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Compositor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary Scattermesh is expanding its team and we are looking to hire experienced VFX Compositors to work across client projects on a full time basis in Herndon, VA. The role requires a skilled ...

Job Summary Scattermesh is expanding its team and we are looking to hire experienced VFX Compositors to work across client projects on a full time basis in Herndon, VA. The role requires a skilled ...

Senior C/C++ Linux Engineer

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$123K - $163K/yr

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

New York, NY

$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

San Francisco, CA · 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 ...

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

Santa Clara, CA · 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

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$164K - $203K/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

Austin, TX · 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

Austin, TX

$138K - $171K/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

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$164K - $203K/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 ...

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Compositor information

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How much do compositor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for compositor in the United States is $26.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.44 and $27.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Compositor vs Graphic Designer?

AspectCompositorGraphic Designer
Required CredentialsTypically a degree or diploma in film, media, or related fields; proficiency in compositing softwareDegree or diploma in graphic design, visual arts, or related fields; proficiency in design software
Work EnvironmentPost-production studios, film sets, visual effects companiesAdvertising agencies, design studios, corporate offices
Industry UsageFilm, television, visual effectsMarketing, branding, print and digital media
Common Search & ComparisonYesNo

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.

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 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 jobs make $10,000 a month without a degree?

Compositors in the film and video industry can earn $10,000 or more per month with extensive experience and a strong portfolio, especially in high-budget projects. Other high-paying roles without a degree include certain sales, real estate, and entrepreneurial positions, but these often require skills, networking, or certifications rather than formal education.

Why is Gen Z struggling to get jobs?

Gen Z faces challenges in securing jobs like compositors due to high competition, evolving industry skills requirements, and the shift toward digital tools and remote work. Many employers seek candidates with specific technical skills, certifications, or experience, which can be difficult for new entrants to demonstrate without prior opportunities.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

For a compositor, high-paying roles typically exist in senior or specialized positions within the film, television, or advertising industries, often requiring extensive experience, advanced skills in visual effects, and proficiency with industry-standard software. Salaries reaching $300,000 are more common in executive, lead, or highly specialized roles, or in companies with large budgets. Most compositors earning this level have a strong portfolio, advanced certifications, and often work in major media markets or for large production companies.

What is the job of a compositor?

A compositor is responsible for combining visual elements such as images, text, and graphics to create the final layout for print or digital media. They use software like Adobe InDesign or QuarkXPress and ensure that the design aligns with project specifications and quality standards. Attention to detail and understanding of design principles are essential for this role.

What are compositors?

Compositors are professionals in the visual effects (VFX) and film industry who combine visual elements from different sources into single images, creating the final look of a shot or scene. They use specialized software to blend live-action footage, computer-generated imagery (CGI), matte paintings, and other elements seamlessly. Their work ensures that all visual components appear as if they were filmed together, enhancing the overall realism and artistic intent of the project.

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 cities are hiring for Compositor jobs? Cities with the most Compositor job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Compositor jobs? The most popular types of Compositor jobs are:
What states have the most Compositor jobs? States with the most job openings for Compositor jobs include:
Infographic showing various Compositor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 34% Physical, and 66% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,000 per year, or $26.9 per hour.

Senior VFX Compositor

Scattermesh

Herndon, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

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


Job description

Job Summary

Scattermesh is expanding its team and we are looking to hire experienced VFX Compositors to work across client projects on a full time basis in Herndon, VA. The role requires a skilled artist with experience in VFX compositing and a basic understanding of how to work with and utilize 3D renders alongside video backplates to create realistic composites. The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of node-based compositing software like Nuke and a technical understanding of color and blending real and 3D elements in a believable manner. We’re looking forward to seeing your resume and portfolio/reel if this sounds like you.

Responsibilities and Duties

  • Achieve Realism – Create video composites that are near indistinguishable from an original video recording by applying knowledge of color, color space, lighting, motion, tracking, stabilization, masking, roto, and blending.
  • Solve Problems – Use your experience and knowledge to push our workflow further. When new challenges arise come armed with options to deliver quality products.
  • Collaborate – Work with our compositors, 3D team, and RnD teams to evolve our process to meet the ever evolving needs of our customers.
  • Deliver – Be able to work with the team to communicate, collaborate, and deliver within a schedule.

Qualifications and Skills

  • 10+ years’ experience in a professional setting compositing 3D assets and video plates to create photorealistic videos.
  • High level of expertise in Nuke.
  • Experience in Syntheyes and Mocha is a plus.
  • Strong sense of color, color space, light, motion, and blending.
  • Knowledge of photography, lenses and lens distortion.
  • Communicate effectively with team members across departments.
  • Strong skills in tracking, stabilization, and advanced masking/roto.
  • Understanding of 3D render layers and AOVs and how to use them.

Benefits and Perks

Scattermesh is as obsessed about our employees as our customers. We want to provide great benefits and perks so you can focus on making an impact. We recognize that industry is moving away from better benefits so we have decided to do our part to start reversing the trend. Join us in our quest to disrupt, transform and innovate.

 

Benefits

  • Competitive Market Leading Pay 
  • 25-30 days - Paid Time Off (PTO) / Holiday
  • 100% Company paid medical/dental/vision/plans
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • 401(k) Matching with no cliff vest

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