1

Lead Photo Retoucher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

How we LEAD: Merchandise and e-commerce is part of the fabric of music culture. For artists, it's a ... The Photo Retoucher is responsible for delivering high-quality, production-ready image assets ...

How we LEAD: Merchandise and e-commerce is part of the fabric of music culture. For artists, it's a ... The Photo Retoucher is responsible for delivering high-quality, production-ready image assets ...

Position Summary SeneGence is seeking a hands-on Photographer and Photo Retoucher with DigiTech and ... Ability to direct models and lead shoots alongside the Creative Director. * Detail-oriented ...

Work closely with Studio and Retouching teams to ensure that all items shot daily get selected ... lead images * Responsible for working at the same consistent pace of the Studio * Use multiple ...

Work closely with Studio and Retouching teams to ensure that all items shot daily get selected ... lead images * Responsible for working at the same consistent pace of the Studio * Use multiple ...

Now, we're looking for a Senior Creative Lead freelancer who embodies this ethos: a talented ... Photo retouching a plus * Styling & Set/Prop Design: Experience with wardrobe selection & curation ...

... lead by example and create lasting impacts on our organization, its programs, and the community ... As a Retouch/Digital Artist Intern for Hasana, Inc. you will have a variety of responsibilities ...

Now, we're looking for a Senior Creative Lead freelancer who embodies this ethos: a talented ... Photo retouching a plus * Styling & Set/Prop Design: Experience with wardrobe selection & curation ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Lead Photo Retoucher information

See salary details

$10

$33

$60

How much do lead photo retoucher jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead photo retoucher 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 does a Lead Photo Retoucher do?

A Lead Photo Retoucher is responsible for enhancing, correcting, and perfecting images to meet high-quality standards. They oversee a team of retouchers, set workflows, and ensure consistency in style and branding. This role requires advanced skills in photo editing software, color correction, and compositing. Additionally, they collaborate with photographers, art directors, and clients to achieve the desired visual outcomes.

What is the highest paid photography job?

In photography, high-paying roles include commercial photographers, fine art photographers, and photography directors, often earning six-figure salaries. Lead photo retouchers working in high-end advertising or fashion industries can also command top salaries, especially with advanced skills in retouching software like Adobe Photoshop and extensive experience.

What does a typical day look like for a Lead Photo Retoucher, and how do they interact with other team members?

A typical day for a Lead Photo Retoucher involves reviewing raw images, executing advanced retouching techniques, quality checking peers’ work, and collaborating with photographers and art directors to ensure the final product matches creative briefs. You’ll often manage workflows, assign tasks to junior retouchers, and provide feedback to maintain a consistent look and feel across projects. Interaction with creative and production teams is common, so clear communication and teamwork are essential. This structure supports a high-paced, collaborative environment where attention to detail and efficiency are highly valued.

Is retouching a good career?

A career as a lead photo retoucher involves enhancing images using software like Adobe Photoshop and requires strong attention to detail and artistic skills. It can be a stable profession with opportunities in advertising, fashion, and media industries, often requiring continuous learning of new tools and techniques.

How much do photo retouchers charge?

Photo retouchers typically charge between $20 and $100 per hour, depending on experience, complexity of the work, and the industry. Some may offer flat rates for specific projects, especially for commercial or high-volume editing, and proficiency with tools like Adobe Photoshop can influence rates.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Lead Photo Retoucher position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Photo Retoucher, you need advanced expertise in image editing, color correction, and retouching, typically supported by experience in commercial photography or design. Mastery of Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, and familiarity with digital asset management systems are crucial, and certification in Adobe Creative Suite can be advantageous. Strong attention to detail, creative problem-solving, and effective communication stand out as important soft skills for this position. These competencies enable you to deliver high-quality, client-ready images, manage retouching teams, and maintain consistent visual standards across projects.

Is photo editing a good side hustle?

Photo editing as a side hustle can be profitable for Lead Photo Retouchers, especially if they have strong skills in software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom. It offers flexible hours and the potential to earn extra income, but consistent work depends on building a client base and managing time effectively.
More about Lead Photo Retoucher jobs
Infographic showing various Lead Photo Retoucher job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 14% As Needed, 17% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 48% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,561 per year, or $33.9 per hour.
Photo Retoucher

Photo Retoucher

Universal Music Group

Philadelphia, PA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Universal Music Group rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

