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Lettering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Paint Technician

Jackson, CA · On-site

$189K/yr

Apply designs, lettering, or other identifying decorative items to finished products, using paint brushes or paint sprayers. Verify paint consistency. Lay out logos, symbols, or designs on painted ...

... lettering, or other identifying decorative items to finished products, using paint brushes or paint sprayers. • Verify paint consistency. • Lay out logos, symbols, or designs on painted surfaces ...

Paint Technician

Placerville, CA · On-site

$76K - $195K/yr

... lettering, or other identifying decorative items to finished products, using paint brushes or paint sprayers. • Verify paint consistency. • Lay out logos, symbols, or designs on painted surfaces ...

Apply designs, lettering, or other identifying decorative items to finished products, using paint brushes or paint sprayers. Verify paint consistency. Lay out logos, symbols, or designs on painted ...

... lettering, or other identifying decorative items to finished products, using paint brushes or paint sprayers. • Verify paint consistency. • Lay out logos, symbols, or designs on painted surfaces ...

Paint Technician

Jackson, CA · On-site

$75K/yr

... lettering, or other identifying decorative items to finished products, using paint brushes or paint sprayers. • Verify paint consistency. • Lay out logos, symbols, or designs on painted surfaces ...

Air Drains Fog lights Child Safety Alert Systems (EP1, EP2 & EP3) Bus Lettering Bike Rack/Deployment light Fare Box Preferred Education and Experience: Vocational College or Trade/Technical School ...

Aircraft Painter

Los Angeles, CA

$26.25 - $33.25/hr

Follow precise instructions and blueprints to create custom designs, logos, or lettering on aircraft. * Inspect painted surfaces for quality, ensuring proper thickness, gloss, and uniformity of color.

Tradesman II

Jackson, CA · On-site

$28 - $36.40/hr

Engraves lettering in wood or plastic signs. * Smooths surfaces and removes old paint from surfaces to prepare surfaces for paint. * Fills nail holes, cracks, and joints with caulk, putty, plaster ...

PAINTER I

Indio, CA · On-site

$18.75 - $25.50/hr

May do simple lettering and sign painting * Will review and verify work requests daily for scheduled and unscheduled maintenance performing the work required and will turn in completed work orders ...

PAINTER I

Indio, CA

$18.75 - $25.50/hr

May do simple lettering and sign painting * Will review and verify work requests daily for scheduled and unscheduled maintenance performing the work required and will turn in completed work orders ...

PAINTER I

Indio, CA · On-site

$18.75 - $25.50/hr

May do simple lettering and sign painting * Will review and verify work requests daily for scheduled and unscheduled maintenance performing the work required and will turn in completed work orders ...

Maintains menu presentation by keeping menus clean; replacing damaged or soiled pages; cleaning chalkboards; lettering specials on chalkboards. Maintains table setting by removing courses as ...

Aircraft Painter

Los Angeles, CA

$26.25 - $33.25/hr

Follow precise instructions and blueprints to create custom designs, logos, or lettering on aircraft. * Inspect painted surfaces for quality, ensuring proper thickness, gloss, and uniformity of color.

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Lettering information

See California salary details

$9

$16

$24

How much do lettering jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for lettering in California is $16.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.24 and $19.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a typical day look like for a professional lettering artist working in a creative agency?

As a lettering artist in a creative agency, your day usually involves collaborating closely with graphic designers, art directors, and clients to develop custom typographic designs for various projects such as branding, packaging, or advertising. You'll spend time sketching concepts, digitizing artwork, and refining details to align with the client’s vision and project goals. Regular feedback sessions and team meetings are common, ensuring your lettering integrates seamlessly with other design elements. Managing multiple deadlines and adapting to different project styles are frequent challenges, but the role offers creative variety and the opportunity to build a diverse portfolio.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lettering Artist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lettering Artist, you need strong drawing skills, a good understanding of typography, and a portfolio showcasing your work, often supported by formal design education. Mastery of graphic design software such as Adobe Illustrator, Procreate, and Photoshop is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to take feedback are essential soft skills for excelling in this role. These skills ensure the creation of visually compelling and effective lettering that meets client or project requirements.

Is there a career in calligraphy?

A career in calligraphy involves creating decorative lettering for clients, often requiring skills in hand lettering, digital tools, and an understanding of design principles. Professionals may work as freelance artists, in design studios, or for publishing and branding companies, with opportunities to develop a portfolio and gain certifications to enhance employability.

