ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Colorist Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Madison Reed

Colorist, Licensed Cosmetologist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$40.25 - $42.25/hr

Colorist, Licensed Cosmetologist 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 ...

Madison Reed

Colorist, Licensed Cosmetologist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$40.25 - $42.25/hr

Colorist, Licensed Cosmetologist 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 ...

Tricoci Salon | Spa

Colorist - Deerfield

Deerfield, IL

$15 - $16.20/hr

Join Tricoci Salon | Spa Our team is growing, and we're hiring Colorists at all stages of their career who are ready to refine their craft, grow their book, and thrive in a luxury salon environment.

Tricoci Salon | Spa

Colorist

Palatine, IL · On-site

Apply Now: Our team is growing! We are looking for Colorists of all experience levels! Why Tricoci: * We provide Colorists with a supportive, inclusive, and creative salon culture. * We promote a ...

Tricoci Salon | Spa

Colorist

Palatine, IL · On-site

Apply Now: Our team is growing! We are looking for Colorists of all experience levels! Why Tricoci: * We provide Colorists with a supportive, inclusive, and creative salon culture. * We promote a ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsColorist JobsColorist Jobs in Chicago, IL

Colorist information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11

$24

$39

How much do colorist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for colorist in Chicago, IL is $24.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.36 and $32.21 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.

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 certifications or specialized training. Practical experience and a strong portfolio are often more important than formal education.

How do you become a colorist?

To become a colorist, individuals typically pursue a background in film, photography, or digital media, and develop skills in color grading software such as DaVinci Resolve or Adobe Premiere. Gaining experience through internships, building a portfolio, and obtaining relevant certifications can help establish a career in color grading for film, television, or video production.

How much do colorists earn?

Colorists in the film and television industry typically earn between $40,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of projects. Entry-level colorists may start lower, while experienced professionals working on high-profile projects can earn significantly more. Salaries can also vary based on whether they work freelance or for a studio, and proficiency with industry-standard tools like DaVinci Resolve or Baselight is often required.

Is a colorist a difficult job?

A colorist job involves technical skill, creativity, and attention to detail to enhance visual content. It requires proficiency with editing software and understanding of color theory, which can make the role challenging, especially for those new to the field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Colorist jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Colorist jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Colorist jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Colorist jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Colorist jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Colorist jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Colorist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Colorist job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,146 per year, or $24.1 per hour.

Colorist - Deerfield

Tricoci Salon | Spa

Deerfield, IL • On-site

$14 - $16.20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Join Tricoci Salon | Spa
Our team is growing, and we're hiring Colorists at all stages of their career who are ready to refine their craft, grow their book, and thrive in a luxury salon environment.
Why Tricoci
At Tricoci, you'll step into a supportive, creative, and guest-focused culture built to elevate your technical skills and accelerate your career growth.
We offer:
  • Paid, advanced onboarding and customized color-focused training based on your skill level
  • Ongoing continuing education at no cost for license renewal
  • Free professional development including social media and personal branding support
  • Complimentary Bellami certification opportunity
  • A clear path for advancement across 13 Chicagoland locations
Schedule & Availability
We're looking for team members with flexibility to work approximately 4 days per week, including evenings, weekends, and holidays during peak business hours.
This role requires full commitment to our structured training program, designed to strengthen your color theory, formulation skills, consultation approach, and guest experience. Training takes place during weekday daytime hours and is a critical part of onboarding and long-term success at Tricoci.
Compensation & Benefits
  • $15-$16.20/hour base pay plus commission opportunities exceeding 50%
  • Commission on services, retail, and tenure rewards
  • No backbar fees
  • Employee discounts up to 90% on services and retail savings up to 50%
  • Comprehensive health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid time off and wellness benefits including EAP with 5 free sessions
What You'll Need
  • Active Illinois Cosmetology License
  • Passion for color work and delivering customized guest results
  • Strong communication skills and a guest-first mindset
  • Ability to stand or sit for extended periods
Locations
Arlington Heights, Bloomingdale, Chicago, Crystal Lake, Deerfield, Geneva, Libertyville, Naperville, Oakbrook, Orland Park, Schaumburg, Skokie, Vernon Hills
Department Salon Role Colorist Locations Deerfield Hourly salary 15 - 16.2 Compensation + Commission $14-$16.20 per hour plus the ability to earn over 50% commission

Apply