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Lighting Technicians in Oregon
Thinking about a career as a Lighting Technicians in Oregon? Below are the key facts. 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 Oregon?
For lighting technicians working in Oregon, the typical annual salary is $44,560 per year (or roughly $21.42/hour).Annual wages span from $29,670 at the 10th percentile to $79,810 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $29,670 | $14.26 |
| 25th percentile | $32,250 | $15.51 |
| Median (50th) | $44,560 | $21.42 |
| 75th percentile | $58,040 | $27.91 |
| 90th percentile | $79,810 | $38.37 |
Location quotient — how concentrated this career is in Oregon compared to the national average — is 2.78, indicating that lighting technicians are more concentrated here than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, lighting technicians earn a median of $45,092 per year ($21.68/hour), lower than the Oregon median.
Employment Outlook
There are roughly 88,113 lighting technicians nationwide. In Oregon alone, approximately 360 people work in this role. That’s more than the typical state, which employs around 120 lighting technicians.
Top Oregon Metros for Lighting Technicians
The largest metro-area employers of lighting technicians in Oregon.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | 240 | n/a |
Top States for Lighting Technicians Employment
The table below shows the states where the most lighting technicians work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| California | 3,330 |
| Florida | 1,240 |
| New York | 910 |
| Tennessee | 410 |
| New Jersey | 400 |
| Oregon | 360 |
| Nevada | 350 |
| Pennsylvania | 260 |
| Texas | 250 |
| Georgia | 240 |
| Illinois | 230 |
| Maryland | 220 |
| Utah | 140 |
| Indiana | 120 |
| Massachusetts | 120 |
| Colorado | 110 |
| Washington | 70 |
| Ohio | 70 |
| North Carolina | 70 |
| Kansas | 70 |
Highest-Paying States for Lighting Technicians
The highest-paying states for lighting technicians.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Washington | $109,670 |
| Hawaii | $90,530 |
| Colorado | $83,580 |
| New Jersey | $83,340 |
| New York | $83,200 |
| California | $74,670 |
| District of Columbia | $70,190 |
| Nevada | $64,250 |
| Oklahoma | $63,410 |
| Massachusetts | $62,010 |
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
Software and systems commonly involved: Hot technologies: Autodesk AutoCAD In-demand technologies: Microsoft Office software
Related Careers
Other careers like 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