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Matte Painter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ducommun

Spray Painter - 2nd or 3rd Shift

Coxsackie, NY · On-site

$18 - $19.50/hr

Production Spray Painter The Production Spray Painter applies protective paint finishes to parts ... Applies primer and matte topcoats to interior and exterior of parts, subassemblies, and assemblies.

Apple

Model Maker - Finisher

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$22 - $27.25/hr

... painting on high-fidelity appearance models. They bring precision, consistency, and meticulous ... polish to fine matte) Candidates with fewer years of experience but a strong portfolio and ...

Company3

Front Desk Coordinator

New York, NY · On-site

... matte painting, compositing, dailies and production services, color grading, post-production finishing, marketing/trailers, live-action production, experiences, and more. Diversity and Inclusion at ...

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How much do matte painter jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for matte painter in the United States is $21.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Matte Painter vs Concept Artist?

AspectMatte PainterConcept Artist
CredentialsTypically requires a background in fine arts, illustration, or digital art; often a degree in related fieldsSimilar credentials, often with a focus on illustration, design, or fine arts
Work EnvironmentPrimarily in film, TV, and game industries; working with visual effects teamsPrimarily in film, gaming, and entertainment; collaborating with directors and designers
Industry UsageUsed to create detailed background environments for visual effectsUsed to develop visual concepts and designs for characters, environments, and scenes

While both roles require strong artistic skills and digital proficiency, Matte Painters focus on creating realistic backgrounds for visual effects, whereas Concept Artists develop initial visual ideas and designs for projects. Both collaborate closely with production teams but serve different stages of the creative process.

How does a Matte Painter typically collaborate with other departments during the production process?

Matte Painters frequently work closely with visual effects supervisors, 3D artists, compositors, and directors to ensure their digital environments seamlessly integrate into live-action footage. Collaboration often involves reviewing concept art, understanding camera angles and lighting requirements, and making adjustments based on feedback from the VFX team. Regular communication is essential to address technical constraints and creative direction, helping to achieve the desired visual outcome for each scene.

What are matte painters?

Matte painters are artists who create realistic or stylized painted representations of landscapes, sets, or distant locations that are used in films, television, and video games. Their work allows filmmakers to depict environments that are either impossible or too expensive to build physically. Matte painters typically use digital tools to seamlessly blend their artwork with live-action footage, helping to create immersive and believable worlds on screen.

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

To thrive as a Matte Painter, you need a strong background in digital painting, art fundamentals, and visual storytelling, usually supported by a degree in art or visual effects. Proficiency in industry-standard tools like Adobe Photoshop, Autodesk Maya, and compositing software such as Nuke is crucial. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective collaboration are standout soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure the seamless integration of digital environments into films or games, enhancing the overall visual narrative.
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What cities are hiring for Matte Painter jobs? Cities with the most Matte Painter job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Matte Painter jobs? The most popular types of Matte Painter jobs are:
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What job categories do people searching Matte Painter jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Matte Painter jobs are:
Matte Painter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Matte Painter job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 25% Temporary, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,394 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

Freelance: Digital Matte Painting - USA

Framestore

Chicago, IL • On-site, Remote

$25 - $100/hr

Temporary

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Framestore Integrated Advertising are always on the look-out for exceptional DMP talent. If you are a freelancer who would be interested in being kept on our books for future freelancing opportunities in our US based offices, please submit your details to us - we would love to hear from you!
Digital Matte Painters are responsible for painting photo real environments, elements and textures for matching into live action plates or to stand on their own as DMP plates. Digital matte paintings may also be used in a 3D environment and may be mapped onto 3D objects.
A strong understanding and sympathy for real world materials and lighting is essential. DMP artists will work closely with the Modeling and Shading departments and therefore must have a basic knowledge of the practices of each of these disciplines.
Our freelance opportunities will always be advertised on our website and we will get in touch with people who have submitted their details as and when opportunities arise. There is no need to apply here more than once - once you're in then you're in and you will be on our radar! In fact, the people who submit here will be our first point of call when we're looking.
So if you want to freelance on some of the most exciting and challenging advertising work out there then you know what to do - hit that 'apply' button right now!
  • Previous experience in a similar role
  • Proficient in Photoshop and Nuke
  • Working knowledge of Maya and Mari are a plus
  • Previous experience working in a Linux environment
  • Strong artistic skills
  • Experience with 2.5 D
  • A good understanding of the entire visual effects process
  • Strong knowledge of camera focal lengths, a good sense of composition and an understanding of different out-put requirements
  • Experience with creating original concept designs
  • Creative problem solving skills

California and New York Employees Pay Range:
Juniors (<1 year - 3 years experience): $25 - $35 per hour
Mids (4 - 6 years experience): $400 - $550 per day
Seniors (6+ years of experience): $600 - $900 per day
The posted range describes the minimum to maximum range for this job description in the state of New York and California. The range is posted in accordance with the New York Pay Transparency Bill and the California Pay Transparency Law. The range for this same position may be lower or higher in markets outside of New York or California. Pay is dependent on the applicant's relevant skills, experience, and qualifications.
Application Process
To apply, please complete the following application form
We review all applications manually and do not use artificial intelligence to screen candidates. If you require any adjustments or support during the application process, please let us know-we are happy to accommodate your needs.

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