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Portrait Painting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ripley Entertainment Inc

Theme/Prop Artist

Orlando, FL · On-site

Duties and skills may include: -Creating wax and resin figures. -Wax figure paint artist. -Figure Finish -Portrait Painter - Repairing/restoring of exhibits. -Theming props for galleries. -Ensuring ...

Tri-C

Adjunct Faculty, Art (2D)

Parma, OH

Teaches a full range of Art studio courseswhich may include Drawing, Painting, 2D Design and Color, Printmaking, LifeDrawing and/or Portrait Drawing & Painting. * Prepares and delivers learning ...

Tri-C

Adjunct Faculty, Art (2D)

Highland Hills, OH

Teaches a full range of Art studio courseswhich may include Drawing, Painting, 2D Design and Color, Printmaking, LifeDrawing and/or Portrait Drawing & Painting. * Prepares and delivers learning ...

Tri-C

Adjunct Faculty, Art (2D)

Westlake, OH · On-site

Teaches a full range of Art studio courseswhich may include Drawing, Painting, 2D Design and Color, Printmaking, LifeDrawing and/or Portrait Drawing & Painting. * Prepares and delivers learning ...

Tri-C

Adjunct Faculty, Art (2D)

Cleveland, OH

Teaches a full range of Art studio courseswhich may include Drawing, Painting, 2D Design and Color, Printmaking, LifeDrawing and/or Portrait Drawing & Painting. * Prepares and delivers learning ...

Tamus

Maintenance Worker I

Kingsville, TX

... portraits and painting. * Assist with stage assembly and breakdown. * Will participate with on-call duties for evenings, weekends and special events. * Acts as service responders during emergency ...

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How much do portrait painting jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for portrait painting in the United States is $21.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become a portrait painter?

To become a portrait painter, develop strong drawing and painting skills through formal education or self-study, and build a portfolio of your work. Gaining experience by practicing regularly, studying anatomy, and learning about different mediums can improve your craft. Establishing a network, marketing your work, and possibly obtaining commissions or certifications can help you establish a career in portrait painting.

What does a typical workday look like for a professional portrait painter?

A typical day for a portrait painter often involves working in a studio setting, spending hours refining sketches, layering paints, and capturing a subject’s likeness based on live sittings or photographic references. You may also interact with clients to discuss their vision, schedule sittings, and provide progress updates. Beyond painting, time may be devoted to administrative tasks such as marketing, materials management, and preparing artworks for delivery or exhibition. Collaboration with galleries, commission clients, and sometimes art suppliers is common, depending on your career stage and working arrangement. Balancing creative focus with client communications and business responsibilities is key to success in this profession.

What is a Portrait Painting job?

A Portrait Painting job involves creating artistic representations of individuals or groups using various mediums such as oil, acrylic, or watercolor. Artists may work on commission for clients, create portraits for galleries, or freelance in different artistic styles. This job requires strong artistic skills, an understanding of human anatomy, and the ability to capture likeness and expression. Portrait painters may work independently or collaborate with studios, museums, or private collectors.

How much should I charge for a portrait painting?

Portrait painters typically charge between $200 and $2,000 or more per portrait, depending on factors such as size, complexity, experience, and reputation. Artists often set prices based on their skill level, the medium used, and the time required to complete the work. It is common to offer different pricing tiers for headshots, busts, or full-body portraits.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Portrait Painting position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Portrait Painting, you need a strong foundation in drawing, color theory, composition, and anatomical accuracy, typically demonstrated through a professional portfolio or formal art education. Expertise with traditional media such as oils, acrylics, or watercolors, and familiarity with studio tools and archival materials, are important in this field. Creative vision, patience, and effective communication with clients help artists stand out and build lasting relationships. These skills are crucial for producing high-quality, individualized artwork that meets client expectations and maintains professional standards.

How much does a portrait painter make?

Portrait painters' earnings vary widely based on experience, reputation, and commission size, with many earning between $20,000 and $80,000 annually. Established artists or those working with high-profile clients can charge several thousand dollars per portrait. Income can also depend on whether they work freelance, in studios, or sell artwork through galleries or online platforms.

Can I make money painting portraits?

Portrait painting can be a profitable career or side income for artists who develop strong skills, build a client base, and market their work effectively. Income varies widely depending on experience, reputation, and the quality of commissions, with some artists earning a significant income through private commissions, galleries, or online platforms.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Portrait Painting jobs? The most popular types of Portrait Painting jobs are:
What states have the most Portrait Painting jobs? States with the most job openings for Portrait Painting jobs include:
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Portrait Painting jobs near you
Infographic showing various Portrait Painting job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 10% Full Time, 70% Part Time, 5% Temporary, 8% Contract, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,394 per year, or $21.8 per hour.
Theme/Prop Artist

Theme/Prop Artist

Ripley Entertainment Inc

Orlando, FL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Ripley Entertainment rating

4.5

Company rating: 4.5 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 19 rated visitor attractions

Job description

Do you want to be a part of something unbelievable? Do you love the weird, unusual, and strange? Then we have the job for you- Ripley Entertainment is looking for an Art Department Artist!

Located in Orlando, FL, Ripley Entertainment is a worldwide entertainment company with attractions like Ripley’s Aquariums, Ripley’s Believe it Or Not! Odditoriums, Ripley’s Mirror Mazes, and Ripley’s Moving Theatres. Whether it’s drawing tattoos on a wax figure of the most tattooed woman in the world, repairing a medieval torture device, or traveling to different locations to install exhibits this job has something for everyone.


Duties and skills may include:

-Creating wax and resin figures.

-Wax figure paint artist.

-Figure Finish

-Portrait Painter

-Repairing/restoring of exhibits.

-Theming props for galleries.

-Ensuring everything leaving the Art Department meets standards both in quality and durability.

-Providing ideas on projects.

-Ability to pack, unpack, move, and set up traveling shows and projects in a timely manner.

-Be willing to take on new responsibilities and learn new skills.

Qualifications/Requirements:

-Knowledge of fabrication. (Carpentry, molding and casting, sculpting, fiberglassing, theme painting, airbrushing, body casting.)

-Familiar with the industry standard resins and silicones such as Smooth-On products.

- Photoshop, Zbrush, Blender, 3D Printing, and 3D Modeling experience is a plus.

-Must have an eye for detail, including the ability to stage, place, and secure exhibits.

-Schedule must be flexible to accommodate the business needs. Travel will be required.

-Highly motivated with a good attitude.

-Resourceful and a good problem solver.

Most importantly, you must have a fun and energetic personality, love the weird and unusual. Now’s your chance to come join the Ripley’s Family! Believe it Or Not!

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