23rd of 65 rated media


Job description

We are UMG, the Universal Music Group. We are the world's leading music company. In everything we do, we are committed to artistry, innovation and entrepreneurship. We own and operate a broad array of businesses engaged in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising, and audiovisual content in more than 60 countries. We identify and develop recording artists and songwriters, and we produce, distribute and promote the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music to delight and entertain fans around the world.
Fame House, a division of UMG, is the preeminent leader in D2C solutions in music, defining & delivering the industry's best-in-class service to connect artists with their fans. Established & headquartered in Philly, Fame House powers eCommerce for UMG's labels, artists, and Bravado, along with a select roster of 3rd party clients. Our success & culture is fueled by collaboration, both within FH and with our partners. We are passionate about the impact of eCommerce for artists, providing a full service solution to grow an artist's owned business including strategy, creative, storefront merchandising, fulfillment, customer service, technology, and more.
How we LEAD:
Merchandise and e-commerce is part of the fabric of music culture. For artists, it's a way to develop and further articulate their brand. For fans, it's another pathway to connecting with an artist and the culture they represent.
Sitting within the Post Production team and reporting to the Post Production Supervisor, this role plays a critical part in ensuring visual consistency, technical excellence, and brand integrity across all photographic outputs. The Photo Retoucher is responsible for delivering high-quality, production-ready image assets across e-commerce, editorial, and marketing content.
This role partners closely with Photography, Content Production, Creative Direction, and Digital Design to bring creative intent to life through refined, scalable post-production workflows. The Photo Retoucher ensures that all assets meet quality standards, technical requirements, and delivery timelines while supporting efficient, repeatable production at scale.
This is a detail-driven role for a retoucher who understands both creative nuance and operational rigor, and who thrives in a fast-paced, production-heavy environment.
How You'll CREATE
  • Execute high-quality photo retouching across e-commerce product imagery, editorial photography, and marketing assets.
  • Maintain consistent color, lighting, and visual standards across large volumes of imagery.
  • Prepare images for multiple use cases including artist stores, CRM, social, and paid media.
  • Collaborate with Photographers, Producers, and Creative Directors to ensure creative intent is accurately realized in post.
  • Work closely with the Post Production Supervisor to prioritize workloads, manage deadlines, and ensure timely delivery.
  • Apply non-destructive workflows and follow established post-production standards and file management practices.
  • Support color correction, compositing, background cleanup, and advanced retouching as required by project scope.
  • Ensure all assets meet technical specifications and platform requirements prior to delivery.
  • Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, consistency, and quality within retouching workflows.
  • Maintain organized project files and contribute to scalable asset management practices.

Bring your VIBE
  • 3-6 years of professional photo retouching experience within e-commerce, editorial, or commercial photography environments.
  • Expert proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and related post-production tools.
  • Strong understanding of color theory, lighting, and photographic best practices.
  • Experience retouching high-volume e-commerce imagery while maintaining quality and consistency.
  • Comfortable working within structured production workflows and meeting tight deadlines.
  • Strong attention to detail and pride in craft.
  • Collaborative mindset with the ability to take direction and incorporate feedback effectively.
  • Experience working within music, fashion, or lifestyle brands preferred.
  • Familiarity with DAM systems and post-production pipelines is a plus.

Perks Playlist:
Join an entrepreneurial, global organization where authenticity, boldness, creativity, connection, drive, and insight aren't just values-they're how we work every day. Here are some of the ways we support you along the way (and just a few of the benefits we offer):
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Including 100% coverage for out-patient in-network mental health services
  • Fertility coverage for eligible medical plan participants
  • Wellbeing reimbursements for fitness classes, spa treatments, meal services, travel, and so much more (up to $720/year)
  • Student Loan Repayment Assistance and Tuition Reimbursement
  • 401(k) with 100% immediate vesting on the first 5% of your contributions, plus an additional UMG contribution

A variety of ways to prioritize much-needed time away from work including:
  • Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) for exempt employees
  • 3-weeks PTO for non-exempt employees
  • 2-weeks paid Winter Break
  • 10 Company Holidays (including Juneteenth and Wellbeing Day)
  • Summer Fridays (between Memorial Day and Labor Day)
  • Generous paid parental leave for every type of parent

Check out our full overview of benefits on the Perks Playlist page of the career site.
Disclaimer: This job description only provides an overview of job responsibilities that are subject to change.
Universal Music Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an E-Verify employer in Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Utah.
Please note, UMG is not enrolled in E-Verify in California and New York, and cannot support employment of candidates whose employer must enroll in E-Verify, for example candidates on STEM-OPT.
For more information, please click on the following links.
E-Verify Participation Poster: English / Spanish
E-Verify Right to Work Poster: English | Spanish
Job Category:
Creative, Design & Production
Salary Range:
$63,010 - $90,000
The actual base salary offered depends on a variety of factors, which may include, as applicable, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job. All candidates are encouraged to apply.