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Freelance Photo Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SFMOMA

Senior Editor, Publications

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Solicit bids and prepare contracts for freelance contributors. * Develop and maintain schedules ... photo shoots both on- and off-site, trafficking digital scans and transparencies, compiling related ...

DRN Media Inc. dba RV News magazine

Be Seen First

Business Magazine Editor

Louisville, CO · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Assign tasks to subordinates and freelance contractors. * Proofreading, copy editing and fact ... photo composition and story layout in a magazine format. The right candidate will have an ...

Barkley

FREELANCE | Content Creator

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$129K/yr

Concepting and producing original video and photo content for social media including: TikTok ... Proficiency in editing software (Adobe Creative Suite) * Operates at the speed of culture * Has ...

The Banner

Visuals Editor

Baltimore, MD · Hybrid

$95K - $105K/yr

Assign staff and freelance photographers and illustrators for breaking news and features ... Art direct illustrations and create photo illustrations when needed * Bring creativity, care and ...

Neros Technologies

Video & Photo Lead

Torrance, CA · On-site

$80K - $140K/yr

This role spans pre-production planning, on-location shooting, and post-production editing ... Experience at a production house, media agency or as a freelance director * Familiarity with VFX ...

Barkley

FREELANCE | Content Creator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$129K/yr

Concepting and producing original video and photo content for social media including: TikTok ... Proficiency in editing software (Adobe Creative Suite) * Operates at the speed of culture * Has ...

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How much do freelance photo editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance photo editor in the United States is $22.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $29.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become a freelance photo editor?

To become a freelance photo editor, develop strong skills in photo editing software such as Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom, build a diverse portfolio to showcase your work, and gain experience through internships or freelance projects. Establish an online presence on platforms like Behance or Fiverr, set competitive rates, and network with potential clients to grow your freelance business.

What does a freelance photo editor do?

A freelance photo editor is a professional who edits and enhances photographs for clients, often on a project or contract basis. Their tasks can include retouching images, adjusting color balance, cropping, removing imperfections, and preparing photos for print or digital publication. Freelance photo editors work with photographers, businesses, or media outlets to ensure that images meet the desired aesthetic and technical standards. They use software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom and may specialize in specific types of photography such as fashion, weddings, or commercial products.

How much to charge for 10 edited photos?

Freelance photo editors typically charge between $10 and $50 per photo, depending on complexity, experience, and client requirements. For 10 photos, this could range from $100 to $500. Rates may vary based on editing style, turnaround time, and whether the work involves retouching or advanced techniques.

What Does a Freelance Photo Editor Do?

As a freelance photo editor, you work as an independent contractor for photographers, advertising agencies, or other organizations in the photography industry. Your duties and responsibilities are to enhance, adjust, edit, or retouch digital or print images, using software, such as Photoshop or Gimp, or traditional darkroom tools. You typically work closely with your client to ensure that your work meets their standards or needs. Some photo editors may specialize in a specific area, such as fashion photography or web design.

What are some common challenges freelance photo editors face when working with multiple clients simultaneously?

Freelance photo editors often juggle projects from various clients, each with distinct styles, deadlines, and expectations. Managing clear communication and maintaining consistency across different editing requests can be challenging, especially when balancing urgent revisions or feedback. Effective organization, time management, and setting clear expectations with clients from the outset are crucial for delivering high-quality work while avoiding burnout. Additionally, freelancers must stay updated on editing software and industry trends to remain competitive and meet client needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Photo Editor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Photo Editor, you need a solid grasp of photographic composition, color correction, retouching techniques, and a portfolio demonstrating your editing abilities. Proficiency with editing software such as Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, and familiarity with digital asset management tools is essential, and relevant certifications can be advantageous. Strong attention to detail, time management, and effective communication with clients are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure high-quality, client-focused results and the ability to manage multiple projects efficiently in a competitive freelance environment.

Is photo editing in demand?

Photo editing is in high demand across industries such as advertising, media, and e-commerce, driven by the growth of digital content. Freelance photo editors with skills in software like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom are increasingly sought after for projects involving retouching, color correction, and image enhancement.

How much does a freelance photo editor make?

Freelance photo editors typically earn between $20 and $75 per hour, depending on experience, skill level, and project complexity. Many work on a per-project basis, with rates varying based on the scope of editing and client requirements.
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Freelance Photo Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Photo Editor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 29% Full Time, 64% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 72% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 24% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,978 per year, or $22.1 per hour.

Social Video Editor & Content Creator - SVECC 0609 AB#01

NavitasPartners

Deerfield, IL

$50/hr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Social Video Editor & Content Creator
Location: Chicago, IL, USA [ONSITE ROLE]
Duration: 6+ months

IMPORTANT: Candidates whose most recent experience is primarily freelance-based may not be the best fit for this role.

Position Overview

We are seeking a creative and trend-savvy Social Video Editor & Content Creator to support the development of engaging, social-first content across digital platforms. This role focuses on bringing brand storytelling to life through visually compelling and performance-driven content. The ideal candidate is deeply immersed in social media culture and excels at translating ideas into impactful visual experiences.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design and develop social-first creative assets for platforms such as Instagram, including Stories, Reels, and in-feed content
  • Capture, produce, and edit high-quality photo and video content optimized for social media
  • Create polished, narrative-driven video edits aligned with brand voice and social strategy
  • Collaborate with social and creative teams to brainstorm, storyboard, and execute content concepts
  • Stay current with emerging social trends, platform updates, and creative best practices
  • Incorporate motion graphics, animation, and visual effects to enhance engagement

Required Qualifications

  • 3–5 years of experience creating and editing content for social media platforms
  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro; After Effects preferred)
  • Strong experience shooting and editing short-form social content
  • Solid understanding of visual storytelling, composition, typography, and color theory
  • Strong organizational and time management skills with attention to detail
  • Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
  • Excellent collaboration and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with motion graphics and animation
  • Agency experience or experience supporting multiple brands/accounts
  • Strong understanding of social media trends, creator culture, and platform-native content

Key Skills

  • Social Media Content Creation
  • Video Editing & Production
  • Motion Graphics & Animation
  • Visual Storytelling
  • Adobe Creative Suite
  • Trend Analysis & Digital Engagement

For more details reach at vgill@navitassols.com or Call / Text at 516-862-1203.

About Navitas Healthcare, LLC: It is a Joint Commission Certified / WBENC and one of the fastest-growing healthcare staffing firms in the US providing Medical, Clinical and Non-Clinical services to numerous hospitals. We offer the most competitive pay for every position we cater. We understand this is a partnership. You will not be blindsided, and your salary will be discussed upfront.