Lighting Technicians in Illinois
Considering working as a Lighting Technicians in Illinois? Here’s what you need to know. 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 Illinois?
For a lighting technicians working in Illinois, wages run about $47,320 per year (or roughly $22.75/hour).Pay can range from $41,190 at the 10th percentile to $156,010 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $41,190 | $19.80 |
| 25th percentile | $47,320 | $22.75 |
| Median (50th) | $47,320 | $22.75 |
| 75th percentile | $60,000 | $28.85 |
| 90th percentile | $156,010 | $75.01 |
The job concentration index in Illinois relative to the national average — is 0.57, meaning 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 Illinois median.
Employment Outlook
Nationally, total employment in this occupation is 88,113 lighting technicians in the U.S.. In Illinois alone, around 230 people work in this role. That’s more than the typical state, which employs around 120 lighting technicians.
Top Illinois Metros for Lighting Technicians
These are the Illinois metros with the most lighting technicians in Illinois.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | 170 | $47,320 |
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
These states pay the most 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
Day-to-day, 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
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Programs that train for this career include:
- Audiovisual Communications
Featured schools near , edit
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
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