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Colorist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Licensed Colorist Licensed Colorists at Madison Reed Hair Color Bar are an essential part of our guest promise, delivering quality services and excellent guest care. You love beauty and hair color ...

Licensed Colorist ** MUST HAVE ACTIVE COSMETOLOGY LICENSE TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY ** BILINGUAL: Need Fluent in Spanish and English--speaking, writing, conversation--highly preferred ...

Job Title: Licensed Colorist ** MUST HAVE ACTIVE COSMETOLOGY LICENSE TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY Essential Function The Licensed Colorist is the trusted advisor to the DIY enthusiast ...

Colorist, Licensed Cosmetologist

Houston, TX ยท On-site

$35.50 - $36.50/hr

Licensed Colorist Licensed Colorists at Madison Reed Hair Color Bar are an essential part of our guest promise, delivering quality services and excellent guest care. You love beauty and hair color ...

Colorist

Orland Park, IL ยท On-site

$15 - $16.20/hr

... Colorist Locations Orland Park Hourly salary 15 - 16.2 Compensation + Commission $15-$16.20 per hour plus the ability to earn over 50% commission

Licensed Colorist Licensed Colorists at Madison Reed Hair Color Bar are an essential part of our guest promise, delivering quality services and excellent guest care. You love beauty and hair color ...

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Colorist information

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$11

$23

$38

How much do colorist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for 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 is a colorist?

A colorist is a professional who specializes in altering and enhancing the color of images in film, television, photography, or print. In the context of film and video, colorists work in post-production to balance colors, adjust contrast, and create a specific mood or visual style as intended by the director or cinematographer. They use specialized software and equipment to ensure consistency and artistic quality across all footage. In the beauty industry, a colorist is a hair stylist who specializes in coloring hair using various techniques. The role requires a strong understanding of color theory, technical skills, and creative vision.

Is colorist a difficult job?

A colorist's job involves precise color correction and grading for film, television, or photography, requiring technical skills and an eye for detail. It can be challenging due to tight deadlines, the need for artistic judgment, and proficiency with software like DaVinci Resolve or Adobe Premiere. Success often depends on experience, training, and the ability to work under pressure.

How much do professional colorists make?

Professional colorists typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry sector. Highly experienced or specialized colorists working in film, television, or high-end photography can earn over $100,000 per year. Many colorists also work freelance or as part of a production team, with earnings varying accordingly.

How does a colorist typically collaborate with directors and cinematographers during post-production?

A colorist works closely with directors and cinematographers to ensure that the final visual tone and mood of a project align with the creative vision. Collaboration often involves reviewing reference images, discussing desired looks, and making iterative adjustments during supervised color grading sessions. Clear communication and feedback are essential, as the colorist translates artistic intentions into technical adjustments using specialized software. This teamwork helps maintain consistency and enhances storytelling throughout the film or video.

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

To thrive as a Colorist, you need a deep understanding of color theory, visual storytelling, and post-production workflows, often supported by formal training or a degree in film, media, or a related field. Expertise in industry-standard color grading software such as DaVinci Resolve, Baselight, or Adobe Premiere Pro is essential, along with familiarity with various camera formats and LUTs. Attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to collaborate creatively with directors and cinematographers set top Colorists apart. These skills ensure that the final visual output meets artistic intent and technical standards, greatly impacting the overall quality and mood of the project.

What is the difference between Colorist vs Makeup Artist?

AspectColoristMakeup Artist
CredentialsHair coloring certifications, cosmetology licenseMakeup artistry certifications, cosmetology or esthetician license
Work EnvironmentSalons, hair studios, film setsBeauty salons, film sets, fashion shows
Industry UsageHair coloring and stylingFacial and body makeup application
Common Search IntentHair coloring techniques, salon careersMakeup techniques, beauty industry jobs

While both Colorists and Makeup Artists work in beauty and entertainment industries, Colorists specialize in hair coloring and styling, requiring cosmetology licenses and working mainly in salons or film sets. Makeup Artists focus on facial and body makeup, often working in beauty salons, fashion shows, or film productions. Their certifications and work environments overlap but serve different aesthetic purposes.

What is the job description of a colorist?

A colorist is responsible for adjusting and enhancing the color of film, video, or digital images to achieve a desired aesthetic or mood. They use specialized software and tools to correct color, improve image quality, and ensure visual consistency across scenes, often working closely with directors and cinematographers. Strong knowledge of color theory, image editing software, and attention to detail are essential for this role.

How do you become a colorist?

