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Color Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Columbia Sportswear Company

Color Specialist

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$67K - $99K/yr

HOW YOU'LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE With a deep understanding of prAna's brand, the Color Specialist supports our design team in the development of seasonal color. Primary responsibilities include color ...

Columbiasportswearcompany

Color Specialist

Carlsbad, CA · Hybrid

$67K - $99K/yr

HOW YOU'LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE With a deep understanding ofprAna'sbrand, the Color Specialist supports our design team in the development of seasonal color. Primary responsibilities include color ...

Columbia Sportswear

Color Specialist

Carlsbad, CA · Hybrid

$67K - $99K/yr

HOW YOU'LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE With a deep understanding ofprAna'sbrand, the Color Specialist supports our design team in the development of seasonal color. Primary responsibilities include color ...

blowology dry bar

Color Specialist

Castro Valley, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Discount on Products and Services Job Summary We are seeking a talented Color Specialist to join our team, providing customers with flawless haircuts and hairstyles and helping them to look their ...

ARC Document Solutions

Color Specialist

Metairie, LA · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Operate and maintain color printing equipment. * Cut color graphics * Design files and mockups * Pre Flight files * Perform mounting and finishing for display-ready prints. * Package and ship ...

SmartStyle

HAIR STYLIST / COLOR SPECIALIST

Sanford, FL · On-site

COLOR SPECIALIST / HAIR STYLIST Are you looking for a place where you can change people's lives? You've come to the right place. It's all about the customer's experience, whether you're giving a ...

Revive Home Brands

Be Seen First

Color Matching Specialist

Grabill, IN · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

We are looking for a Color Matching Specialist to join our team and help develop and document consistent, repeatable finishing processes based on customer-submitted samples. In this role, you'll play ...

FastSigns

Precision Print & Color Specialist

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Join our team as a Precision Print & Color Specialist! We aren't just looking for someone to press "print"; we're looking for a production powerhouse and a true color enthusiast who takes pride in ...

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Color Specialist information

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$11

$23

$38

How much do color specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for color specialist 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 is the difference between Color Specialist vs Makeup Artist?

AspectColor SpecialistMakeup Artist
CredentialsColor theory knowledge, certifications in color analysis or stylingMakeup artistry certifications, cosmetology license
Work EnvironmentRetail stores, fashion, branding agenciesSalons, film sets, photoshoots
Industry UsageFashion, branding, personal stylingBeauty, entertainment, fashion

While both roles involve an understanding of color, a Color Specialist focuses on color analysis, styling, and branding, often working in retail or fashion industries. A Makeup Artist specializes in applying cosmetics for clients, photoshoots, or performances. The two roles share knowledge of color theory but serve different purposes and environments.

What is a Color Specialist?

A Color Specialist is a professional who has expert knowledge in the use, selection, and application of colors within various industries such as design, fashion, printing, and manufacturing. They advise clients or teams on color palettes, color trends, and color matching to achieve the desired aesthetic or functional outcome. Color Specialists often work with designers, architects, and manufacturers to ensure color consistency and harmony in products or spaces. Their expertise helps brands and projects stand out and ensures that colors are both visually appealing and technically accurate.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Color Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Color Specialist, you need a strong understanding of color theory, color matching, and material science, often supported by a background in design, fine arts, or chemistry. Proficiency with color matching software, spectrophotometers, and industry-standard design tools like Adobe Creative Suite is typically required. Excellent attention to detail, creativity, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with clients and team members to achieve precise color outcomes. These skills are crucial for ensuring color consistency and quality, which directly impact product appearance and customer satisfaction.

What does a color specialist do?

A color specialist is responsible for selecting, matching, and coordinating colors for products, designs, or environments. They often work with clients, designers, and manufacturers to ensure color accuracy and consistency, using tools like color charts and software. The role requires a good eye for color, attention to detail, and knowledge of color theory and industry standards.

How does a Color Specialist typically collaborate with design and production teams throughout a project?

A Color Specialist works closely with both design and production teams to ensure color consistency and accuracy from concept to final product. They provide guidance on color selection, develop color palettes, and communicate technical requirements to vendors or manufacturers. Regular meetings and color reviews are common, allowing the Color Specialist to address challenges like color matching and material limitations, and to align on brand or client standards. This collaborative approach helps achieve the desired aesthetic and maintains quality across all materials and finishes.

What Is a Color Specialist?

A color specialist provides consultations to clients for their interior design or home decor projects. Also known as a color consultant, your responsibilities in this job can range from recommending color palettes and design trends for specific rooms to overseeing the entire project as the lead designer. As a color specialist, you likely need some post-secondary education in interior design, as you will need to understand advanced concepts like color psychology to give your clients a home they will love for years to come.