What are lettering artists?

Lettering artists are professionals who specialize in drawing and designing letters by hand, often creating custom typography for various applications such as logos, posters, book covers, and advertisements. Unlike standard fonts, their work involves crafting unique letterforms that convey a specific mood, style, or brand identity. Lettering artists use a variety of tools, including pens, brushes, and digital software, to create their designs. Their skills are valued in graphic design, branding, and illustration industries.

What jobs make $3,000 a day?

In the lettering industry, highly skilled freelance sign painters or calligraphers working on large-scale projects or for high-end clients can potentially earn $3,000 a day, especially with specialized skills and a strong reputation. Such earnings typically require extensive experience, a premium service offering, and often working on custom or large projects. Most lettering jobs do not regularly reach this daily rate, but top professionals in niche markets can achieve such income levels.

How to make money with lettering?

Lettering artists can earn income by offering custom work such as logos, signs, and artwork through freelance platforms, social media, or their own portfolios. Building a strong portfolio, developing skills in design software, and establishing a client base are key to increasing earnings in this field.

What is the difference between Lettering vs Sign Painter?

AspectLetteringSign Painter
CredentialsDesign skills, typography knowledgePainting skills, traditional craftsmanship
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, freelanceSign shops, outdoor signage
Industry UsageGraphic design, brandingCommercial signage, advertising
Common Search IntentDesign-focused, digital or hand-drawnPhysical sign creation, painting

Lettering involves creating stylized text through design and illustration, often digitally or by hand, focusing on aesthetics and typography. Sign painters traditionally hand-paint signs on physical surfaces, emphasizing craftsmanship and physical application. While both roles involve text creation, lettering is more design-oriented, whereas sign painting emphasizes physical sign fabrication.

What jobs can I do if I like writing?

If you enjoy writing, you can pursue careers such as copywriter, content writer, technical writer, or editor. These roles often require strong communication skills, attention to detail, and proficiency with writing tools like word processors or content management systems.
What are the most commonly searched types of Lettering jobs in California? The most popular types of Lettering jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Lettering job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 8% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,301 per year, or $16 per hour.
General Sign Fabricator

General Sign Fabricator

Ultimate Image Printing

Santa Ana, CA • On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

Position: General Sign Fabricator
Work Type: Full-Time
Expected hours: 40 /per week
Hourly Payrate: $20 - $22

Ultimate Image Printing is a fast-paced, rapidly growing company specializing in digital, offset, and large-format printing. We're passionate about quality and innovation, and we are looking for a dependable, skilled, and detail-oriented General Sign Fabricator.

General Sign Fabricators are responsible for the fabrication and assembly of monument signs and channel lettering, working hands-on with LED lighting systems, welders, channel benders, trim caps, and a variety of tools and materials. This role involves all aspects of sign production, including cutting, forming, welding, electrical assembly, and final build-out, ensuring each sign meets quality, safety, and design specifications.

Required Skills and Abilities:
  • Ability to read, understand, and follow written and verbal instructions accurately.
  • Strong measurement skills, including the ability to use a standard measuring tape.
  • Understanding of decimals and fractions for precise measurements (inches, millimeters, centimeters, etc.).
  • Ability to safely operate handheld power tools, such as drills, rivet guns, grinders, and similar equipment.
  • Basic computer proficiency for job tracking, communication, or production documentation.
  • Ability to work with low-voltage lighting systems safely and effectively.
  • Demonstrated willingness to learn new techniques, tools, and processes in a production environment.

Preferred Industry Experience (a plus, but not required):
  • Experience with low-voltage LED installation and wiring.
  • Knowledge of mounting adhesive vinyl to acrylic and other substrates.
  • Familiarity with crating and packing finished signs for safe transport.
  • Experience in channel bending for channel letter fabrication
  • Skilled in the application of trim cap to channel letters.
  • General understanding of signage types and components, including halo-lit letters, front-lit letters, raceways, and monument signage.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements:
  • Ability to perform tasks that require standing, walking, bending, twisting, lifting, and occasional sitting throughout the workday.
  • Capability to lift materials and components typical in a fabrication environment, while following safety guidelines.

Why join us:
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys a dynamic work environment and wants to grow in a role that touches multiple aspects of production and operations. If you’re proactive, detail-oriented, and thrive in a fast-paced setting, we’d love to hear from you!

Benefits:
  • Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental).
  • Retirement Plan (401k, IRA).
  • Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays).
  • Training & Development.