Lighting Technicians

Salaries for lighting technicians vary according to the technician's experience. Annual income is also determined by the number of projects a technician is hired for; the most experienced technicians can work year-round on a variety of projects, while those starting out may go weeks without work.

Lighting technicians who worked in the motion picture and video industries earned average salaries of $102,920 in May 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Those who worked for performing arts companies earned $65,720. The mean annual salary for workers in all careers was $65,470. Salaries for all lighting technicians ranged from $37,680 to $126,590 or more. Fifty percent of lighting technicians earned between $47,470 and $82,980. Experienced technicians can negotiate for much higher wages.

Lighting technicians who are members of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the United States, Its Territories, and Canada are guaranteed minimum wages per union contracts. During the August 3, 2025, to August 1, 2026, contract period, chief lighting technicians received hourly minimum rates of $63.01, while assistant chief lighting technicians earned $57.20 an hour. Union members are also entitled to certain health and retirement benefits.