ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Photo Editor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Skill

Photo Editor IV

Culver City, CA · On-site

$67.12 - $74.58/hr

Rates: CUL: $68.88 CUP: $74.58 NYC: $72.91 SEA: $73.64 Our client is seeking a top-tier Photo Editor with a deep photo research background to join their creative team and support photography and ...

Skill

Photo Editor IV

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$67.12 - $74.58/hr

Rates: CUL: $68.88 CUP: $74.58 NYC: $72.91 SEA: $73.64 Our client is seeking a top-tier Photo Editor with a deep photo research background to join their creative team and support photography and ...

Aquent

Photo Editor IV

Culver City, CA · On-site +1

$67.12 - $74.58/hr

Rates: CUL: $68.88 CUP: $74.58 NYC: $72.91 SEA: $73.64 Our client is seeking a top-tier Photo Editor with a deep photo research background to join their creative team and support photography and ...

Haus

Junior Photo Editor - Stills

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

We are seeking a Junior Photo Editor to support the selection and organization of imagery for use across digital marketing campaigns, streaming platforms and promotional materials. This role is ideal ...

HAUS

Junior Photo Editor - Stills

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

We are seeking a Junior Photo Editor to support the selection and organization of imagery for use across digital marketing campaigns, streaming platforms and promotional materials. This role is ideal ...

Haus

Junior Photo Editor - Stills

Los Angeles, CA

We are seeking a Junior Photo Editor to support the selection and organization of imagery for use across digital marketing campaigns, streaming platforms and promotional materials. This role is ideal ...

Sony Pictures

Photo Coordinator

Culver City, CA · On-site

The Photo Coordinator supports the Creative Marketing photo team in the production, editing, management, and delivery of photography assets across Sony Pictures Television's portfolio of original ...

Sony Pictures

Photo Coordinator

Culver City, CA

The Photo Coordinator supports the Creative Marketing photo team in the production, editing, management, and delivery of photography assets across Sony Pictures Television's portfolio of original ...

Editor

Editorial Assistant

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

This position requires coordination with the following existing staff: * 1 SEO Specialist * 2 Graphic Designers * 5 Writers * 1 Brand Manager * 1 Photo Editor This is a remote position, available to ...

Editor

Editorial Assistant

Los Angeles, CA · Remote

This position requires coordination with the following existing staff: 1 SEO Specialist 2 Graphic Designers 5 Writers 1 Brand Manager 1 Photo Editor This is a remote position, available to any native ...

PTR Global

Photo Producer

Culver City, CA · On-site

$80 - $90/hr

The Photo Producer will be responsible for managing and coordinating all aspects of photo ... Handle post-production processes, including editing and retouching coordination. * Maintain clear ...

Lux

COMMUNITY EDITOR

South San Francisco, CA

... photo editing software Additional Information Why you should want to work for us: Incredible leadership and an open door policy. Your opinion matters to the organization. The opportunity to get in at ...

Condé Nast

Staff Editor

San Francisco, CA

$80K - $105K/yr

Location: San Francisco, CA Staff Editor-WIRED WIRED is seeking a staff editor for our newsroom ... Coordinate with other WIRED teams on all aspects of the story process, partnering with photo/art on ...

Condé Nast

Staff Editor

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$80K - $105K/yr

Location: San Francisco, CA Staff Editor-WIRED WIRED is seeking a staff editor for our newsroom ... Coordinate with other WIRED teams on all aspects of the story process, partnering with photo/art on ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPhoto Editor JobsPhoto Editor Jobs in California

Photo Editor information

See California salary details

$5

$21

$37

How much do photo editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for photo editor in California is $21.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $29.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a photo editor do?

A photo editor is responsible for selecting, editing, and enhancing images to meet the needs of publications, brands, or clients. Their work often involves adjusting color, cropping, retouching, and ensuring images align with the intended message or aesthetic. Photo editors may also coordinate with photographers, oversee photo shoots, and manage image databases. The role requires both technical skills with editing software and a creative eye for visual storytelling.

What are some common challenges faced by Photo Editors when working with a diverse range of photographers and clients?

Photo Editors often encounter the challenge of balancing creative vision with client expectations, especially when working with photographers who have distinct artistic styles. Effective communication is crucial to ensure that the final images align with both the publication's brand and the client's needs. Additionally, managing tight deadlines and coordinating feedback from multiple stakeholders can require strong organizational and interpersonal skills. Building trust and fostering collaboration with photographers and clients helps streamline the editing process and achieve the desired results.

