How to become a lighting technician in the live music industry

Do you love the energy of live music, cutting-edge technology and the dramatic effect of lighting? If you answered yes to all three, then a career as a lighting technician in the live music industry could be your perfect fit. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about becoming a lighting technician, including the skills you’ll need, the responsibilities of the job, potential salary expectations and the education required to kickstart your career. 

Visit our Live Music Production course to learn more about how you can start your journey in this career today.

What does a lighting technician do?

Lighting technicians play an important role in live music events, concerts and festivals by creating the right atmosphere using dynamic light and effects. A lighting technician job description typically involves setting up, programming and controlling lighting equipment to complement the music and performances on stage. Working closely with artists, designers, production teams and stage managers, lighting technicians ensure that every lighting cue is perfectly timed, creating an immersive and unforgettable experience for the audience. From designing and constructing intricate lighting setups to running sophisticated equipment during live shows, this job requires the perfect blend of creativity and technical know-how.  

Typical job responsibilities of a lighting technician

From concept to execution, lighting technicians bring performances to life by combining technical expertise with creative vision. Here’s a closer look at the key tasks you’ll tackle in this exciting role:

Constructing  lighting setups

Lighting technicians  work alongside lighting designers, they construct lighting setups to the designer’s exact specifications and creative visions, which are designed to match the mood, tempo and energy of a live performance, amplifying the emotional impact of the music.

Setting up and programming lighting equipment

Using cutting-edge lighting technology, you’ll set up and program equipment to deliver dynamic visual effects. Generally speaking, lighting technicians will be some of the first people on site at a production. Whether you’re securing stage lights to truss structures during a festival stage build, or inspecting existing more permanent installations at venues, you’ll play a crucial role in ensuring the lighting setup meets safety standards and enhances the overall audience experience. After all the necessary equipment checks have been completed, lighting technicians will run and patch cables from the stage lights to the lighting consoles.

Operating lighting consoles during live events

Precision and timing are everything in live performances.  Modern lighting consoles are complex to operate, and require the lighting technician to have  finesse, focus and expert level control over the console. You’ll be responsible for automating and synchronising lighting cues perfectly with sound, stage movements, and special effects. 

ollaborating with crew members and artists

Live events are a team effort. Lighting technicians work closely with sound engineers, production teams, stage managers, and artists to ensure the lighting seamlessly complements every element of the show. As the sound and lights work in unison, you’ll keep in constant contact  with the sound engineers, ensuring  technical sound elements such as stage controlled MIDI triggers and automated backing track light cues operate seamlessly. 

Troubleshooting technical issues on the fly

Live music events don’t come with a pause button. If technical issues arise, you’ll need to act swiftly and efficiently to keep the show running smoothly. Troubleshooting is a vital skill, ensuring the lighting design executes flawlessly, no matter what happens behind the scenes.

Skills needed to become a lighting technician

To shine in the role of a lighting technician in the live music industry, a combination of technical expertise, creative flair and effective teamwork is essential. Some key skills for aspiring lighting technicians include:

Technical knowledge

Understanding how different lighting equipment works, from basic stage lights to advanced programmable systems, is important.

Adaptability & problem solving

You must be able to troubleshoot equipment failures during a show and fix any technical issues on the fly. The ability to thrive under pressure and adapt swiftly to changing situations, ensures flawless execution during live events.

Teamwork

Collaborating closely with other technicians, sound engineers, and performers is a huge part of the job.

Creativity

Lighting isn’t just about illuminating a space—it's about creating mood and enhancing the overall experience for the audience. 

Attention to detail

Lighting technicians must be meticulous in their work, ensuring every light, shadow, and effect complements the music and performance. As every light is individually programmed or manually controlled, you also must know  how to manage every component of the lighting rig to the full extent. 

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What qualifications do you need to be a lighting technician?

A career path as a lighting technician typically involves a combination of education and hands-on experience. While formal qualifications aren’t always a must, specialised training can significantly boost your chances of landing a lighting technician role in the live music industry.  Honing your skills and expanding your knowledge through a targeted course is so important, especially when it comes to unlocking new opportunities within the industry. At Industri Education, we offer practical, hands-on training that teaches you how to operate the lighting systems used in professional settings. Our courses focus on real-world skills, ensuring you’re job-ready when you graduate.

Lighting Technician Salary

So, how much does a live music lighting technician make? In Australia, the average salary for a lighting technician in the live music industry can vary depending on experience, location and the scale of events worked on. Entry-level lighting technicians can typically expect to earn around $50,000 per year, with the potential to increase their earnings as they gain ability and take on more significant productions. 

As experience grows, so do the opportunities for higher-paying roles and projects in the industry. More experienced technicians, especially those working on large-scale events or concerts, can earn an average annual salary between $76,000 and $85,000. Further career options after mastering the field of lighting technician include becoming a Lighting Supervisor, Lighting Artist or Lead Lighter. Careers in visual effects also open up, allowing you to  venture into the realms of video game, cinema and TV as a CG Supervisor or CG Asset Lead.

How Industri Education can help you become a lighting technician

A career as a lighting technician offers many exciting opportunities in the live music industry. Whether you’re working on a small local gig or a massive concert tour, the demand for skilled technicians is growing. You may even have the chance to travel the world as part of a touring crew or work for high-profile artists. Plus, the skills you gain as a lighting technician can open doors to other roles in the production industry, such as sound technician or stage manager. The possibilities for career growth are endless, especially if you keep developing your skills and experience. This progression sees many lighting designers start out as technicians, honing their skills and expertise before stepping into more advanced roles.

At Industri Education, we are passionate about helping you build the skills you need to thrive in the live music industry. Our Live Music Production course is designed with a hands-on approach, giving you real-world experience with the lighting equipment and techniques used in live shows. You’ll be mentored by industry professionals who are eager to share their expertise and guide you towards a successful career in lighting and sound. Through this program, you will delve deep into essential subjects, engage in hands-on sessions with state-of-the-art lighting equipment and get connected with our network of professionals working as lighting technicians for career opportunities and emerge equipped with a blend of practical proficiency and theoretical insights crucial for thriving in the ever-evolving landscape of live music production. 

Whether you’re just leaving school, returning to study to rediscover your passion for live music or currently transitioning to a different career, our flexible programs can help you take the first step in your journey to becoming a lighting technician.

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Ready to start your lighting technician career?

Ready to shine in the world of live music? If you’re dreaming of working at festivals, concerts, or behind the scenes of major events, becoming a lighting technician can be your gateway to an exciting and rewarding career.

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Visit our Live Music Production course to learn more about how you can start your journey with Industri Education today.