What You'll Do

  • 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.

Career Fit Overview

Use this summary to sense whether the day to day rhythm and focus of this path line up with what energizes you.

Top passions

  • Maker: Building and fixing energizes you. You like tangible results and practical tools.
  • Organizer: Bringing order to data and processes satisfies you.
  • Artist: Creating original work and expressing ideas feels natural.

Want a personal read on fit. Take the free assessment and see your exact compatibility with this career and many related roles.

Technologies & Tools

Autodesk AutoCAD FileMaker Pro Microsoft Access Microsoft Excel Microsoft Internet Explorer Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft Project Programmable logic controller PLC software Rockwell RSLogix SAP Maintenance

How to Become One

This career typically requires vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some specialized training or certification may also be required.

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Also Known As

This career is known by many different job titles across industries. Here are all the variations:

Dimmer Board Operator Electrical Lighting Technician (ELT) Entertainment Lighting Technician 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) Production Technician Rigging Electrical Lighting Technician (RELT) Set Lighting Technician (Set Lighting Tech) Sound and Lighting Technician (Sound and Lighting Tech) Spotlight Operator Stage Electrician Stage Lighting Technician Theater Technician Video Lighting Technician