Arts & Media · SOC 27-4015
Lighting is physically hands-on — rigging, wiring, and on-site operation can't be automated, though planning tools are improving.
Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
Timeline: Smart lighting control software will simplify programming, but physical installation and live operation require skilled trades on-site — exposure stays low for the next decade.
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$36,120 median pay
Arts & Media
Arts & Media
$38,480 median pay
$38,820 median pay
Arts & Media
AI job-risk card
Lighting Technicians is resilient on AIFear. Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
AIFear.com
Our AI Fear Score for Lighting Technicians is 22/100 (Resilient). Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
22 out of 100, based on an AI-model review of this occupation's O*NET tasks against what current AI can actually do.
Most exposed: Consulting design plans to match fixture settings, Assessing location electrical layouts via remote tools, Documenting equipment inventories and setups. Harder to automate: Installing and rigging physical lighting fixtures, Running electrical cables and wiring on-site, Operating live lighting boards during events, Dismantling and safely storing equipment post-show.
Lean into Electrical rigging and safety, DMX and lighting control systems, Live event production, Lighting design software, Set and stage construction. Consider roles such as Lighting director or Stage electrician or Film gaffer.
Tasks, skills and AI-exposure for this role were reviewed by an AI model against its O*NET task profile (curated roles use published research anchors). Pay and employment, where shown, are U.S. BLS OEWS (May 2024) figures. This is an estimate, not a prediction about any individual's job. Compare all occupations.