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The differences between lighting designers and programmers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a lighting designer, becoming a programmer takes usually requires 6-8 years. Additionally, a programmer has an average salary of $73,007, which is higher than the $53,542 average annual salary of a lighting designer.
The top three skills for a lighting designer include revit, photoshop and light fixtures. The most important skills for a programmer are java, javascript, and CSS.
| Lighting Designer | Programmer | |
| Yearly salary | $53,542 | $73,007 |
| Hourly rate | $25.74 | $35.10 |
| Growth rate | 3% | -7% |
| Number of jobs | 46,203 | 234,565 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Average age | 40 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 8 |
Lighting Designers are responsible for developing and implementing electrical and lighting systems. They are responsible for conducting site assessment and analysis, liaise with clients and engineers to determine technical specifications, design lighting plans, create budget reports for a project initiated, track progress targets, install electrical and lighting systems and ensures installation adheres to local energy regulation as well as building codes. Lighting designers work in commercial, industrial, or residential spaces and must demonstrate computer software proficiency such as AutoCAD and Adobe Creative Suites.
Computer programmers provide assistance and services concerning computer applications and software programs. A computer programmer must be highly-knowledgeable on programming languages and operating systems to create projects and fix any malfunctions under minimal supervision. Computer programmers must have excellent communication and critical-thinking skills to analyze data and request assistance from a senior programmer as needed. They must also be keen on details to oversee possible faulty codes, troubleshooting problems, and upgrading systems to ensure that the program will perform smoothly and efficiently.
Lighting designers and programmers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Lighting Designer | Programmer | |
| Average salary | $53,542 | $73,007 |
| Salary range | Between $34,000 And $83,000 | Between $54,000 And $98,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Bothell, WA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Washington |
| Best paying company | Rivian | Mayo Clinic |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Finance |
There are a few differences between a lighting designer and a programmer in terms of educational background:
| Lighting Designer | Programmer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Most common major | Theatre | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between lighting designers' and programmers' demographics:
| Lighting Designer | Programmer | |
| Average age | 40 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 65.0% Female, 35.0% | Male, 74.4% Female, 25.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 1.1% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.3% Asian, 10.1% White, 76.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.5% Asian, 17.8% White, 64.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 11% |