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Image Retouching Jobs (NOW HIRING)

In addition to supporting core retouching needs, this role will at times be a collaborative partner to the broader creative team, assisting with one-off asset requests and image adjustments as ...

Product Photographer

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Image retouching, clipping paths, and color accuracy * High-volume product shooting workflows * Packaging and lifestyle photography How to Apply Please submit your resume and portfolio (required ...

Own global authority for image finishing and color accuracy across all production methods * Develop ... Own retouching standards ensuring consistent color, lighting, texture, and realism * Conduct visual ...

... retouching? Uline's Creative department is an image-driven powerhouse of over 170 professionals who deliver with speed, passion and excellence. As a Photo Retoucher, collaborate with our in-house ...

... retouching? Uline's Creative department is an image-driven powerhouse of over 170 professionals who deliver with speed, passion and excellence. As a Photo Retoucher, collaborate with our in-house ...

... retouching? Uline's Creative department is an image-driven powerhouse of over 170 professionals who deliver with speed, passion and excellence. As a Photo Retoucher, collaborate with our in-house ...

... retouching? Uline's Creative department is an image-driven powerhouse of over 170 professionals who deliver with speed, passion and excellence. As a Photo Retoucher, collaborate with our in-house ...

... retouching? Uline's Creative department is an image-driven powerhouse of over 170 professionals who deliver with speed, passion and excellence. As a Photo Retoucher, collaborate with our in-house ...

Provide clear, actionable feedback to retouchers and prepress teams to improve image quality and ... Coordinate workflow across retouching, prepress, production, and account teams to ensure efficient ...

... retouching? Uline's Creative department is an image-driven powerhouse of over 170 professionals who deliver with speed, passion and excellence. As a Photo Retoucher, collaborate with our in-house ...

You will oversee retouching complex and demanding editorial fashion campaign photography. Your ... Ensure color consistency between image assets * Upload assets to servers in accordance with ...

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Image Retouching information

See salary details

$10

$33

$60

How much do image retouching jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 9, 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:
Infographic showing various Image Retouching job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,561 per year, or $33.9 per hour.

Freelance Color Retoucher

Set Active

Beverly Hills, CA โ€ข On-site

$50 - $55/hr

Contractor

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Freelance Color Retoucher: This position will work closely with the Creative Manager to execute high-quality retouching on assets spanning across e-commerce, marketing, and social content. In addition to supporting core retouching needs, this role will at times be a collaborative partner to the broader creative team, assisting with one-off asset requests and image adjustments as approved by the Creative Manager. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, fast paced, adaptable, and able to maintain brand consistency across multiple channels while managing varying priorities and timelines.
Retouching Execution
โ€ข Ghost mannequin retouching for product imagery, including color management and maintaining visibility on communication with photography partners when necessary
Campaign imagery retouching, completed in-house by the contractor
โ€ข Supplemental imagery retouching, completed either directly by the contractor or managed through overseas retouching partners depending on scope and timeline
โ€ข E-commerce imagery retouching, completed either directly by the contractor or managed through overseas retouching partners depending on scope and timeline
โ€ข Fabric texture preservation and color accuracy adjustments across campaign, e-commerce, and supplemental assets
โ€ข Maintaining consistent retouching quality aligned with SET Active brand standards
Color Management
โ€ข Leading the color correction process for ghost imagery, incorporating internal team feedback and approvals
โ€ข Ensuring color consistency across ghost, campaign, ecommerce, and supplemental imagery
โ€ข Preparing color reference images and visual guides for overseas retouching partners to ensure accuracy and consistency
Retouching Workflow Management
โ€ข Managing workflow between in-house retouching (completed directly by contractor) and overseas retouching partners
โ€ข Preparing and distributing retouching notes, reference files, and visual direction
โ€ข Reviewing incoming retouched assets for quality control and aligning with the Creative Manager on approvals or revisions
โ€ข Coordinating revisions and communication with overseas partners in alignment with the Creative Manager
Operational Support
โ€ข Assisting in development of a scalable retouching workflow for SET Active
โ€ข Helping streamline post-production timelines, file organization, and overall asset management
โ€ข Supporting the Creative Manager in preparing final retouched assets for marketing launches and campaign rollouts