Career Overview
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.
Alternate Job Titles
- 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)
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
- Adaptability
- Stress Tolerance
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Project
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $36,340 |
| Median | $60,560 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $117,690 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 10,130
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
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Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assemblers
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.