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Colorist Jobs in Atlanta, GA (NOW HIRING)

Colorist information

See Atlanta, GA salary details

$11

$22

$36

How much do colorist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for colorist in Atlanta, GA is $22.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.20 and $30.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is a colorist a good career?

A colorist is a professional who enhances and corrects colors in film, television, or photography using specialized software and techniques. The career offers opportunities in entertainment and media industries, often requiring artistic skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with color grading tools like DaVinci Resolve or Adobe Premiere. Job stability and growth depend on industry demand and individual skill level.

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.

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.

Do you need a degree to be a colorist?

A degree is not strictly required to become a colorist, but many professionals have backgrounds in film, photography, or art. Skills in color grading software like DaVinci Resolve or Adobe Premiere are essential, and some employers value formal training or certifications. Practical experience and a strong portfolio are often more important than formal education for this role.

How do you become a colorist?

To become a colorist, you typically need a background in film, photography, or digital imaging, 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 popular job titles related to Colorist jobs in Atlanta, GA? For Colorist jobs in Atlanta, GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Colorist jobs in Atlanta, GA look for? The top searched job categories for Colorist jobs in Atlanta, GA are:
Infographic showing various Colorist job openings in Atlanta, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,776 per year, or $22.5 per hour.

Hair Color Bar Assistant, Licensed Cosmetologist

Madison Reed

Cumming, GA • On-site

$20 - $21/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Madison Reed rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 41 rated hair and beauty


Job description

Hair Color Bar Assistant, Licensed Cosmetologist
The Hair Color Bar Assistant, Licensed Cosmetologist 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 Hair Color Bar Assistant, Licensed Cosmetologist 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
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 $20-$21 per hour. Actual compensation contingent on factors including Hair Color Bar performance, tenure, and time behind the chair.
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.
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.
ALERT: We are aware of a scam whereby imposters are posing as employees from Madison Reed. Beware of anyone requesting financial or personal information.
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
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.
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 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. Pursuant to the San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York City Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

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