Lighting Technicians in Washington

Considering working as a Lighting Technicians in Washington? 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 Washington?

The lighting technicians working in Washington, the median annual wage is $109,670 per year (or about $52.73/hour).Annual wages span from $60,900 at the 10th percentile to $166,400 at the 90th percentile.

The job concentration index in Washington nationwide is 0.29, 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), higher than the Washington median.

Employment Outlook

Nationally, total employment in this occupation is 88,113 lighting technicians nationwide. In Washington alone, around 70 people work in this role. That’s fewer than the typical state, which employs around 120 lighting technicians.

Top Washington Metros for Lighting Technicians

These are the Washington metros with the most lighting technicians in Washington.

Top States for Lighting Technicians Employment

The table below shows the states where the most lighting technicians work.

Highest-Paying States for Lighting Technicians

The highest-paying states for lighting technicians.

Daily Tasks

Common tasks include:

• 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