What Does a Photo Editor Do?

As a Photo Editor, you may find yourself working in a wide variety of industries, including news, book publishing, advertising, website development, and the arts. You may be asked to airbrush photos for advertising or select and edit images to go with a story. You may work with photographers to discuss the objectives of a project and collaborate to achieve it.

How do you become a photo editor?

To become a photo editor, you typically need a bachelor's degree in photography, graphic design, or a related field, along with strong skills in photo editing software such as Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom. Gaining experience through internships or freelance work and building a professional portfolio are important steps in establishing a career in photo editing.

Are editors still in demand?

Photo editors are still in demand as visual content remains essential for marketing, media, and digital platforms. Skills in editing software like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, along with a strong portfolio, can improve job prospects in this evolving field.

Is photo editing a good career?

Photo editing is a viable career that involves enhancing and manipulating images using software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom. It requires creativity, technical skills, and attention to detail, and can offer opportunities in fields such as advertising, publishing, and freelance work. Success often depends on building a strong portfolio and staying updated with industry trends.

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

To thrive as a Photo Editor, you need a strong eye for visual composition, attention to detail, and proficiency in digital editing, often supported by a degree in photography, design, or a related field. Expertise in industry-standard software such as Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, and other image management systems is typically required. Creativity, collaboration, and effective communication distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure high-quality visual content, efficient workflow, and alignment with client or publication standards.

How much can a photo editor make?

Photo editors' salaries vary based on experience, location, and industry, but the median annual wage in the United States is around $45,000 to $65,000. Freelance photo editors may earn more or less depending on project volume and rates, while those working for media companies or advertising agencies often have steady salaries and benefits. Skills in editing software like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom can influence earning potential.
More about Photo Editor jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Photo Editor jobs in California? The most popular types of Photo Editor jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Photo Editor jobs in California? For Photo Editor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Photo Editor jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Photo Editor jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Photo Editor jobs? Cities in California with the most Photo Editor job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Photo Editor jobs in CA? For Photo Editor jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Photo Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Photo Editor job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Part Time, and 33% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,376 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

Photo Editor IV

Skill

Culver City, CA • On-site

$67.12 - $74.58/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Overview

Placement Type:

Temporary

Salary:

$67.12-74.58 Hourly

W2, weekly pay, benefits, 401k w/ match

Start Date:

ASAP

Job Description:

Please notes, candidate must live within 100 miles of Cupertino, Culver City, Seattle or NYC and work PST hours. Rates vary based location.

Rates:
CUL: $68.88
CUP: $74.58
NYC: $72.91
SEA: $73.64

Our client is seeking a top-tier Photo Editor with a deep photo research background to join their creative team and support photography and video needs. The Media Products Design team conceptualizes, designs, and creates the content experiences for some of the most visible products. Your vision can impact the way people consume media products, what they look and feel like, and how they're used by hundreds of millions of people across the globe.

Key Qualifications

  • A deep understanding of editorial storytelling
  • 5+ years of relevant photo editing or multimedia experience in a creatively driven environment including publishing, magazines, entertainment studios, or creative agencies that serve those industries
  • Broad knowledge of photographers across many genres including portraiture, documentary, conceptual, fine art, and more
  • Familiarity with all forms/types of sources for existing photography including boutique syndication agencies, wires, stock houses, museums, and galleries
  • Knowledge of image rights, likeness restrictions, contract negotiation, and legal clearance processes for licensed content
  • Clear and concise communicator
  • Highly collaborative, great to work with on a team, and instinctively understands the value of building great relationships

Description

As a Photo Editor, you will seek out, identify and license compelling images and video for a variety of features. You will be a key member of the team - brainstorming, coordinating and collaborating frequently to synthesize creative input into visual solutions. The ideal candidate is a forward thinker, full of innovative ideas about how photo and video content can visually enrich user experience. Flexibility, creative problem solving and attention to detail are a must.

Education

  • Bachelors Degree or equivalent experience preferred

Additional requirements

  • Portfolio showing exceptional talent in delivering top tier photo research
  • Degree in BS/BA Art, Photography, Art History or Communication preferred

About Aquent Talent:

Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world's biggest brands.

Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match.

Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We're about creating an inclusive environment-one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.

Apply