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Photo Retouch Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Photo Retoucher

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$25 - $28/hr

We are looking for a Photo Retoucher to join our creative team. This long-term contract opportunity ... Retouch, refine, and enhance large batches of product and marketing images, including color ...

Retouch and upload product photography images * Manipulate, adjust, and swap colors on products ... Proven experience in photo retouching and color manipulation, with a strong portfolio demonstrating ...

Retouch and upload product photography images * Manipulate, adjust, and swap colors on products ... Proven experience in photo retouching and color manipulation, with a strong portfolio demonstrating ...

Retouch and upload product photography images * Manipulate, adjust, and swap colors on products ... Proven experience in photo retouching and color manipulation, with a strong portfolio demonstrating ...

... photo that is published on our website. RESPONSIBILITIES ... Work closely with Studio and Retouching teams to ensure that all items shot daily get selected ...

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Photo Retouch information

See California salary details

$10

$33

$59

How much do photo retouch jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for photo retouch in California is $33.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.07 and $37.74 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a photo retouch?

A Photo Retouch artist is a professional who enhances and modifies images to improve their overall quality and appearance. This can involve correcting colors, removing blemishes, adjusting lighting, and refining details to achieve a polished final image. Photo retouching is commonly used in industries such as fashion, advertising, and portrait photography to create visually appealing images that meet specific standards or client requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a photo retoucher?

To thrive as a Photo Retoucher, you need a strong eye for detail, advanced image editing skills, and a solid understanding of color theory, often supported by a degree in photography or graphic design. Mastery of technical tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, and familiarity with digital asset management systems is typically required. Creativity, time management, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this field. These abilities are essential for delivering high-quality, visually consistent images that meet client expectations and project deadlines.

What are some common challenges faced by photo retouchers when working on commercial projects?

Photo retouchers often encounter tight deadlines and high expectations for image quality, especially in commercial settings such as advertising or fashion. Balancing the client's vision with maintaining a natural, realistic look in images can be challenging. Collaboration is key, as retouchers frequently work with photographers, art directors, and clients to ensure the final product meets brand standards. Staying updated on the latest software and techniques is also essential to handle complex edits efficiently.

What is the difference between Photo Retouch vs Photo Editor?

AspectPhoto RetouchPhoto Editor
Primary FocusRefining and enhancing images by removing imperfections, adjusting colors, and improving detailsSelecting, cropping, and arranging images; applying creative edits and overall composition
Skills & ToolsPhotoshop, Lightroom; skills in detailed editing and retouching techniquesPhoto management software, editing tools; focus on layout and storytelling
Work EnvironmentPhoto studios, advertising agencies, freelanceMedia companies, publishing, freelance

While both roles involve working with images, Photo Retouch focuses on detailed enhancement and imperfection removal, whereas Photo Editor handles broader image selection, composition, and creative adjustments. Understanding these differences helps clients find the right professional for their project needs.

How to become a photo retoucher?

To become a photo retoucher, develop strong skills in photo editing software such as Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, often through online courses or tutorials. Building a portfolio of retouched images and gaining experience through internships or freelance work can help establish your expertise and attract clients or employers.

Is photo retouching a good career?

Photo retouching is a viable career for those skilled in image editing software like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. It offers opportunities in advertising, fashion, and editorial work, often requiring a strong portfolio and attention to detail. The profession can be freelance or employed full-time, with potential for growth as digital media continues to expand.

What are popular job titles related to Photo Retouch jobs in California?

For Photo Retouch jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in California are hiring for Photo Retouch jobs?

Cities in California with the most Photo Retouch job openings:

Infographic showing various Photo Retouch job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 55% Full Time, 37% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,637 per year, or $33.5 per hour.

Photo Retoucher

Robert Half

Irvine, CA โ€ข On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Temporary

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

We are looking for a Photo Retoucher to join our creative team. This long-term contract opportunity is ideal for someone who excels at refining high volumes of imagery for e-commerce, digital campaigns, and print materials while maintaining consistent visual standards. The person in this role will collaborate closely with the broader creative team to prepare high-quality, brand-aligned photography assets and keep image libraries organized and production-ready.
Responsibilities:
• Retouch, refine, and enhance large batches of product and marketing images, including color balancing, blemish removal, wrinkle cleanup, and silhouette adjustments for e-commerce use.
• Prepare photography assets for multiple channels by applying brand-specific visual standards across web, print, and promotional materials.
• Organize, label, store, and archive completed image files so digital assets remain easy to access and properly maintained.
• Adjust imagery for both digital and print output, ensuring files are exported in the correct formats and optimized for their intended use.
• Preserve a consistent look and feel across all edited content by following established retouching and color guidelines.
• Manage daily workload efficiently to meet deadlines without sacrificing accuracy or image quality.
• Partner with members of the creative department to support ongoing photo production and related content needs.
• Maintain a reliable presence through dependable attendance, effective communication, and strong teamwork in an onsite environment.

• 3+ years of experience in photo retouching or photo editing roles.

• Advanced proficiency with Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom for high-volume image editing.

• Strong understanding of image formats, file handling, and optimization for web and print applications.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver work on schedule in a fast-paced setting.

• Excellent attention to detail with a sharp eye for color accuracy, consistency, and overall image quality.

• Solid organizational and time management skills for handling large asset libraries and production workflows.

• Effective communication and collaboration skills to work closely with creative partners and stakeholders.


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About Robert Half

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Founded in 1948, Robert Half pioneered the idea of professional talent solutions to connect opportunities at great companies with highly skilled job seekers. As business needs changed, we evolved to offer specialized talent solutions for finance and accounting, technology, administrative and customer support, creative and marketing, and legal fields. In 2002, we introduced our subsidiary, Protiviti, a global independent risk consulting and internal audit service, to support companies as they faced more strategic business challenges.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Ramon, CA, US

Year founded

1948