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Photo Retouching Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Varsity Tutors

Photoshop Tutor

Rockville, MD · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching image editing techniques, photo retouching, and digital compositing in Photoshop. Guides students through layer-based editing, creating and refining selections, applying ...

Varsity Tutors

Photoshop Tutor

Alexandria, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching image editing techniques, photo retouching, and digital compositing in Photoshop. Guides students through layer-based editing, creating and refining selections, applying ...

Varsity Tutors

Photoshop Tutor

Fairfax, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching image editing techniques, photo retouching, and digital compositing in Photoshop. Guides students through layer-based editing, creating and refining selections, applying ...

Varsity Tutors

Photoshop Tutor

Washington, DC · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching image editing techniques, photo retouching, and digital compositing in Photoshop. Guides students through layer-based editing, creating and refining selections, applying ...

Varsity Tutors

Photoshop Tutor

College Park, MD · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching image editing techniques, photo retouching, and digital compositing in Photoshop. Guides students through layer-based editing, creating and refining selections, applying ...

Varsity Tutors

Photoshop Tutor

Laurel, MD · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching image editing techniques, photo retouching, and digital compositing in Photoshop. Guides students through layer-based editing, creating and refining selections, applying ...

Varsity Tutors

Photoshop Tutor

Bowie, MD · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching image editing techniques, photo retouching, and digital compositing in Photoshop. Guides students through layer-based editing, creating and refining selections, applying ...

Varsity Tutors

Photoshop Tutor

Leesburg, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching image editing techniques, photo retouching, and digital compositing in Photoshop. Guides students through layer-based editing, creating and refining selections, applying ...

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All JobsPhoto Retouching JobsPhoto Retouching Jobs in Washington, DC

Photo Retouching information

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$11

$38

$68

How much do photo retouching jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for photo retouching in Washington, DC is $38.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.01 and $43.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is photo retouching?

A Photo Retouching job involves editing and enhancing images to improve their quality, correct imperfections, and achieve a desired aesthetic. Retouchers use software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom to adjust colors, remove blemishes, enhance details, and manipulate backgrounds. This work is often used in fashion, advertising, e-commerce, and portrait photography. Skilled retouchers ensure that images look polished and professional while maintaining a natural appearance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in photo retouching?

To thrive in Photo Retouching, you need excellent technical proficiency in image editing software such as Adobe Photoshop, a strong eye for detail, and a foundational understanding of photography and color theory. Expertise in non-destructive editing techniques, layer management, and familiarity with digital asset management systems are commonly required, and industry certifications in Adobe Creative Suite can be advantageous. Strong communication skills, time management, and the ability to interpret client feedback or creative direction help set top retouchers apart. These competencies are critical to consistently delivering polished, high-quality images that meet client specifications and production deadlines.

What are the common challenges faced in photo retouching?

Photo Retouching professionals often face tight deadlines, high-volume workloads, and the challenge of meeting precise client expectations for image quality and style. Balancing the need for artistic enhancement with maintaining the natural look of photos can require both technical skill and creative judgment. Additionally, staying up to date with evolving software tools and trends is essential. Many retouchers work as part of collaborative teams with photographers, designers, and art directors, so strong communication and adaptability are important. Addressing these challenges can lead to skill growth and the opportunity to work on more advanced or creative projects over time.

What are popular job titles related to Photo Retouching jobs in Washington, DC?

For Photo Retouching jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Photo Retouching jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Photo Retouching jobs in Washington, DC are:

Photo Retouching jobs near you
Infographic showing various Photo Retouching job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 52% Full Time, 42% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,617 per year, or $38.3 per hour.

Lab Crew - Photo Editor

Central Photo Company

Washington, DC • On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Part-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • Hands-On Leadership
  • Bonus based on performance
  • Opportunity for advancement

Are you a Lightroom and Photoshop wizard?
Do you care about details and refuse to cut corners?
Can you follow a defined process step-by-step, repeatedly, without drifting?
Are you able to stay focused, move fast, and produce clean, consistent edits at scale?
Does the panoramic format interest you?

The Role
Since 1919, Central Photo Company has been photographing panoramic group portraits at iconic American landmarks.
The Lab Crew is responsible for editing and delivering those images after they’re captured in the field. This is an in-office role based in Washington, DC.
You’ll work with high volumes of panoramic group portraits, editing in Lightroom and Photoshop, managing files, and preparing final images for print and delivery.
This is a production role. The work is structured, repetitive, and requires speed, accuracy, and consistency.
Why This Role Exists

  • Every group that steps in front of a Central Photo Company lens expects a final image that looks clean, balanced, and worth keeping.
  • The Field Crew captures the image. The Lab Crew ensures it’s edited, processed, and delivered correctly every time.
  • You take each photo from captured → edited → delivered.
  • Speed matters a lot. Consistency matters more.
  • You are expected to follow the process closely while maintaining efficiency over continuous editing sessions.
What You’ll Do

  • Edit panoramic group portraits using Lightroom and Photoshop
  • Apply consistent color correction, exposure balancing, cropping, and alignment across large group images
  • Retouch images to ensure clarity, visibility, and overall polish
  • Move photos through the production queue efficiently and accurately
  • Track group information and editing progress within our CRM system
  • Send finalized files to print and ensure proper delivery setup
  • Archive images and maintain organized file systems
  • Work cross-functionally to move each group from photo taken to photo delivered
How the Role Functions
This is a team-based production environment with a defined workflow.A typical cycle:
  • Receive image sets from the field
  • Edit in Lightroom
  • Refine and retouch in Photoshop
  • Prepare and export for print
  • Log, track, and archive files
You are expected to maintain speed, follow the system, and produce consistent results across every batch.
Who Thrives Here
This role is well-suited for people who:
  • Are detail-oriented and process-driven
  • Can stay focused for long periods of time
  • Work quickly without sacrificing quality
  • Are comfortable with repetition and production workflows
  • Take pride in making people look good in photos
  • Care about historic landmarks, group experiences, and preserving moments
  • Communicate clearly and work well within a team
This is a customer-facing business. Even in the lab, care, accountability, and follow-through matter.
Required Skills

  • Strong proficiency in both Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop
  • Solid understanding of editing fundamentals (lighting, color correction, masking, etc.)
  • Comfort using hotkeys and working efficiently within Adobe workflows
  • Experience editing people, large groups, and outdoor environments
  • Strong retouching ability with an eye for balance and consistency
  • Ability to follow a structured editing process
  • Strong organizational and file management skills
  • Clear communication and ability to work within a team
Preferred Experience
Experience with high-volume editing workflows
Able to self-correct and maintain consistency across batches
Experience working with presets or batch workflows
Basic troubleshooting mindset when issues arise
2+ years of experience using both Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop (or equivalent proficiency)
Compensation & Schedule
$20–$25 per hour, based on experience
Part-time, in-office role based in Washington, DC
Schedule aligns with active bookings
Central operates Monday through Saturday, 9AM–5PM, rain or shine.
As groups are photographed, edits are required
Apply Today
If this sounds like your kind of work, we’d love to hear from you.
Submit your resume and a short note telling us why you’re interested in the role.
A portfolio of edited work (including before/after examples) is strongly encouraged.