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Colorist Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

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Colorist information

See Arizona salary details

$10

$21

$35

How much do colorist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for colorist in Arizona is $21.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.67 and $29.13 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Colorist jobs in Arizona? The most popular types of Colorist jobs in Arizona are:
What job categories do people searching Colorist jobs in Arizona look for? The top searched job categories for Colorist jobs in Arizona are:
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Colorist jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Colorist job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Colorist jobs in AZ? For Colorist jobs in AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Colorist job openings in Arizona as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,328 per year, or $21.8 per hour.
Assistant Colorist, Licensed Cosmetologist

Assistant Colorist, Licensed Cosmetologist

Madison Reed

Scottsdale, AZ • On-site

$23 - $24/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Madison Reed rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 39 rated hair and beauty


Job description

Assistant Colorist, Hair Color Bar

The Assistant Colorist at Madison Reed Hair Color Bar supports the Licensed Colorists and Shift Lead to provide a seamless guest experience from arrival to departure as you learn the services and work towards your next role. You love beauty and hair color, and you pride yourself on helping guests find the best color for them and executing their service with perfection.

The Madison Reed Assistant Colorist is the expert on Madison Reed consultations, hair care products, shampooing and conditioning, blowout services, unlimited roots membership program and subscriptions while learning and practicing services offered. Learning how to connect with guests and fellow team members to foster a focused and friendly work environment, meet the demands of a busy day, keeping the environment clean and organized while building relationships and supporting each other, the Assistant Colorist is in training for promotion to Licensed Colorist in 3-9 months. #livelifecolorfully

This role reports to the Manager, can be full or part time depending on business needs and requires availability at peak times to best serve our guest needs.

At Madison Reed, we aim to pay competitively. Compensation for this role consists of base hourly pay, commissions, and tips. Potential earnings for this location range from $23 - $24 per hour. Actual compensation contingent on factors including Hair Color Bar performance, tenure, and time behind the chair.

Responsibilities:
  • Demonstrate and develop teamwork skills to provide a guest experience aligned with our values of Love, Joy, Trust, Courage and Responsibility.
  • Perform behind-the-chair services such as assisting in finishing services and shampooing and conditioning services, styling, blowouts, hot tool styling, treatment and toner services, and add on product application per guest request.
  • Contribute to achieving monthly sales goals and other key performance indicators, including but not limited to: retail sales, services, memberships.
  • Ensure Hair Color Bar meets company standards as it relates to cleanliness, merchandising, inventory, company asset security.
  • Adhere to protocols regarding Madison Reed systems, policies, processes and procedures.
  • Drive Hair Color Bar revenue through increasing the average service ticket through additional services, sales of unlimited roots memberships, subscriptions, home hair care and more.
  • Take a proactive approach by demonstrating the willingness to learn and complete the Assistant
  • Colorist to Colorist Training including mastering color theory and developing behind the chair application skills to grow your career within Madison Reed

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this position, team members will regularly stand, walk for four plus consecutive hours; repetitive and regular bending and twisting at the waist; manipulating fingers and hands, bend and reach wrists and arms, reach with hands and arms or move up to ten pounds. May occasionally sit, kneel, stoop, crouch, and lift, push, pull up to ten pounds. Additionally, team members will communicate regularly with guests via ongoing conversations and consultations.

Qualifications:
  • Active cosmetology license in the state in which you are applying.
  • Entry level experience in any customer service or retail sales environment; salon or beauty industry experience preferred.
  • Effective communication, strong problem solving and people skills, in a fast-paced retail or salon environment.
  • Comfortable operating point of sale systems 
  • Fluency in English
Benefits:
  • Medical, Dental, Vision & FSA (FT Only)
  • Employee Assistance Program (FT and PT)
  • Pre-tax Commuter (Parking & Transit) Basic (FT Only *)
  • Life AD&D (FT Only)
  • Short & Long-term Disability (FT Only)
  • Accident Insurance (FT Only)
  • Critical Illness Hospital (FT Only)
  • Hospital Indemnity (FT Only)
  • Parental Leave* (FT Only - Dependent on Tenure and Position)
  • Team Member Discount: Working Advantage (FT & PT)
  • Pet Insurance (FT & PT)
  • One Medical Membership (FT & PT)
  • The College Tuition Benefit (FT & PT)
  • 401k Plans (FT & PT)
  • Paid Vacation Time (FT Only)
  • Paid Holidays (FT & PT)

 *Additional benefits may be available depending on geographic location

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this position, team members will regularly stand, walk for four plus consecutive hours; repetitive and regular bending and twisting at the waist; manipulating fingers and hands, bend and reach wrists and arms, reach with hands and arms or move up to ten pounds. May occasionally sit, kneel, stoop, crouch, and lift, push, pull up to ten pounds. Additionally, team members will communicate regularly with guests via ongoing conversations and consultations.

Madison Reed is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion or religious creed, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, military or veteran status, citizenship, or other characteristics protected by state or federal law or local ordinance. Madison Reed has a zero tolerance for discrimination, racism, xenophobia, homophobia or misogyny in any form in our workplace. We strive to create a workplace where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work every day.

Where applicable we comply with the Fair Chance Ordinance, and we will consider employment for qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. All qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the ordinance and state law. We value inclusion and access for all candidates, and we are pleased to provide reasonable accommodation as needed to complete the interview process. Please contact hiring@ madison-reed.com to make a reasonable accommodation request. Requests must be submitted prior to your scheduled interview

ALERT: At Madison Reed, we take pride in creating a best-in-class candidate experience. During the recruitment process, no recruiter or employee will request financial or personal information (Social Security Number, credit card, driver's license, or bank information, etc.) from you via text or email. If you are suspicious of a job posting or job-related email mentioning Madison Reed, let us know by contacting us at hiring@ madison-reed.com. We are aware of a scam whereby imposters are posing as employees from Madison Reed. Beware of anyone requesting financial or personal information. By providing your telephone number, you agree to receive automated (SMS) text messages and pre-recorded voicemessages at that number from Madison Reed regarding all matters related to your application and, if you are hired, your employment and company business. Message & data rates may apply. You can opt out at any time by clicking the opt out option in your Paylocity profile.

Information for Recruiters: Madison Reed only accepts resumes directly from candidates. Madison Reed does not accept unsolicited resumes from staffing vendors, including recruitment agencies and/or search firms, and does not pay fees to any such vendors for any unsolicited resumes.


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