## How Much Do Lighting Designer Entrepreneurs Make?
Lighting designer entrepreneurs are responsible for designing, installing, and maintaining lighting systems for a variety of clients, including businesses, homeowners, and event planners. They may work independently or as part of a larger team, and their income can vary depending on their experience, location, and the scope of their projects.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for lighting designers was $63,250 in May 2021. However, this figure can be significantly higher for lighting designer entrepreneurs who own their own businesses.
**Factors that affect income**
The income of lighting designer entrepreneurs is influenced by a number of factors, including:
* **Experience:** Lighting designer entrepreneurs with more experience typically earn higher salaries than those with less experience.
* **Location:** Lighting designer entrepreneurs who work in large cities tend to earn more than those who work in small towns or rural areas.
* **Scope of projects:** Lighting designer entrepreneurs who work on large-scale projects, such as commercial buildings or outdoor spaces, typically earn more than those who work on small-scale projects, such as residential homes or small businesses.
* **Business ownership:** Lighting designer entrepreneurs who own their own businesses typically earn more than those who work for someone else.
**How to increase income**
There are a number of things that lighting designer entrepreneurs can do to increase their income, including:
* **Specializing in a particular niche:** Lighting designer entrepreneurs who specialize in a particular niche, such as commercial lighting or outdoor lighting, can typically earn more than those who work in a general area.
* **Getting certified:** Lighting designer entrepreneurs who get certified by a professional organization, such as the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD), can typically earn more than those who are not certified.
* **Marketing and networking:** Lighting designer entrepreneurs who effectively market and network their businesses can typically earn more than those who do not.
**Conclusion**
The income of lighting designer entrepreneurs can vary significantly depending on a number of factors. However, with the right experience, skills, and business acumen, it is possible to earn a good living as a lighting designer entrepreneur.
## Additional resources
* [U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Lighting Designers](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/lighting-designers.htm)
* [International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD)](https://www.iald.org/)