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Retouching Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Photographer #504

Washington, DC · On-site

$74K - $130K/yr

Creates retouched images and intricate composites in Photoshop, suitable for official portraits of government officials. Conceptualizes and develops visual assets that align with SAA. Assesses color ...

Graphic Designer II

Mclean, VA · On-site

$65 - $90/hr

Manage the full production lifecycle, including figure/photo selection, retouching, cropping, and sizing * Provide design support for social media, web content, posters, and exhibit materials

Graphic Designer II

Mclean, VA · On-site

$60 - $85/hr

Manage the full production lifecycle, including figure/photo selection, retouching, cropping, and sizing * Provide design support for social media, web content, posters, and exhibit materials

Manage the full production lifecycle, including figure/photo selection, retouching, cropping, and sizing * Provide design support for social media, web content, posters, and exhibit materials

Manage the full production lifecycle, including figure/photo selection, retouching, cropping, and sizing * Provide design support for social media, web content, posters, and exhibit materials

Junior Designer

Washington, DC · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Manage versioning, resizing, retouching, and formatting of imagery * Contribute to process improvements that streamline workflows and enhance team efficiency Minimum Qualifications * 1-2 years of ...

Junior Designer

Washington, DC · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Manage versioning, resizing, retouching, and formatting of imagery * Contribute to process improvements that streamline workflows and enhance team efficiency Minimum Qualifications * 1-2 years of ...

Junior Designer

Washington, DC · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Manage versioning, resizing, retouching, and formatting of imagery * Contribute to process improvements that streamline workflows and enhance team efficiency Minimum Qualifications * 1-2 years of ...

Direct prompts, references, and iteration with strategic intent; push beyond generic output and refine promising material through design, compositing, retouching, or traditional craft. * Apply ...

Showing results 21-40

Retouching information

See Washington salary details

$11

$38

$68

How much do retouching jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for retouching in Washington is $38.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.06 and $43.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is retouching in photography?

Retouching in photography is the process of improving or altering an image after it has been taken, using software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom. This can include removing blemishes, adjusting colors, smoothing skin, correcting exposure, and enhancing details to create a polished final image. Retouching is commonly used in fashion, portrait, and commercial photography to create visually appealing and professional-looking photos. While basic edits can be done quickly, advanced retouching requires skill and attention to detail to achieve natural-looking results.

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

To thrive as a Retoucher, you need expertise in photo editing, color correction, and image manipulation, usually backed by experience in photography or graphic design. Mastery of technical tools like Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, and occasionally Capture One is essential, along with a portfolio demonstrating your capabilities. Attention to detail, creativity, and strong communication skills help you interpret client briefs and produce visually compelling work. These skills ensure high-quality, market-ready images that meet client expectations and industry standards.

What are some common challenges faced by retouchers when working with high-volume projects, and how can they be managed?

Retouchers working on high-volume projects often face tight deadlines and repetitive tasks, which can lead to fatigue and decreased attention to detail. Managing these challenges involves developing efficient workflows, utilizing batch processing tools, and maintaining clear communication with photographers and creative teams about expectations and priorities. Staying organized and periodically reviewing work for consistency ensures high-quality results even under time pressure. Collaboration and feedback loops can also help identify and address any recurring issues early in the process.

What is the difference between Retouching vs Photo Editing?

AspectRetouchingPhoto Editing
Primary FocusRefining and enhancing images by removing imperfections, adjusting skin tones, and improving detailsAdjusting overall image elements like brightness, contrast, cropping, and color correction
Skills & ToolsAdvanced Photoshop techniques, skin smoothing, clone/stamp toolsBasic to intermediate editing software, Lightroom, Photoshop adjustments
Work EnvironmentCommercial, fashion, portrait photography post-productionGeneral photography, social media, marketing images

Retouching involves detailed enhancement and correction of images to achieve a polished look, often requiring advanced skills. Photo editing covers broader adjustments to improve overall image quality. While both roles use similar tools, retouching is more specialized in refining details, making it essential for high-end commercial and fashion work.

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Retouching job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 54% Full Time, 44% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,917 per year, or $38.4 per hour.