To become a colorist, you typically need a background in film, photography, or digital art, along with proficiency in color grading software such as DaVinci Resolve or Adobe Premiere. Gaining experience through internships, building a portfolio, and developing a strong understanding of color theory and technical skills are essential steps in the profession.
More about Colorist jobs
What cities are hiring for Colorist jobs? Cities with the most Colorist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Colorist jobs? The most popular types of Colorist jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Colorist jobs? The top employers for Colorist jobs are:
What states have the most Colorist jobs? States with the most job openings for Colorist jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Colorist jobs? For Colorist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Colorist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 31% Full Time, and 69% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,641 per year, or $23.4 per hour.
Licensed Colorist- Sally Beauty

Licensed Colorist- Sally Beauty

Sally Beauty Holdings

Denton, TX โ€ข On-site

Other

Posted yesterday


Job description

Job Title:ย Licensed Coloristย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย 

** MUST HAVE ACTIVE COSMETOLOGY LICENSE TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY

Essential Function

The Licensed Colorist is the trusted advisor to the DIY enthusiast providing digital color consultations to guide them through every step of their hair color journey. The unrivaled expertise of the Licensed Colorist elevates the brand of Sally Beauty to be the undisputed leader in hair color, while generating increased sales and profitability. This role builds lasting relationships with each client leveraging Sally Pro-In-The-Know skills, and offering professional advice and recommendations to ensure the DIY enthusiast has the confidence she needs to achieve her hair color goals. The Licensed Colorist is comfortable using technology to meet the client where they are, connecting and engaging digitally, and communicating via text and email to follow up and ensure 100% client satisfaction.

Primary Duties

Grow the Business:ย 70%

  • Connect, engage, and inspire clients through digital color consultations with the intent to build a lasting relationship with each DIY enthusiast.
  • Listen and understand each client's needs; make expert product recommendations, build a customized shopping cart, and ensure the DIY enthusiast is setup for success across every step of their hair color journey.ย 
  • Provide unrivaled expertise to each client offering advice; troubleshoot color situations to ensure the client achieves a positive outcome.
  • Demonstrate 'build the basket' techniques to offer complimentary products that will further enhance the DIY experience.
  • Assess the skill level of each client; teach and advise on products and techniques that will ensure their success.
  • Demonstrate the Sally Engagement Model utilizing tutorials, provide written summary of the consultation and follow up to ensure client satisfaction.
  • Meet or exceed established metrics, color growth goals.

Grow Team and Culture:ย 15%

  • Keep abreast of what's happening at Sally Beauty; demonstrate the CAN DO values.ย 
  • Share color expertise and selling techniques across the team of Licensed Colorists to promote overall team skillset.
  • Communicate with support center partners on emerging trends, products concerns and client issues.

Grow Yourself:ย 15%

  • Complete all required company and vendor training programs.ย 
  • Seek out internal and external learning opportunities to develop unrivaled expertise in all areas of hair color technical knowledge and selling skills.
  • Strive for continuous improvement; grow and develop techniques to retain clients and increase sales.

Experience and Skills Required

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Valid Cosmetology Licensed required, with emphasis in Color Theory preferred
  • Minimum of 2 years retail, customer service, salon, or one year with Sally Beauty
  • Ability to pass a detailed Hair Color Knowledge Check
  • Strong professional image and ability to interface positively with clients
  • Ability to use technology including, software platforms, Microsoft Office, and digital video conferencing systems, clientelling and digital appointment scheduling tools
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, at all levels within and outside the organization
  • Proficient problem-solving skills and ability to correct complex hair color situations
  • Ability to attend virtually or travel to meetings and vendor training, as scheduled.
  • Is committed to working scheduled hours and has the flexibility to work additional hours based on changing business needs. Weekend, evening and holiday hours may be required.
  • Strong time management and organization skills and the ability to successfully manage multiple projects at once

Nature and Extent of Direct or Indirect Controls Exercisedย 

Project Level High

The amount of discretion or freedom this position hasย 

Interprets and Adapts Guidelines

Working Conditions /Physical Requirements

The work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices, meeting and training rooms, retail stores, and residences or commercial vehicles, e.g., use of safe work practices with office equipment, avoidance of trips and falls, observance of fire regulations and traffic signals, etc.ย 

This job description is a representation of the duties and responsibilities associated with the position and does not limit the position to only those functions delineated above. The company may add other duties and responsibilities at any time, with or without notice or consultation. This job description does not create a contract and does not alter the employment-at-will relationship between an employee and the company.

All job functions are considered to be essential functions unless otherwise indicated.

Our Company is a leader in wholesale and retail distribution of beauty supplies. A business built with a purpose to provide our customers with access to high-quality professional beauty products and exceptional customer service. At our Company, we find beauty in diversity.ย  Our inclusivity and self-expression are what fuel our innovation and growth. You are welcome here, and you can thrive here. We find beauty in YOU. Join us!