I remember a time over 12 years ago when I was talking with a young student in an automated lighting programming class I was teaching. He said that he really wanted to work in this field, but that his parents thought there is no future in it. They would rather have him become a doctor or lawyer than a "lighting guy." I explained that making a career out of automated lighting programming is truly possible, and that I knew many that were very successful. In addition, he would be doing something he loved as opposed to something his parents thought would earn him lots of money. Automated lighting programming has certainly opened up as a respectable career choice over the past 20 years, and there are many opportunities for all who desire to work in this field. Here are some categories of the most common types of automated lighting programming positions.
The Freelancer
The most common position for a career programmer is to work as a freelancer, going from gig to gig. These people are busy promoting themselves, perfecting their skills and honing relationships. Those who are early in their career will typically also work in other crew positions on shows, as they will not always get hired as a programmer. Accomplished freelance programmers will be busy working on multiple shows and may even start to take on some designer gigs as well. Freelancers can expect to earn from $20,000 to well over $100,000 a year.
The House Gig
Many automated lighting programmers will find the freelance lifestyle a bit too uncertain. For them, a house gig might be perfect. Whether working at a theatrical venue, church, club, cruise ship, amusement park or other entertainment venue, a person in this position will be working with the same rig day in and day out. They will also interface with visiting designers and programmers. They might even have a say in equipment specifications and budgeting. Using the same rig all the time allows them to be very competent with the house console and fixtures, yet also ready to augment as needed. Usually the house staff will rotate through various positions and are often general "lighting experts" for the venue. When their schedule allows, they may also freelance for productions in other venues. House gig salaries can vary widely, but often range from $20,000 to $80,000 plus benefits (vacation pay, insurance, etc).
Lighting Company Staff
Some programmers will find that working with a single lighting shop will allow them to take on many different jobs, yet have the security of a steady paycheck. When working on staff with a lighting production company, the programmer can expect to do various other positions from time to time depending upon their experience. The lighting company programmer will get to take on various shows, from ballrooms to corporate events to tours. Furthermore, the programmer may often get to design the lighting as well as program the show. Because they are getting most of the gear from the same shop, they should be very familiar with the console and fixtures that are available to them. Often they may be asked to make recommendations for new purchases as well. Like a house gig, lighting company staff programmers can expect to receive between $20,000 to $75,000 plus benefits.
A Member of the Firm
Several different types of firms often employ automated lighting programmers for various productions or on a full-time basis. Lighting design firms often assemble teams of programmers, lighting directors, gaffers and others who they use for every production for which they are hired. Some productions will directly hire a designer and/or programmer on staff, ensuring they are available for all productions over the course of a pre-arranged period of time (usually a year or more). When working with a firm, an automated lighting programmer will be very busy going from gig to gig, working with multiple productions. Because they are usually working with the same production team and shows year after year, sometimes the shows can feel almost routine. Most firm-based programmers are earning $50,000 or more a year plus benefits.
Lighting Manufacturers
Although our industry might feel huge sometimes, it really is a small place. We have only a handful of lighting manufacturers that produce fixtures and consoles. These companies all need skilled programmers to teach people how to use the consoles, to assist with productions and to consult on new products. Because of the limited number of manufacturers, these programmers must be extremely knowledgeable on all products and be very skilled with experience on various types of productions. They will be hired based on their knowledge, experience and skill set. Usually these positions do not become available as most that have these jobs do not wish to change very often. However working for a manufacturer can also be limiting, as experience with the competition's consoles and fixtures will be reduced. Lighting manufacturers will pay staff programmers $50,000 and up depending upon what position they take within the company (engineering, support, management).
Union Jobs
Another avenue that many programmers take is to work as a member of the IATSE (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees) union. A card-carrying member can work in different positions on a production or specialize in automated lighting programming. Some lighting company staff members or house gig positions may require union membership. The alliance will represent the employee, specify contract details, assist with hiring, provide insurance and other benefits, and more. Union wages vary depending upon location and position, but a lighting programmer will earn between $40,000 and $85,000 a year.
It Is a Big World Out There
Automated lighting programmers work all types of productions in various types of environments. Whether programming on a cruise ship, corporate event, concert tour, amusement park, motion picture, church or nightclub, people have very successful careers as automated lighting programmers. There are many more classifications of programmers that I could list, but generally the positions fit into the various categories I have listed. Most people will work in multiple categories throughout their career and not just settle into one type of classification. I know that I have worked in all of the listed positions throughout my career, and I must say that I have enjoyed each one for unique reasons. I am thrilled to work in an industry with such a broad range of opportunities.
Do What You Love
My parents instilled in me at a young age that the best kind of job I could get would be one that I loved. If I saw the paycheck as a bonus, then I would be doing very well. Often when I am programming a console and playing with lights, I forget that I am getting paid to do my work. I am having so much fun that it would not really matter if I was paid or not. Just don't tell my employers this, as I do need to get paid to live, of course. However, I do always see the paychecks as bonuses when I am programming. Now I pass this message on to my son in the hopes that he will find a job he loves doing too. Thanks, Mom and Dad!
