How to become a Lighting Technician
Positions and controls lighting equipment for film, television, live performance or video productions.
Main tasks
- Sets up and positions lighting equipment for film, television, live performance or video productions
- Operates lighting consoles and controls lighting effects during productions
- Adjusts lighting levels and angles to achieve desired visual effects
- Collaborates with directors, producers and other crew members to determine lighting requirements
- Installs, maintains and troubleshoots lighting fixtures and equipment
- Creates lighting plots and designs for productions
- Coordinates with other technicians to ensure smooth operation of lighting equipment
Ways in
- Apprenticeship: Certificate IV in Live Production and Technical Services. Trade occupations are usually entered through an apprenticeship: paid work plus this qualification, typically 3 to 4 years.
- TAFE and VET: Certificate IV in Live Production and Technical Services (CUA40420); Certificate IV in Screen and Media (CUA41220); Advanced Diploma of Live Production and Management Services (CUA60220); Certificate IV in Video and Audio Systems (UEE41520); Diploma of Live Production and Technical Services (CUA50420); Diploma of Screen and Media (CUA51020); Certificate III in Live Production and Technical Services (CUA30420); Certificate III in Screen and Media (CUA31020)
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $95,888 a year
- About 16,300 people work in this job group now, and about 17,600 are projected by 2035. (+8.3%)
- AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Lighting Technician?
Ways in include: Certificate IV in Live Production and Technical Services; Certificate IV in Screen and Media; Certificate IV in Live Production and Technical Services.
How much does a Lighting Technician earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $95,888 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is a Lighting Technician a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 8% by 2035, from about 16,300 to about 17,600 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Lighting Technician?
Not always. 28% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate IV in Live Production and Technical Services; Certificate IV in Screen and Media; Certificate IV in Live Production and Technical Services.
Will AI change the work of a Lighting Technician?
AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04