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Photo Editor Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Scattermesh

Senior Photo Retoucher

Herndon, VA · On-site

Photoshop Artists use Photoshop to retouch and/or integrate 3D renders into images to produce beautiful, photo-realistic end products. The Photoshop Artists are ultimately responsible for the final ...

Jpixx

Shooter & Editor Freelancers

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

With exceptional camera work, motion graphics, video editing and design, our work targets a diverse audience who value authenticity and crave an emotional connection bringing everyday people and ...

Scattermesh

Senior Photo Retoucher

Herndon, VA · On-site

Photoshop Artists use Photoshop to retouch and/or integrate 3D renders into images to produce beautiful, photo-realistic end products. The Photoshop Artists are ultimately responsible for the final ...

Corps Solutions

Lead Editor

Quantico, VA

Lead Editor Quantico, VA Evaluate combined, joint, multi-service, and service specific concepts in order to analyze, validate, modify, edit or develop to support new document developments. Review new ...

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Photo Editor information

See Virginia salary details

$5

$21

$37

How much do photo editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for photo editor in Virginia is $21.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.20 and $29.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is photo editing a good side hustle?

Photo editing can be a viable side hustle for those skilled in software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom, offering flexible hours and the potential for additional income. Success depends on building a client base, maintaining quality work, and managing time effectively alongside other commitments.

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 to get work as a photo editor?

To work as a photo editor, build a strong portfolio showcasing your editing skills using software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom. Gain experience through internships, freelance projects, or online courses, and consider networking with photographers and media companies to find job opportunities.

How much do photo editors earn?

Photo editors' salaries vary based on experience, location, and industry, but the median annual wage in the United States is around $50,000 to $70,000. Experienced editors with advanced skills in software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom can earn higher salaries, especially in media, advertising, or freelance work.

Is editor a high paying job?

A photo editor's salary varies based on experience, location, and industry, but it is generally considered a mid-range profession. Experienced photo editors working in major markets or for large media companies can earn higher salaries, especially with specialized skills in editing software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom. Entry-level positions tend to have lower pay, while senior roles or freelance work can be more lucrative.

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.
More about Photo Editor jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Photo Editor jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Photo Editor jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Photo Editor jobs in Virginia? For Photo Editor jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Photo Editor jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Photo Editor jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Photo Editor jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Photo Editor job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Photo Editor jobs in VA? For Photo Editor jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Photo Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Photo Editor job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 11% Internship, 61% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,584 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

Senior Photo Retoucher

Scattermesh

Herndon, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Scattermesh is a fast-paced small company looking to disrupt, transform, and innovate on behalf of our clients. We are inventors, technologists, artisans, problem solvers, and collaborators seeking to redefine the content experience by changing how content is managed and delivered to clients. We have an amazing team and we want to add a few talented revolutionaries who want to make a difference solving hard problems. Create your story and start making an indelible impact today.

 

Job Summary

We’re hiring a Senior Photoshop Retoucher on a full-time basis in Herndon, Virginia. Photoshop Artists use Photoshop to retouch and/or integrate 3D renders into images to produce beautiful, photo-realistic end products. The Photoshop Artists are ultimately responsible for the final shot composition including technical and aesthetic quality and integrity of product images to client. As a senior team member you’re responsible for pushing the envelope and mentoring those of less experience to do the same. The ideal candidate has years of experience in integrating CG renders to maximize photorealism of images and/or doing beauty retouching. We're looking forward to seeing your resume and portfolio if this sounds like you.

 

Responsibilities and Duties

  • Bring Art to Life - Dissect what makes photos feel real, learn how cameras work and apply that knowledge to create compelling composites using high quality CG renders and plates captured by our global partners.
  • Move the Needle - Advance our retouching/compositing workflow with new and emerging techniques and technologies.
  • Mentor - Elevate the performance and skills of your team by providing helpful critique and spreading your knowledge.

Qualifications and Skills

  • 10+ years’ experience in a professional setting digitally compositing and retouching images/videos to create photorealistic end products.
  • Expert level mastery of Photoshop
  • Strong knowledge of render AOVs and their uses in a compositing workflow
  • Highly developed eye for aesthetics and realism
  • Deep understanding of how cameras “perceive” the world
  • Able to work within established production pipelines and coordinate amongst other teams
  • Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and work under high pressure with short deadlines
  • Collaborative mindset
  • Comfortable giving and receiving critique
  • Is self-motivated and self-reliant
  • Must have a learning mind-set
  • Classical art training is a plus
  • Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
  • Knowledge/Experience with After Effects/Nuke/Fusion or similar programs in a VFX setting is a plus
  • Photoshop scripting knowledge is a plus
  • Knowledge of human anatomy
  • Must be capable of completing job requirements without the assistance of AI tools
  • US citizenship required

Benefits and Perks

Scattermesh is as obsessed about our employees as our customers. We want to provide great benefits and perks so you can focus on making an impact. We recognize that industry is moving away from better benefits so we have decided to do our part to start reversing the trend. Join us in our quest to disrupt, transform and innovate.

 

Benefits

  • Competitive Market Leading Pay 
  • 25-30 days - Paid Time Off (PTO) / Holiday
  • 100% Company paid medical/dental/vision/plans
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • 401(k) Matching with no cliff vest

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