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Creative Retoucher Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Photo Retoucher

Irvine, CA · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

We are looking for a Photo Retoucher to join our creative team. This long-term contract opportunity is ideal for someone who excels at refining high volumes of imagery for e-commerce, digital ...

You will oversee retouching complex and demanding editorial fashion campaign photography. Your ... Ability to receive creative direction from the Director, Art and the Director, Creative Services ...

You will oversee retouching complex and demanding editorial fashion campaign photography. Your ... Ability to receive creative direction from the Director, Art and the Director, Creative Services ...

Retoucher On Call

Dublin, CA · On-site

$40 - $68/hr

About the Job We currently have an exciting opportunity for an On Call Retoucher to join our post ... This position calls for flexibility and creative problem solving, in an ever-changing environment.

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Showing results 1-20

Creative Retoucher information

See California salary details

$21

$31

$38

How much do creative retoucher jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for creative retoucher in California is $31.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.87 and $36.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a creative retoucher?

A Creative Retoucher is a professional who enhances and manipulates images to achieve a polished, visually appealing result. They work closely with photographers, designers, and art directors to adjust colors, remove imperfections, and add artistic effects while maintaining the integrity of the original image. This role is common in advertising, fashion, and e-commerce industries, where high-quality imagery is essential for branding and marketing. Creative Retouchers use advanced software like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom to create compelling visuals that align with brand aesthetics and project requirements.

What does a creative retoucher do?

A typical day for a Creative Retoucher involves reviewing and editing images, performing tasks such as skin retouching, color grading, background cleanup, and compositing elements to achieve the desired final look. Most Creative Retouchers work closely with photographers, art directors, and graphic designers to interpret creative briefs and deliver images that align with project requirements. Collaboration and feedback sessions are common, requiring strong communication and adaptability. Work may be fast-paced and deadline-driven, especially for campaigns or editorial projects, but it also offers the opportunity for creative problem-solving and professional growth through exposure to diverse visual styles and industries.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a creative retoucher?

To thrive as a Creative Retoucher, you need a strong background in photo editing, color correction, and an eye for visual composition, typically supported by a portfolio demonstrating your work. Expertise in industry-standard software like Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, and Capture One is essential, and certifications in these tools can be beneficial. Strong attention to detail, creativity, and the ability to work collaboratively with photographers and art directors are valuable soft skills. These abilities ensure high-quality image enhancements that meet client or brand visions efficiently and creatively.

How to become a professional creative retoucher?

To become a professional creative retoucher, develop strong skills in photo editing software such as Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, and build a diverse portfolio showcasing your work. Gaining experience through internships, freelance projects, or online courses can help improve technical proficiency and artistic judgment. Certifications are not mandatory but can enhance credibility and job prospects in the field.

What job categories do people searching Creative Retoucher jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Creative Retoucher jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Creative Retoucher jobs?

Cities in California with the most Creative Retoucher job openings:

Infographic showing various Creative Retoucher job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,190 per year, or $31.3 per hour.

Photo Retoucher

Robert Half

Irvine, CA • On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Temporary

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

We are looking for a Photo Retoucher to join our creative team. This long-term contract opportunity is ideal for someone who excels at refining high volumes of imagery for e-commerce, digital campaigns, and print materials while maintaining consistent visual standards. The person in this role will collaborate closely with the broader creative team to prepare high-quality, brand-aligned photography assets and keep image libraries organized and production-ready.
Responsibilities:
• Retouch, refine, and enhance large batches of product and marketing images, including color balancing, blemish removal, wrinkle cleanup, and silhouette adjustments for e-commerce use.
• Prepare photography assets for multiple channels by applying brand-specific visual standards across web, print, and promotional materials.
• Organize, label, store, and archive completed image files so digital assets remain easy to access and properly maintained.
• Adjust imagery for both digital and print output, ensuring files are exported in the correct formats and optimized for their intended use.
• Preserve a consistent look and feel across all edited content by following established retouching and color guidelines.
• Manage daily workload efficiently to meet deadlines without sacrificing accuracy or image quality.
• Partner with members of the creative department to support ongoing photo production and related content needs.
• Maintain a reliable presence through dependable attendance, effective communication, and strong teamwork in an onsite environment.

• 3+ years of experience in photo retouching or photo editing roles.

• Advanced proficiency with Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom for high-volume image editing.

• Strong understanding of image formats, file handling, and optimization for web and print applications.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver work on schedule in a fast-paced setting.

• Excellent attention to detail with a sharp eye for color accuracy, consistency, and overall image quality.

• Solid organizational and time management skills for handling large asset libraries and production workflows.

• Effective communication and collaboration skills to work closely with creative partners and stakeholders.


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About Robert Half

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Founded in 1948, Robert Half pioneered the idea of professional talent solutions to connect opportunities at great companies with highly skilled job seekers. As business needs changed, we evolved to offer specialized talent solutions for finance and accounting, technology, administrative and customer support, creative and marketing, and legal fields. In 2002, we introduced our subsidiary, Protiviti, a global independent risk consulting and internal audit service, to support companies as they faced more strategic business challenges.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Ramon, CA, US

Year founded

1948