Lighting Director Salaries in the United States
How Much Does a Lighting Director Make?
Updated March 01, 2025
As of March 01, 2025,
the average annual pay of Lighting Director in the United States is $62,294.
While Salary.com is seeing that Lighting Director salary in the US can go up to $72,618
or down to $51,215, but most earn between $56,495 and $67,698.
Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors,
including education, certifications, additional skills, and your experience levels.
With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Related Job Titles to Lighting Director
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Similar Job Salaries to Lighting Director by Company
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| Company | average base salary in (usd) | range |
|---|---|---|
|
DZL Management Company LLC
Lighting Director
|
$75,174/yr
|
RANGE: $63,780 - $86,567
|
|
Passion City Church Inc
Lighting Director
|
$152,677/yr
|
RANGE: $125,685 - $179,669
|
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Passion City Church
LIGHTING DIRECTOR
|
$150,806/yr
|
RANGE: $124,144 - $177,467
|
|
Colorado Springs World Arena
Stagehand -Lighting Director (L1)
|
$130,681/yr
|
RANGE: $112,243 - $149,120
|
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Penncrest High School
SOUND & LIGHTING DIRECTOR
|
$55,967/yr
|
RANGE: $48,751 - $63,184
|
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Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church
Audio Visual Lighting Director
|
$71,026/yr
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RANGE: $61,838 - $80,215
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Theunionchurch
Lighting Engineer/Technical Director
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$134,812/yr
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RANGE: $117,485 - $152,139
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RWS Global
Lighting Director | Master Electrician
|
$62,049/yr
|
RANGE: $53,730 - $70,367
|
What Does a Lighting Director Do?
As well as communicating with the producer, director and production designer, lighting directors work closely with the camera department and directly with lighting console operators, senior electricians and sparks.
Updated December 21, 2021
In daytime exterior shots, the lighting director may be faced with shooting into the sun (massive backlighting) yet finding ways to light the actors through the use of reflectors or HMI lights.
Updated December 18, 2021
In other productions, there may be a designated lighting director who works closely with the director of photography.
Updated December 04, 2021
In addition to determining how much electricity will be required to light a scene, the lighting director must be able to figure out where to get the required electrical power.
Updated December 02, 2021
The LD must take into account the show's mood and the director's vision in creating a lighting design.
Updated November 29, 2021
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Explore JobArchitectFrequently Asked Questions About a Lighting Director Salaries
What is the average of a Lighting Director in the United States?
The Lighting Director salary range is from $56,495 to $67,698, and the average Lighting Director salary is $62,294/year in the United States.
The Lighting Director's salary will change in different locations.
Which location pays the highest Lighting Director salary in the United States?
The Lighting Director salary in San Jose, CA is $78,179
which is the highest in the US.
What kinds of reasons will influence the Lighting Director's salary?
Besides the location, employees' education degree, related skills, and work experience also will influence the salary.
Try to improve your skills and experience to get a higher salary for the position of Lighting Director.
What is the growth rate of the Lighting Director's salary?
If you are thinking of becoming a Lighting Director or planning the next step in your career, find the detailed salary report of a Lighting Director.
Recent Salary Report
Below are the most recent Lighting Director salary reports. Employer name has been removed to protect anonymity.
$4,856
Monthly
A Lighting Director in Juneau, AK reported making $4,856 per month
Juneau, AK
1,000 - 3,000 employees
Full-Time
Company - Public
$72,786
Yearly
A Lighting Director in Kannapolis, NC reported making $72,786 per year
Kannapolis, NC
6 - 1,000 employees
Full-Time
Company - Private
$55,045
Yearly
A Lighting Director in New Orleans, LA reported making $55,045 per year
New Orleans, LA
200 - 6 employees
Full-Time
Company - Private
$35
Hourly
A Lighting Director in Anaheim, CA reported making $35 per hour
Anaheim, CA
7,6 - 15,000 employees
Part-Time
Company - Public
$32
Hourly
A Lighting Director in Memphis, TN reported making $32 per hour
Memphis, TN
3,000 - 7,6 employees
Part-Time
Company - Public
$62,133
Yearly
A Lighting Director in Watertown, SD reported making $62,133 per year
Watertown, SD
100 - 200 employees
Full-Time
Company - Private
