Lighting master

What does a Lighting Master do? – Tasks and Work Environment

Lighting Masters are responsible for planning, rigging, and controlling lighting during stage productions, concerts, TV recordings, and other events where lighting design is crucial to the experience. Their tasks include both technical and artistic work, from developing lighting concepts with directors or producers to installing, programming, and operating lighting equipment during performances. The environment is often dynamic, involving work on various stages, arenas, or studio settings, with both daytime and evening shifts. Safety and precision are central to the profession, as work often occurs at heights and under time pressure.

Salary Development Over Time

The salary for Lighting Masters has steadily increased over recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 35,100 SEK per month, rising to 35 500 SEK in 2023. In 2024, a more significant increase was noted to 38 600 SEK, representing approximately a 10% salary increase over the period. This development is linked to increased demand for lighting expertise, especially as the entertainment and events industry recovers from pandemic-related downturns. Technological innovations and the need for specialized knowledge have also contributed to higher salary levels within the profession. Despite this, some gender pay gaps and regional variations may exist, depending on access to larger production venues and event arenas.

Lighting Master Salary – Complete Overview

• Average Salary: 38 600 SEK/month
• Lowest Salary: 33,600 SEK/month
• Highest Salary: 43,700 SEK/month
• Hourly Wage (average): 232 SEK/hour
• Women: 37 300 SEK/month (96% of men's salary)
• Men: 38 800 SEK/month
• Regional Differences: Salary variations occur mainly depending on access to large stages and production companies in major cities.

Education and Qualifications

To work as a Lighting Master, a high school education with a focus on theater technology, lighting, and sound engineering or equivalent is usually required, followed by further education at vocational college or similar. Practical experience is highly valued, often gained through internships or trainee periods during training. Specialized courses in lighting design and safety training are also highly beneficial.

• High School: Artistic program with focus on theater technology or similar (3 years)
• Post-secondary education: Vocational college in lighting and sound technology (2 years)
• Certifications: Safety training for working at heights and electrical work
• Internships: Strongly recommended, often as trainees at theaters or event companies
• Courses & Self-Study: Opportunities for further education in lighting design and digital control

Common Benefits and Compensation

Typical benefits for Lighting Masters include overtime pay for evening and weekend work, opportunities for overtime compensation, and wellness allowances. In some cases, further training and specialized courses in technology and safety are offered. Employment within larger institutions may also include occupational pension schemes and insurance coverage.

Competition and Challenges

The profession of Lighting Master involves both competition and specialization, especially in larger cities with more stages and production companies. A challenge is staying updated with rapid technological developments in lighting equipment and digital control systems. The work can be physically demanding and involve irregular hours, requiring endurance and flexibility. Safety issues, particularly when working at heights and with electricity, are also key challenges. Additionally, access to permanent positions may be limited, leading many to work project-based or as freelancers.

Tips for Aspiring Lighting Masters

To succeed as a Lighting Master, it is beneficial to combine technical interest with creative ability and a high degree of precision. Flexibility and teamwork are essential, as work often takes place in teams and under time pressure. Problem-solving skills are important, as technical challenges can arise unexpectedly on site. A strong focus on safety helps create secure working environments and reduces accident risks. Continuing education in new technologies and systems provides a competitive edge, especially in an industry where innovation is constant. Good communication skills facilitate collaboration with directors and other technicians, and an eye for detail enables creating atmospheric lighting that enhances the entire production.

Key Facts about Lighting Masters

• Education Level: High school and vocational college level
• Work Environment: Stages, arenas, studios, and events
• Typical Employment: Project-based or permanent employment
• Demand: 620 job openings in the profession
• Special Skills: Lighting design, digital control, safety work

Career Paths and Future Outlook

After 3–5 years in the profession, a Lighting Master can advance to leadership roles such as lighting manager or technical coordinator within larger productions. Opportunities also exist to specialize in digital lighting control, programming, or lighting design for film and TV. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that there is no precise assessment for the profession, but within the lighting, sound, and stage technology group, there are currently many job openings, suggesting good future prospects for those with the right skills and experience. Flexibility and the ability to adapt to new technologies are important for remaining competitive in the job market.

Frequently Asked Questions about Lighting Masters

• What does a Lighting Master earn?
  - The average salary for a Lighting Master is 38 600 SEK per month.
• What education is required to become a Lighting Master?
  - Typically, high school education with a focus on technical studies and subsequent vocational college in lighting and sound technology.
• Is there a salary difference between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 37 300 SEK while men earn 38 800 SEK, which corresponds to 96% of men's salaries.
• What is the job market like for Lighting Masters?
  - Currently, there are 620 job openings in the profession, indicating a strong demand.
• What work environments are common for Lighting Masters?
  - The common work environments include theaters, concert venues, TV studios, and event arenas.
• What is the highest salary for a Lighting Master?
  - The highest salary is 43,700 SEK, applicable to a male private sector employee with post-secondary education.
• What is the hourly wage for a Lighting Master?
  - The average hourly wage is 232 SEK.