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Image Retouching Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CADY

Image Retouching Specialist

Alpharetta, GA · On-site

$16/hr

Responsibilities Image Retouching & Editing * Retouch and edit client photos to meet CADY color and retouching standards, ensuring consistencyacross high volumes of images * Work across senior and ...

Aquent

Senior Image Retoucher

Corte Madera, CA · On-site

$50 - $75/hr

Perform high-end image retouching across product, lifestyle, and marketing imagery, ensuring every detail meets elevated brand standards. * Execute precise color correction and color matching to ...

Tuckernuck

Senior Editorial Retoucher

Washington, DC · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Apply mastery-level image retouching techniques including advanced color correction, sophisticated compositing, background cleanup, high-end skin retouching, and final file preparation for premium ...

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How much do image retouching jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for image retouching in the United States is $33.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.40 and $38.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Image Retouching vs Photo Editing?

AspectImage RetouchingPhoto Editing
Primary FocusRefining and enhancing specific details, skin smoothing, blemish removalAdjusting overall image elements like brightness, contrast, cropping
Tools UsedPhotoshop, retouching brushes, cloning toolsLightroom, Photoshop, editing sliders
Work EnvironmentStudio, post-productionOn-location, post-production
Common UsageFashion, beauty, commercial photographyEvent, landscape, portrait photography

While both image retouching and photo editing involve enhancing photographs, retouching focuses on detailed corrections like skin smoothing and blemish removal, often used in fashion and beauty industries. Photo editing encompasses broader adjustments to improve overall image quality, suitable for various photography styles. Understanding these differences helps clients choose the right service for their needs.

Is retouching a good career?

Image retouching is a viable career for those skilled in photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. It offers freelance and full-time opportunities in advertising, fashion, and media industries, with success often dependent on a strong portfolio and technical proficiency.

Can I get paid to edit photos?

Yes, image retouching is a professional job where individuals can earn money by editing photos for clients, companies, or agencies. Payment can be project-based, hourly, or salaried, often requiring skills in software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom and a strong portfolio.

How to become a photo retoucher?

To become a photo retoucher, develop strong skills in image editing software such as Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom, often through online courses or tutorials. Building a portfolio of retouched images and gaining experience through freelance work or internships can help establish your expertise and attract clients or employers.

What are some typical challenges faced by image retouchers when collaborating with photographers and clients?

Image retouchers often encounter challenges such as interpreting subjective feedback, maintaining consistency with a photographer's or client's visual style, and managing tight deadlines. Communication is key, as retouchers must clarify expectations and ensure their edits align with the creative vision. Additionally, balancing technical precision with artistic judgment is crucial, especially when handling high-volume projects or last-minute revisions. Successful collaboration relies on adaptability and proactive communication throughout the editing process.

What is image retouching?

Image retouching is the process of improving or altering photographs using specialized software to enhance their overall appearance. This can include correcting colors, removing blemishes, adjusting lighting, sharpening details, and even manipulating or combining images. Retouching is commonly used in industries like fashion, advertising, and photography to produce polished and professional-looking images. Skilled retouchers often use programs such as Adobe Photoshop to achieve high-quality results while maintaining a natural look.

How much do retouchers get paid?

Image retouchers' salaries vary based on experience, location, and skill level, with entry-level positions typically earning between $15 and $25 per hour and experienced professionals earning $30 or more per hour. Freelance retouchers may charge per project or hour, depending on complexity and client requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Image Retoucher, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Image Retoucher, you need a keen eye for detail, strong visual aesthetics, and proficiency in digital editing, often backed by a degree or coursework in photography or graphic design. Mastery of tools like Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, and familiarity with color calibration hardware are typically required. Excellent communication, time management, and adaptability help ensure you meet client expectations and handle tight deadlines. These skills are crucial for producing high-quality, visually appealing images that align with brand or client standards.
More about Image Retouching jobs
What states have the most Image Retouching jobs? States with the most job openings for Image Retouching jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Image Retouching jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Image Retouching jobs are:
Image Retouching jobs near you
Infographic showing various Image Retouching job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,561 per year, or $33.9 per hour.

Image Retouching Specialist

Cady Studios, LLC

Alpharetta, GA • On-site

$16/hr

Temporary

Re-posted 19 days ago

CADY Studios rating

5.0

Company rating: 5.0 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 11 rated photography companies

Job description

**THIS ROLE REPORTS ON-SITE AT OUR ALPHARETTA OFFICE**
Who is CADY?
CADY exists to inspire and unleash human potential. Started in 1999, we have become the fastest growing photography company in the U.S., with an average 20% growth each year. Through photography, classroom solutions, school branding, and more, we deliver an experience unlike anything in our industry. We are an innovative company competing to outdo ourselves, year after year. As the nation's premier school photography company, we engage with students, schools, and our team members to make them feel accepted and empowered. CADY's mission is to go beyond a portrait and to provide a premier experience for the extraordinary- because each of our guests, school partners, and team members are utterly extraordinary.
Who are you?
You are an ambitious, detail oriented team member who finds joy in making meaningful connections with people. You have a true passion for creating memorable experiences for people. You see beyond the surface of interactions and recognize that every person has a story and the idea of being a part of that is exciting! You enjoy working hard and celebrating hard. You love the opportunity to exceed expectations- and be rewarded for your contribution to the company!
Job Summary
As a Retouching Specialist, you are the first person to see the work of our photographers in the field. In addition to some design work, this position retouches, edits, and ensures the photographs uphold the CADY standard. You will work to ensure the quality of retouched photographs received from our outsourced vendors meet our standards. We are looking for someone who is detail oriented, has a creative eye, and loves the world of photography. If this sounds like you, then apply today!
Responsibilities
Image Retouching & Editing
  • Retouch and edit client photos to meet CADY color and retouching standards, ensuring consistencyacross high volumes of images
  • Work across senior and underclass photography, adapting to scene and school-specific requirements for each job
  • Use Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, and other CADY tools to complete editing work accurately and within SLA
  • Maintain a trained, consistent eye for quality - understanding that every image that leaves this team reflects the CADY standard

Vendor QC & Corrections
  • Review vendor-retouched images against CADY standards, identifying work that does not meet requirements
  • Document correction needs clearly and route them to the appropriate area specialist or lead for vendor follow-through
  • Flag recurring quality issues or patterns to the lead or area specialist to support process improvement and escalation as needed

Workflow & Job Tracking
  • Import, organize, and track photo documentation and job progress using CADY-specific tools and dashboards
  • Prioritize work queue effectively to meet SLAs, looking to the lead or area specialist for direction when priorities are unclear
  • Identify and flag bottlenecks or job concerns proactively, routing them to the lead or specialist before escalating to the Image Standards Supervisor

Job Requirements
  • Experience in Adobe Creative Suite, Photoshop, and Lightroom.
  • High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • Return a satisfactory background check.
  • Extreme attention to detail.
  • Ability to exceed deadlines.
  • Willing to work a schedule based on fluctuating needs.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment
  • Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to use a computer, keyboard, mouse, and other standard office equipment regularly.
  • Ability to occasionally stand, walk, bend, or reach within an office environment.
  • Ability to lift and move items up to 15 lbs., such as files, office supplies, or equipment.
  • Comfortable working in a standard indoor office setting with moderate noise levels.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in person, via phone, and through virtual meeting platforms.

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