Lighting technicians
SOC Code: 27-4015
Lighting technicians carries a 20% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $60,560 and -4.6% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 12,100 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 20% AI exposure, Lighting technicians sits 17 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 6% of them. It ranks among the more AI-resilient roles in the dataset.
Where Lighting technicians sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Lighting technicians has ai exposure of 20%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Lighting technicians vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Lighting technicians is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Lighting technicians (SOC 27-4015) carries an AI exposure score of 20%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 12,100 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -4.6% change through 2034 - a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $60,560, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Postsecondary nondegree award, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Lighting technicians. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Assess safety of wiring or equipment set-up to determine the risk of fire or electrical shock.
- 2. Consult with lighting director or production staff to determine lighting requirements.
- 3. Disassemble and store equipment after performances.
- 4. Install color effects or image patterns, such as color filters, onto lighting fixtures.
- 5. Install electrical cables or wire fixtures.
- 6. Load, unload, or position lighting equipment.
- 7. Match light fixture settings, such as brightness and color, to lighting design plans.
- 8. Notify supervisors when major lighting equipment repairs are needed.
- 9. Operate manual or automated systems to control lighting throughout productions.
- 10. Patch or wire lights to dimmers or other electronic consoles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Lighting technicians?
Lighting technicians has an AI exposure score of 20%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Lighting technicians?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Lighting technicians is projected to decline by 4.6% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 12,100 workers.
What skills are needed for Lighting technicians?
Lighting technicians requires a combination of technical knowledge and interpersonal skills. Typical education requirement: Postsecondary nondegree award.
How much do Lighting technicians earn?
The median annual wage for Lighting technicians is $60,560, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Lighting technicians?
The typical entry-level education for Lighting technicians is Postsecondary nondegree award. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Short-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Lighting technicians?
Lighting technicians roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).