ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Matte Painter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Apple

Model Maker - Finisher

Cupertino, CA

$128K - $236K/yr

... 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

Color Producer

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsMatte Painter Jobs

Matte Painter information

See salary details

$11

$21

$33

How much do matte painter jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 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.
More about Matte Painter jobs
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:
What states have the most Matte Painter jobs? States with the most job openings for Matte Painter jobs include:
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 16% Full Time, 57% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 11% Contract, and 12% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,394 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

Paint Protection Film Installer

Detail Auto KC LLC

Overland Park, KS • On-site

Full-time

PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Expertly install paint protection film on various vehicle surfaces using both pre-cut patterns and hand-cut techniques.

  • Prepare vehicles through inspection, washing, decontamination, and paint prep before installation.

  • Conduct final inspection, quality control, and documentation prior to vehicle delivery.

Job description

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled, detail-oriented Paint Protection Film (PPF) Installer to join our growing team. The ideal candidate has proven experience in installing paint protection film on a wide range of vehicles, from daily drivers to high-end luxury and performance cars. This role requires technical proficiency, precision craftsmanship, professionalism, and a strong commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

You will play a critical role in protecting and enhancing our clients’ vehicles using premium Ceramic Pro PPF and other advanced surface protection products.

Key Responsibilities

Installation & Technical Work

  • Expert installation of paint protection film on:

    • Full vehicle wraps

    • Partial front-end protection

    • High-impact areas (bumper, hood, fenders, mirrors, rocker panels, door edges, etc.)

  • Precise cutting, fitting, and finishing of PPF using:

    • Pre-cut software patterns

    • Hand-cut techniques where required

  • Heat forming, stretching, and tucking film properly to ensure seamless, factory-level results

  • Safely remove and reinstall badges, trim, mirrors, lights, and other components when necessary

  • Work with clear, matte, and colored PPF products

  • Identify and correct installation defects (bubbles, lifting, contamination, etc.)

Vehicle Preparation & Quality Control

  • Thoroughly inspect vehicles before installation

  • Perform proper wash, decontamination, and paint prep as needed

  • Ensure vehicles are handled safely and professionally at all times

  • Maintain extremely high quality standards with clean, bubble-free, precise installs

  • Final inspection and documentation before vehicle delivery

Shop & Team Collaboration

  • Work efficiently within scheduled timeframes

  • Communicate clearly with shop leadership about timelines, challenges, and materials needed

  • Maintain a clean, organized, and professional work area

  • Properly care for and maintain tools and equipment

  • Assist with training or mentoring junior installers when applicable

Customer Experience

  • Occasionally interact with customers in a professional and knowledgeable manner

  • Explain care, maintenance, and warranty details of PPF when needed

Required Skills & Experience

Must Have

  • Minimum 1–3 years of professional PPF installation experience

  • Strong understanding of:

    • Film behavior (stretching, shrinking, memory, adhesive properties)

    • Heat techniques and tension control

  • Ability to work with precision and patience

  • Strong attention to detail

  • Reliable, punctual, and professional

  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-end automotive environment