wage Comparison

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

Employment Outlook

There are roughly 88,113 lighting technicians in the U.S..

Top States for Lighting Technicians Employment

These states have the highest employment of lighting technicians work.

Highest-Paying States for Lighting Technicians

The highest-paying states 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

Related occupations 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