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$11

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$33

How much do digital matte painter jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for digital matte painter in the United States is $21.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Digital Matte Painter job?

A Digital Matte Painter (DMP) is a visual effects (VFX) artist who creates realistic or stylized environments, landscapes, and backgrounds for films, TV shows, and video games. Using software like Photoshop, Nuke, or Maya, they paint or enhance digital scenes that would be too expensive or impossible to film in real life. DMPs collaborate with VFX supervisors and 3D artists to seamlessly integrate their work into live-action or CGI footage. Their goal is to create immersive, visually cohesive worlds that enhance storytelling.

What are the daily responsibilities of a Digital Matte Painter in a typical studio setting?

As a Digital Matte Painter, your daily responsibilities typically involve creating realistic or stylized environment backgrounds by digitally painting over 2D and 3D elements to extend sets or create entire new worlds. You’ll collaborate closely with visual effects supervisors, 3D modelers, lighters, and compositors to ensure your matte paintings integrate seamlessly into live-action footage or animated sequences. Reviewing dailies, incorporating feedback, and adjusting your work to match evolving creative directions are common parts of the routine. Your role is both creative and technical, requiring you to balance artistic vision with practical constraints, making each day dynamic and engaging.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Digital Matte Painter position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Digital Matte Painter, you need advanced skills in digital painting, composition, color theory, and a strong portfolio demonstrating visual effects or environment creation, often supported by a degree in art or a related field. Proficiency in tools like Adobe Photoshop, Maya, Nuke, and sometimes 3D modeling software is typically required, with certifications in these programs being an advantage. Attention to detail, collaboration, and effective time management are valuable soft skills for integrating seamlessly with VFX teams and meeting tight deadlines. These abilities are essential for producing high-quality visual backgrounds that align with the director’s vision and the project’s technical demands.

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Digital Matte Painter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Digital Matte Painter job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,394 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

Freelance: Digital Matte Painting - USA

Framestore

Chicago, IL • On-site, Remote

$25 - $100/hr

Temporary

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Framestore Integrated Advertising are always on the look-out for exceptional DMP talent. If you are a freelancer who would be interested in being kept on our books for future freelancing opportunities in our US based offices, please submit your details to us - we would love to hear from you!
Digital Matte Painters are responsible for painting photo real environments, elements and textures for matching into live action plates or to stand on their own as DMP plates. Digital matte paintings may also be used in a 3D environment and may be mapped onto 3D objects.
A strong understanding and sympathy for real world materials and lighting is essential. DMP artists will work closely with the Modeling and Shading departments and therefore must have a basic knowledge of the practices of each of these disciplines.
Our freelance opportunities will always be advertised on our website and we will get in touch with people who have submitted their details as and when opportunities arise. There is no need to apply here more than once - once you're in then you're in and you will be on our radar! In fact, the people who submit here will be our first point of call when we're looking.
So if you want to freelance on some of the most exciting and challenging advertising work out there then you know what to do - hit that 'apply' button right now!
  • Previous experience in a similar role
  • Proficient in Photoshop and Nuke
  • Working knowledge of Maya and Mari are a plus
  • Previous experience working in a Linux environment
  • Strong artistic skills
  • Experience with 2.5 D
  • A good understanding of the entire visual effects process
  • Strong knowledge of camera focal lengths, a good sense of composition and an understanding of different out-put requirements
  • Experience with creating original concept designs
  • Creative problem solving skills

California and New York Employees Pay Range:
Juniors (<1 year - 3 years experience): $25 - $35 per hour
Mids (4 - 6 years experience): $400 - $550 per day
Seniors (6+ years of experience): $600 - $900 per day
The posted range describes the minimum to maximum range for this job description in the state of New York and California. The range is posted in accordance with the New York Pay Transparency Bill and the California Pay Transparency Law. The range for this same position may be lower or higher in markets outside of New York or California. Pay is dependent on the applicant's relevant skills, experience, and qualifications.
Application Process
To apply, please complete the following application form
We review all applications manually and do not use artificial intelligence to screen candidates. If you require any adjustments or support during the application process, please let us know-we are happy to accommodate your needs.

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