Lighting Engineer / Designer: Role Overview, Responsibilities & 2025 Salary Data
Lighting Engineers and Designers create lighting systems that balance function, aesthetics, energy performance, and occupant wellbeing. They work on architectural, theatrical, and outdoor lighting projects, combining technical calculation with design sensibility.
What Does a Lighting Engineer / Designer Do?
Lighting Engineers and Designers create lighting systems that balance function, aesthetics, energy performance, and occupant wellbeing. They work on architectural, theatrical, and outdoor lighting projects, combining technical calculation with design sensibility.
What Does a Lighting Engineer / Designer Responsible For?
- Design interior and exterior lighting systems for buildings
- Perform photometric calculations and daylighting analysis
- Specify luminaires, controls, and lighting control systems
- Develop lighting construction documents and cut sheets
- Coordinate with architects and electrical engineers
- Review submittals and respond to field questions
- Support LEED and energy code compliance for lighting
- Conduct post-occupancy lighting evaluations
Lighting Engineer / Designer Qualifications & Requirements
Technical Skills
- •3-8 years of architectural lighting design experience
- •Proficiency in AGI32, DIALux, or Revit for lighting
- •Knowledge of IESNA standards, Title 24, ASHRAE 90.1
- •Daylighting simulation tools (DIVA, ClimateStudio)
- •Lighting controls and DALI/BACnet experience a plus
Professional Competencies
- •Creative with strong visual design sensibility
- •Technical precision balanced with aesthetics
- •Strong client communication and presentation skills
- •Collaborative with interior designers and architects
- •Detail-oriented in specifications and documentation
Education & Certifications
Education:
Bachelor's degree in Architectural Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Interior Design
Certifications:
LC (Lighting Certified) by NCQLP preferred; LEED AP a plus
Preferred Qualifications
- +Experience with museum, hospitality, or mixed-use lighting
- +Human-centric lighting and circadian design knowledge
- +Experience with theatrical or sports lighting a plus
Lighting Engineer / Designer Market Outlook
Path to Principal Lighting Designer
Lighting Engineers advance to Senior Designer, Studio Lead, and Principal Lighting Designer roles.
Typical Career Progression:
Lighting Engineer / Designer Salary Ranges (2025)
$68,000 - $105,000
Entry Level: $55,000 - $70,000
Mid Level: $70,000 - $95,000
Senior Level: $95,000 - $130,000
Salaries vary by experience, location, company size, and specialization.
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