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Color Specialist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Color Specialist job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 8% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,641 per year, or $23.4 per hour.
Color Specialist

Color Specialist

Columbia Sportswear Company

Carlsbad, CA • On-site

$67K - $99K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 10 hours ago

Columbia Sportswear rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 90 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 102 rated fashion retailers

Job description

*This is a hybrid role based out of our HQ in Carlsbad, CA. In-office expectation is 4 days a week*.
HOW YOU'LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE
With a deep understanding of prAna's brand, the Color Specialist supports our design team in the development of seasonal color. Primary responsibilities include color palette development and management of the lab dip process, ensuring accuracy and consistency across divisions and materials. S/he assists the design and merchandising team in preparation of color details for presentations. The position fields and responds to inquiries from cross-functional teams and our vendor base on any color-related issues and assists with all other color related projects and functions as requested.
HOW YOU'LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE
  • Participate in research phase of color direction and trends.
  • Schedule and coordinate meetings with color forecasting and trend service providers.
  • Coordinate development, preparation and issuing of seasonal color cards, both digital and physical, upload digital seasonal palettes for design team.
  • Coordinate seasonal selection of colors to be lab dipped for all fabrications via meetings with Design Director, Merchants, and Designers with management approval.
  • Evaluate, comment, and approve all seasonal lab dip submissions to ensure consistency and accuracy across multiple fabric substrates.
  • Communicate all color comments via email to mills and vendors on a timely basis.
  • Manage and track lab dip submits for all categories, maintain lab dip log, seasonal color reference book, filing, etc.
  • Maintain organized records and file lab dips and bulk submits for easy reference .
  • Maintain light box.
  • Evaluate, comment and approve bulk production shade bands and individual dye lots for accuracy in a timely manner.
  • Identify and elevate issues to ensure timely resolution.
  • Meet all Product Creation calendar deadlines.
  • Support materials team with seasonal booking of greige, test requests and materials development projects.
  • Assist the Design, Merch and Product Development team with additional projects as requested

YOU ARE
  • Able to establishes and maintain schedules by prioritizing heavy workloads and multiple seasons overlapping
  • A problem-solving solver, able to work on multiple projects at a time.
  • Able to maintain a professional demeanor and openness to new ideas and change

YOU HAVE
  • Associate degree in apparel design or equivalent relevant experience is required.
  • 5+ years of relevant apparel design, development, or color management experience
  • Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator
  • Working knowledge of programs: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook & Adobe Photoshop
  • Strong eye for color is a must
  • Knowledge of color theory, excellent color sense and knowledge of color models RGB, CMYK and Pantone matching systems
  • Understanding of various fabric qualities and substrates
  • Color test (Munsell) results
  • Spectrophotometer experience helpful
  • PORTFOLIO LINK OR ATTACHMENT INCLUDED IN APPLICATION RECOMMENDED

#LI-JC1
#prAna
#hybrid
This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but constitutes a general definition of the position's scope and function in the company.
Columbia Sportswear Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. Columbia Sportswear is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12.pdf. If you need reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please notify your recruiter.
Hiring Range: $67,750 - $99,737.00
*Pay decisions are determined by multiple factors, including what the market is paying, a candidate's capabilities and skills, years of experience ,and internal equity
At Columbia Sportswear Company, we're proud to offer regular full-time employees a benefits package that includes a variety of services and products to help make your life and work more rewarding. Our benefit programs contribute to overall employee well-being by aligning those programs with the fundamental elements of well-being: physical, social/emotional, financial, career and community. Benefits that can protect your family's financial future and help you save money through our 401k plan plus a generous company match. Columbia offers medical, dental, vision, life Insurance, disability, flexible spending accounts, health savings account, and an assortment of voluntary benefit offerings (accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and legal services). In addition, Columbia offers EAP + which is free and confidential 24/7/365 counseling services. We have extensive wellness benefits, employee discounts and a generous time off program available.
If you need an accommodation/adjustment to successfully complete and submit your application, please reach out to AskHR@columbia.com with the Subject: Applicant Assistance Requested.

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About Columbia Sportswear

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Columbia Sportswear Company and our portfolio of brands, including Columbia, SOREL, Mountain Hardwear and prAna, know a thing or two about adventures. After all, we've been on one since 1938, working to perfect the art of enjoying the outdoors. Behind everything we make is an employee who's found that the greatest adventure starts with joining a company that strives to do the right thing.

Industry

Apparel and accessories stores

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Portland, OR, US

Year founded

1938

Social media

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