Familiarity with Wayland protocols and compositor-client architecture * Experience with Git-based version control and CI/CD pipelines (Bitbucket, GitLab, etc.) * Strong understanding of Linux system ...
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Familiarity with Wayland protocols and compositor-client architecture * Experience with Git-based version control and CI/CD pipelines (Bitbucket, GitLab, etc.) * Strong understanding of Linux system ...
Principal Graphics Engineer
$153K - $189K/yr
CPU/GPU bottlenecks, shader cost, texture and buffer management, compositor interactions, and end-to-end streaming latency. * Investigate and resolve faults in complex environments, tracing issues ...
Principal Graphics Engineer
$153K - $189K/yr
CPU/GPU bottlenecks, shader cost, texture and buffer management, compositor interactions, and end-to-end streaming latency. * Investigate and resolve faults in complex environments, tracing issues ...
Principal Graphics Engineer
New York, NY · Remote
$143K - $177K/yr
CPU/GPU bottlenecks, shader cost, texture and buffer management, compositor interactions, and end-to-end streaming latency. * Investigate and resolve faults in complex environments, tracing issues ...
Principal Graphics Engineer
New York, NY · Remote
$143K - $177K/yr
CPU/GPU bottlenecks, shader cost, texture and buffer management, compositor interactions, and end-to-end streaming latency. * Investigate and resolve faults in complex environments, tracing issues ...
Compositor information
See Harrison, NJ salary details
$5.54 - $7.69
0% of jobs
$7.69 - $9.84
0% of jobs
$9.84 - $11.99
0% of jobs
$11.99 - $14.15
0% of jobs
$14.15 - $16.30
0% of jobs
$16.30 - $18.45
0% of jobs
$18.45 - $20.60
0% of jobs
$20.60 - $22.75
0% of jobs
$22.75 - $24.90
0% of jobs
$24.90 - $27.05
2% of jobs
$27.56 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$27.05 - $29.21
98% of jobs
$5
$29
How much do compositor jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for compositor in Harrison, NJ is $28.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.69 and $28.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What is a compositor?
A compositor is responsible for constructing the final image in a film, animation, or video by combining all the layers into the finished product. The artistic and technical skills of these creative interpreters come into play at the end of the production process. As a compositor, your job duties entail taking computer generated or animation images and adding effects such as enhanced lighting, motion blur, and adjusted color levels. You use the latest in compositor software to act as the translator of the various inputs into the finished image.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a compositor, and why are they important?
To thrive as a Compositor, you need a strong understanding of visual effects principles, color theory, and digital image manipulation, often supported by a degree in animation, film, or a related field. Proficiency with industry-standard software such as Nuke, After Effects, or Fusion, as well as familiarity with render management systems, is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with teams and ensuring seamless final shots. These skills ensure high-quality visual integration, efficient workflow, and the delivery of compelling, believable content in film, television, or advertising.
What are some common challenges a compositor faces when integrating CGI elements with live-action footage?
A key challenge for Compositors is achieving seamless integration between computer-generated imagery (CGI) and live-action footage. This often involves matching lighting, color grading, and perspective to ensure visual consistency. Compositors must also address issues like edge blending, motion tracking, and removing unwanted artifacts. Attention to detail and strong collaboration with other VFX team members are essential, as multiple iterations may be required to meet the director's vision and the project's technical standards.
What is the difference between Compositor vs Graphic Designer?
| Aspect | Compositor | Graphic Designer |
|---|---|---|
| Required Credentials | Typically a degree or diploma in film, media, or related fields; proficiency in compositing software | Degree or diploma in graphic design, visual arts, or related fields; proficiency in design software |
| Work Environment | Post-production studios, film sets, visual effects companies | Advertising agencies, design studios, corporate offices |
| Industry Usage | Film, television, visual effects | Marketing, branding, print and digital media |
| Common Search & Comparison | Yes | No |
The main difference between a Compositor and a Graphic Designer lies in their focus and work environment. Compositors specialize in combining visual elements in post-production for film and video, requiring skills in visual effects software. Graphic Designers create visual content for branding, advertising, and print, working primarily in design studios or agencies. While both roles involve visual creativity, their tools, industries, and end goals differ significantly.
How much does a compositor get paid?
A compositor's salary varies depending on experience, location, and industry, but the average annual pay ranges from $40,000 to $80,000. Skilled compositors with proficiency in software like Adobe After Effects or Nuke and a strong portfolio tend to earn higher wages, especially in film, television, or advertising environments.
How much does a compositor make?
A compositor's salary varies based on experience, location, and industry, but the median annual wage in the film and video editing field is around $60,000. Entry-level positions typically start lower, while experienced compositors working on high-budget projects can earn over $100,000 annually. Skills in software like Adobe After Effects and Nuke can influence earning potential.
Is compositing a stressful job?
Compositing can be a demanding job due to tight deadlines, high attention to detail, and the need for technical proficiency with software like Adobe After Effects or Nuke. While some find it rewarding, others may experience stress from workload and project pressures, especially in fast-paced production environments.
More about Compositor jobs
C++ Linux Engineer at Philadelphia, PA
Berkeley Heights, NJ • On-site
BI-Commercial
Contractor
Re-posted 9 days ago
Job description
Role: Senior C/C++ Linux Engineer
Location: Philadelphia, PA,19102
Location: Philadelphia, PA,19102
Complete Description:
seeking a highly skilled Senior C/C++ Linux Engineer to support a mission-critical modernization initiative for a client in Philadelphia, PA. This role involves upgrading legacy Linux-based desktop applications by migrating them from outdated GUI frameworks (Motif/X11) to modern solutions like Wayland and GTK/Qt.
Real-Time & GUI Systems.
seeking a highly skilled Senior C/C++ Linux Engineer to support a mission-critical modernization initiative for a client in Philadelphia, PA. This role involves upgrading legacy Linux-based desktop applications by migrating them from outdated GUI frameworks (Motif/X11) to modern solutions like Wayland and GTK/Qt.
Real-Time & GUI Systems.
Key Responsibilities
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field (required)
• 10+ years of hands-on experience in C/C++ development on Linux systems
• Expertise in event-driven programming and development of Linux desktop applications
• Experience modernizing GUI applications from Motif/X11 to GTK, Qt, or Wayland
• Proficiency in Bash scripting and build systems like Make, CMake, and Meson
• Familiarity with Wayland protocols and compositor-client architecture
• Experience with Git-based version control and CI/CD pipelines (Bitbucket, GitLab, etc.)
• Strong understanding of Linux system internals, IPC, and GUI performance tuning
• Exposure to low-level graphics APIs such as OpenGL or Vulkan (preferred)
• Ability to develop custom Wayland protocols and implement IPC optimizations via shared memory (preferred)
• Excellent documentation and communication skills