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Paint Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Scenic Artist

Washington, DC · On-site

$23 - $24.75/hr

In conjunction with the Scenic Charge Artist, maintain paint shop tools, inventories, and cleanliness * In conjunction with the Scenic Charge Artist, maintain all three theatre spaces for internal ...

Stain and Paint Technician

Cedar Hill, TX · On-site

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

A Stain and Paint Technician blends technical skill with artistic judgment to deliver professional finishes. The role demands precision, safety awareness, and the ability to adapt to different ...

Stain and Paint Technician

Cedar Hill, TX

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

A Stain and Paint Technician blends technical skill with artistic judgment to deliver professional finishes. The role demands precision, safety awareness, and the ability to adapt to different ...

Showing results 41-60

Paint Artist information

See salary details

$30.5K

$129.5K

$152.5K

How much do paint artist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for paint artist in the United States is $129,541.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $127,000.00 and $152,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do you get a job as a paint artist?

To become a paint artist, develop a strong portfolio showcasing your work, gain experience through apprenticeships or art classes, and build a network within the art community. Many paint artists also learn relevant skills such as color theory, brush techniques, and may use digital tools for design. Applying to galleries, studios, or freelance opportunities can help secure employment in this field.

What does a paint artist do?

A Paint Artist is responsible for adding color, texture, and detail to various surfaces or digital assets, depending on the industry. In traditional settings, they may hand-paint murals, props, or sets for theater, film, or exhibitions. In digital fields like animation or video games, Paint Artists digitally create textures and surface finishes for 3D models, bringing characters and environments to life. Their work requires a strong understanding of color theory, materials, and artistic techniques to achieve realistic or stylized results.

What are some common challenges a paint artist might face when collaborating with other departments in a production pipeline?

As a Paint Artist, one common challenge is ensuring that your work aligns seamlessly with the needs and timelines of departments such as compositing, roto, and 3D. Communication is key, as you often need to clarify requirements or adapt to last-minute changes in client feedback. Managing file versions and maintaining consistency across multiple shots can also be demanding, especially in fast-paced production environments. Being proactive about cross-departmental feedback and having a strong understanding of the overall production workflow can help overcome these challenges.

What is the difference between Paint Artist vs Mural Painter?

AspectPaint ArtistMural Painter
CredentialsTypically requires artistic training or portfolioOften has similar artistic background, sometimes with specialized mural courses
Work EnvironmentStudio or gallery settings, commissionsOutdoor or large-scale indoor walls
Industry UsageFine art, commercial art, exhibitionsPublic spaces, commercial buildings, community projects
Work ScopeSmall to medium artworks, detailed designsLarge-scale murals, wall-sized artworks

Paint Artists focus on creating detailed artworks in studios or galleries, while Mural Painters specialize in large-scale wall projects often outdoors. Both roles require artistic skills, but their work environments and project sizes differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a paint artist?

To thrive as a Paint Artist, you need a solid understanding of color theory, painting techniques, and art fundamentals, often supported by a degree in fine arts or equivalent experience. Familiarity with various painting media, digital art software like Adobe Photoshop or Corel Painter, and proper use of art materials is common. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong self-motivation are standout soft skills for producing unique and high-quality work. These skills are crucial for expressing artistic vision, meeting client expectations, and succeeding in competitive art markets.
More about Paint Artist jobs
What cities are hiring for Paint Artist jobs? Cities with the most Paint Artist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Paint Artist jobs? The most popular types of Paint Artist jobs are:
What states have the most Paint Artist jobs? States with the most job openings for Paint Artist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Paint Artist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,541 per year, or $62.3 per hour.

Scenic Artist

Arena Stage

Washington, DC • On-site

$23 - $24.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

WHO WE ARE
Arena Stage is the voice of American theater resident in our nation's capital. Focused on American artists, our productions are innovative and representative of stories from across the country. We nurture new plays and reimagine classics. We celebrate our democracy and diversity through a multitude of voices in our productions and community engagement programs to inspire people to action.
WHAT WE VALUE
A work culture that values experimentation and collaboration.
Excellence in all aspects of our endeavor.
Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Inclusion throughout the Organization and within our audience and the community.
Community Service through education and public engagement.
Lead effective partnerships and collaboration to serve artists and arts professionals.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
The Scenic Artist acts as the primary scenic artist for all Arena Stage productions and events.
MINIMUM/CORE REQUIREMENTS:
  • 2-4 years experience scenic art, mural work, fine art, theatrical scenery, related artistic
    fields or educational equivalent
  • 1 year experience in a leadership role

SKILLS REQUIRED:
  • Experience in faux finishing (wood grain, marble, stone, etc.), textures, foam
    carving/sculpting, drawing, drop layout work, color matching and mixing, aging &
    distressing techniques
  • Ability to use HVLP, airless, airbrush, and pump sprayers.
  • Knowledge of current safety standards, MSDS's and OSHA practices
  • Ability to work quickly and efficiently while maintaining quality
  • Attention to detail in all aspects
  • Ability to read draftings and renderings/elevations
  • Ability to adapt to frequently changing circumstances, work collaboratively with other
    employees and guest artists, and maintain a positive attitude in challenging situations

KEY FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:
  • Execute scenic treatments on all scenery pieces and specialty prop pieces, as directed by the Scenic Charge Artist
  • In conjunction with the Scenic Charge Artist, lead a team of over hire scenic artists in the execution of scenic treatments
  • In conjunction with the Scenic Charge Artist, maintain paint shop tools, inventories, and cleanliness
  • In conjunction with the Scenic Charge Artist, maintain all three theatre spaces for internal and external events
  • Create touch up kits for Production Carpenters to maintain the finish of each show throughout the run
  • May be required to work late nights and holidays depending on show needs

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Ability to climb and work from lifts/ladders with or without reasonable accommodation
  • Frequently required to use repetitive hand motions and to reach and bend
    Ability to stand for 8-10 hours per day
  • Capable of wearing a respirator

The Washington Drama Society, Inc., Arena Stage does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting Human Resources at
Offers of employment at Arena Stage are contingent upon a satisfactory criminal background check and/or professional reference check as allowed by employment law in the District of Columbia.