Color Grading Intern information
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$10.29 - $11.69
3% of jobs
$11.69 - $13.09
3% of jobs
$13.09 - $14.49
9% of jobs
$14.94 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$14.49 - $15.89
21% of jobs
The median wage is $16.47 / hr.
$15.89 - $17.29
26% of jobs
$18.39 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$17.29 - $18.68
13% of jobs
$18.68 - $20.08
12% of jobs
$20.08 - $21.48
4% of jobs
$21.48 - $22.88
3% of jobs
$22.88 - $24.28
3% of jobs
How much do color grading intern jobs pay per hour?
As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for color grading intern in the United States is $17.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
A Color Grading Intern assists professional colorists in post-production by helping to adjust and enhance the colors of video footage. Their tasks often include preparing footage, organizing project files, and learning how to use color grading software such as DaVinci Resolve or Adobe Premiere Pro. Interns may also observe color grading sessions, create basic color corrections, and support the workflow to ensure visual consistency across scenes. This position provides hands-on experience and exposure to the creative and technical aspects of color correction in film and video projects.
To thrive as a Color Grading Intern, you need a foundational understanding of color theory, digital video formats, and basic video editing, often supported by coursework or related experience. Familiarity with industry-standard tools like DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro, and color calibration systems is highly valued. Attention to detail, creativity, and strong communication skills help interns effectively interpret creative briefs and collaborate with senior colorists. These qualities are essential for ensuring visual consistency, meeting artistic standards, and contributing to the post-production workflow.
As a Color Grading Intern, you may encounter challenges such as balancing creative vision with client expectations, working with footage shot in less-than-ideal lighting conditions, and managing tight deadlines. You'll often need to quickly learn new color grading software and adapt to different workflows depending on the project. Collaboration is also key, as you'll be working closely with editors, directors, and cinematographers to achieve the desired look while maintaining consistency across scenes.
What are the most commonly searched types of Color Grading jobs?
The most popular types of Color Grading jobs are:
