ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Freelance Color Grading Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Phoenix Fashion Inc

Be Seen First

Freelance Pattern Maker

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$45 - $60/hr

Advanced knowledge of draping, flat patternmaking, grading, garment construction, and fitting ... Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, creed, age, sex, national ...

Phoenix Fashion Inc

Be Seen First

Freelance Pattern Maker

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$45 - $60/hr

Advanced knowledge of draping, flat patternmaking, grading, garment construction, and fitting ... Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, creed, age, sex, national ...

Inference

Filmmaker / Storyteller

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

... color grading * Platform Native: Deep understanding of what performs on modern platforms, from ... Experience managing creative teams or freelancers What You'll Create Your work will span from ...

All JobsColor Grading JobsFreelance Color Grading JobsFreelance Color Grading Jobs in California

Freelance Color Grading information

See California salary details

$14

$47

$130

How much do freelance color grading jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance color grading in California is $47.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.94 and $60.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges freelance color graders face, and how can they be addressed?

Freelance color graders often encounter challenges such as tight deadlines, handling diverse client expectations, and ensuring consistency across varying types of footage. Balancing multiple projects simultaneously requires strong organizational skills and clear communication to set and manage expectations. Staying up-to-date with the latest software updates and industry trends is also important for maintaining a competitive edge. By building a robust workflow, continuously updating your skills, and fostering positive client relationships, you can effectively navigate these challenges and achieve long-term success.

What is a freelance color grading?

A Freelance Color Grading job involves adjusting and enhancing the colors of videos or images to achieve a desired look. Freelance colorists work on various projects, including films, commercials, music videos, and social media content. They use professional software like DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro, or Final Cut Pro to manipulate color tones, contrast, and saturation. Since they work on a freelance basis, they take on projects independently, setting their own schedules and rates.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in freelance color grading?

To thrive as a Freelance Color Grading professional, you need a deep understanding of color theory, video editing workflows, and practical experience with post-production processes, often supported by a strong portfolio and relevant education. Mastery of industry-standard software such as DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro, and Final Cut Pro, along with knowledge of calibration tools, is crucial. Excellent communication, time management, and client collaboration skills help build strong relationships and efficiently manage project deadlines. These skills are vital to consistently deliver high-quality visual output tailored to diverse client needs in a fast-paced, competitive industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Color Grading jobs in California? The most popular types of Color Grading jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Freelance Color Grading jobs in California? For Freelance Color Grading jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Color Grading jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Color Grading jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Freelance Color Grading jobs? Cities in California with the most Freelance Color Grading job openings:
Freelance Color Grading jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Color Grading job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $97,931 per year, or $47.1 per hour.

Freelance Online Finishing Editor/Colorist (DaVinci Resolve)

Stampede Studios

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Contractor

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

About Stampede Studios
Stampede Studios offers a true 360° agency experience, specializing in Creative Marketing, Content and Post-Production Finishing. We are a diverse team of passionate innovators dedicated to delivering ground-breaking marketing campaigns and the highest quality digital content across multiple platforms. We're motivated by our world-class partnerships and driven by a desire to see the impact of our work on screens big and small.
Combining decades of knowledge and experience from top talent in the business, we foster an environment where individual growth and creativity is not only encouraged but celebrated. Bottom line, we love what we do, and it shows in our work.
POST-FINISHING
Stampede Post Productions is a full-service finishing company that makes your creative dreams a reality. Always at the forefront of technology, we have all the tools necessary to facilitate your needs from start to finish. From Feature Films and Television Shows to Trailers, Commercials, and EPKs, we can customize a seamless workflow and package that works for your budget. We excel in creating the highest quality media within limited time and financial constraints, while providing an outstanding level of customer service...and we're always there at the finish!
About the role
This is a freelance role. You are applying to be on our freelance online editor list to be called in when needed. If successful, this can be to fill-in for a day, week, or even multiple weeks. We will first put freelancer on a calendar hold before officially booking, unless otherwise challenged.
Online Finishing Editors are responsible for conforming hi-resolution final picture to offline reference edits on Trailers, TV Spots, and other entertainment marketing assets. All Online editing work will be done in DaVinci Resolve so experience with that platform is a must! This Online Finishing Editor job also requires the ability to color grade final material, work in mixed HDR/UHD/2K/HD resolutions, perform minor paint vfx work, and master deliverables in multiple different aspect ratios, social re-sizes, resolutions, and frame rates. All work is required to be on-site at our post facility in Hollywood, which is a fast-paced, client deadline driven environment.
What you'll do
  • Picture Conforming
  • Paint and minor visual effects
  • Color Grading in different color spaces
  • Versioning/Mastering
  • Creation of Deliverables
  • Quality Control
  • Perform other related finishing needs assigned by post-supervisors

Qualifications
  • 6 years of experience in Online Finish Editing
  • Dolby Vision Certificate
  • Expert in DaVinci Resolve Editing and Color
  • Knowledge of Fusion and Photoshop a plus

Qualified Applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

Apply