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Animation Colorist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Many projects may not have the budget or time for a colorist. * Stay up-to-date with the latest video editing techniques, trends in advertising, and advancements in motion graphics and animation.

Video Editor

New York, NY

$110K - $120K/yr

Many projects may not have the budget or time for a colorist. * Stay up-to-date with the latest video editing techniques, trends in advertising, and advancements in motion graphics and animation.

Many projects may not have the budget or time for a colorist. * Stay up-to-date with the latest video editing techniques, trends in advertising, and advancements in motion graphics and animation.

Video Editor

Washington, DC · On-site

$110K - $120K/yr

Many projects may not have the budget or time for a colorist. * Stay up-to-date with the latest video editing techniques, trends in advertising, and advancements in motion graphics and animation.

Animation Colorist information

See salary details

$11

$23

$38

How much do animation colorist jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for animation colorist in the United States is $23.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $31.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an Animation Colorist do?

An Animation Colorist is responsible for applying color to characters, backgrounds, and objects in an animated project. They follow color scripts, lighting guidelines, and artistic direction to ensure consistency and enhance storytelling. Using digital tools, they refine shading, gradients, and textures to create depth and mood. Their work helps bring the visual style of an animation to life, ensuring it aligns with the overall creative vision.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Animation Colorist position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animation Colorist, you need a strong understanding of color theory, visual storytelling, and digital painting techniques, often supported by a background in art, design, or animation. Expertise in industry-standard software such as Adobe Photoshop, Toon Boom Harmony, or TVPaint is commonly required. Attention to detail, the ability to work collaboratively, and strong time management are valuable soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure that visual projects meet creative standards, adhere to production timelines, and effectively communicate the intended mood and style.

What are some typical challenges an Animation Colorist faces in their daily work?

Animation Colorists often work under tight deadlines and must manage multiple scenes or shots simultaneously while maintaining color consistency throughout a project. They frequently coordinate with directors, background artists, and animators to ensure that the chosen color palettes support both the narrative and the visual style of the production. Balancing creative input with technical constraints, such as file formats or color profiles for different platforms, is also a common part of the job. Those who enjoy problem-solving and collaboration usually find this role highly rewarding.
What are the most commonly searched types of Animation Colorist jobs? The most popular types of Animation Colorist jobs are:
What states have the most Animation Colorist jobs? States with the most job openings for Animation Colorist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Animation Colorist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Animation Colorist jobs are:
Infographic showing various Animation Colorist job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,641 per year, or $23.4 per hour.
Video Editor

$110K - $120K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 hours ago


Job description

Overview

SKDK is a leading public affairs and political advertising agency with a proven track record of excellence. We provide strategic communication solutions to Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, philanthropic organizations, labor unions, political committees, and candidates. Whether we're crafting campaign launch videos, shaping corporate social responsibility messaging, or guiding nonprofits through crises, SKDK is always at the forefront, blending expertise in press, politics, and policy. 

At SKDK, our strength lies in our diversity. We embrace and celebrate the uniqueness of each team member, fostering an inclusive workplace. Whether through participation in our Employee Resource Groups, contributions to our DEI Council, volunteering opportunities, or bringing fresh perspectives to client work, your individuality and experience matter here. 

Job Description:We're looking for aTV commercial editor. In this role, you'll make TV commercials for many of our top clients, including some of the biggest Democratic campaigns and advocacy organizations across the country. This position is for the 2026 cycle. 

The ideal person for this role will be able to deliver high-quality work in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities include: 

  • Edit content across multiple ad lengths, including 15-, 30-, and 60-second TV spots, as well as long-form videos.
  • Work with a range of motion graphic treatments; must be comfortable with light motion graphics work.
  • Produce content across a variety of tones, including ads supporting and opposing candidates and causes.
  • Execute diverse creative treatments, including combining typography, motion graphics, sound effects, and LUTs to create cohesive visual styles.
  • Integrate assets from a wide range of sources, including news footage, internal and external video, and still images (stock or sourced online), with or without heavy graphic treatment.
Responsibilities
  • Collaborate with the Creative Director, production team, and senior strategy team to blend strategic and visual goals. 
  • Create 15-second, 30-second, 60-second, and long-form videos in a timely fashion (some projects will need to be started and finished in 24 hours). 
  • Concept, create, and edit ads that meet all of our client's needs (various needs mentioned above). 
  • Create and/or contribute sound design to your work, or the work of other editors. 
  • Does not need to identify as a colorist, but has the ability to work with the Creative Director on spots color. Many projects may not have the budget or time for a colorist. 
  • Stay up-to-date with the latest video editing techniques, trends in advertising, and advancements in motion graphics and animation. 
  • Provide expertise and input during creative meetings, contributing to the development of campaign strategies and creative concepts. 
  • Ensure all video content aligns with brand guidelines and campaign objectives.
Qualifications
  • Strong portfolio showcasing expertise in video editing, including experience with motion graphics. 
  • Experience in the political campaigns and advocacy space is preferred but not required. 
  • Expertise in video editing software (Adobe Premiere Pro) and familiarity with motion graphics tools (Adobe After Effects). 
  • Excellent storytelling abilities, with a keen eye for detail and visual aesthetics. 
  • Strong attention to detail with a commitment to thorough quality assurance processes, especially under tight deadlines. 
  • Excellent teamwork skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues. 
  • Adaptability to a fast-paced environment, skilled in juggling multiple tasks with tight deadlines.
BenefitsSKDK is committed to pay equity. SKDK believes the target base compensation in this role is between $110,000-$120,000 per year. In addition to base salary, SKDK considers other key components as part of total compensation, including but not limited to commission on new business and a comprehensive benefits package. Actual base compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors, such as skillset, level of experience, and location.  SKDK provides a generous benefits package including excellent coverage for health, vision, and dental insurance premiums; paid parental leave; time off including vacation, holidays, and sick time; 401(k) with an employer contribution, reimbursement for cellular service, public transportation benefits, and additional benefits. SKDK believes in the growth and development of all our employees and therefore we offer:
  • Professional development and career guidance
  • Opportunities for advancement
  • Participation in Employee Resource Groups 
  • A collegial and supportive office environment
Equal Opportunities

SKDK is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse workforce. It is our policy to recruit, hire, train, and promote without regard to race, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any protected category.

Employment Type: OTHER