Graphics Specialist (Entry Level to SME) TS/SCI with Poly REQUIR with Security Clearance

CGI

Arlington, VA • On-site

Other

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


CGI rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

150th of 226 rated it services


Job description

Position Description: CGI Federal has an exciting opportunity for Graphics Specialists within our Intel sector advancing the national security mission through cutting edge technology. You must have a passion for keeping pace with rapidly evolving technology advancements and leveraging your knowledge on a highly collaborative team to deliver state-of-the-art capabilities. The Graphics Specialist supports the creative team by executing basic design concepts, editing visual assets, and adapting existing artwork. Responsibilities include preparing layouts for print or digital media, resizing images, and ensuring brand consistency. CGI Federal is growing its high-performance team whose members share a passion for building high-quality, scalable, advanced IT solutions in a collaborative, fast-paced, outcome-driven mission. This position is located in our Arlington office; however, a hybrid working model is acceptable. Your future duties and responsibilities: Key Responsibilities (Entry Level)
Asset Production: Create and format graphics for social media, websites, email campaigns, and presentations.
Image Editing: Resize, crop, and retouch photographs using standard software (e.g., removing backgrounds or color correcting).
Brand Compliance: Strictly apply and maintain existing brand guidelines (using correct fonts, logos, and color palettes) for all materials.
File Management: Organize, label, and archive working design files to ensure easy access for the team.
Feedback Implementation: Make revisions and adjustments to design drafts based on input from senior designers or project managers. Key Responsibilities (Junior Level)
• Design Execution: Create digital assets (social media graphics, web banners, email templates) and print materials (flyers, brochures, posters) under the direction of senior staff.
• Brand Consistency: Apply established brand guidelines to all projects, ensuring a cohesive visual identity across all platforms.
• Revisions & Edits: Accurately update creative files throughout various rounds of reviews and client feedback.
• File Preparation: Prepare and organize files for print (e.g., setting up bleeds and color profiles) or digital output.
• Asset Management: Catalog, archive, and maintain an organized database of design assets, templates, and working files.
• Cross-Functional Support: Assist the marketing and communications teams with miscellaneous design, presentation formatting, or administrative tasks. Key Responsibilities (Mid-Level)
• Creative Conception: Interpret client or stakeholder briefs to develop high-level visual concepts, wireframes, and prototypes for various platforms.
• Asset Production: Design complex promotional materials, UX/UI layouts, infographics, motion graphics, and interactive digital/print assets.
• Project Management: Track creative assets, manage timelines, define production specifications, and collaborate with vendors or printers.
• Brand Stewardship: Ensure rigid adherence to brand guidelines while maintaining consistent typography, layout, and color hierarchy across all projects.
• Quality Assurance: Perform advanced image retouching, compositing, color correction, and digital imposition before final delivery.
• Mentorship & Workflow: Guide less experienced team members, participate in team meetings, and optimize creative workflows. Key Responsibilities (Senior Level)
• Visual Strategy & Direction: Conceptualizing and executing highly technical, multi-disciplinary design solutions.
• Advanced Technical Skills: Master-level proficiency in industry-standard tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, or UI/UX and 3D rendering software).
• Cross-Media Execution: Translating a single brand identity into cohesive web, print, motion graphics, and interactive experiences.
• Complex Project Ownership: Manage and design highly complex graphics projects with multiple media applications simultaneously. Translates ambiguous requirements into structured, visually compelling strategies.
• Brand Governance: Maintain strict brand consistency and architecture across global or enterprise-level communication channels.
• Pre-Press & Production Mastery: Ensure all digital files for diverse platforms (print, offset press, web CMS, digital delivery) meet highly technical specifications and accessibility standards.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Act as a subject matter expert, guiding junior designers, conferring with senior leadership, and coordinating with external vendors and printers.
• Quality Assurance: Review all design deliverables for technical accuracy, flawless typography, color correction, and adherence to production standards. Key Responsibilities (SME Level)
• Advanced Visual Communication: Translates highly complex, data-heavy, or abstract concepts into infographics, technical drawings, and immersive 3D/2D visual assets.
• Art Direction & Concept Development: Conceptualizes and directs the execution of brand identities, large-scale displays, and multimedia campaigns.
• Project & Vendor Management: Manages the full lifecycle of major design projects, from initial prototype testing to pre-press, production, and final delivery. Coordinates with external vendors and print shops.
• Technical Lead & Process Optimization: Defines design standards, establishes template libraries, and implements process improvement solutions for complex graphics activities.
• Team Leadership & Mentorship: Reviews the work of junior and mid-level graphics staff, providing technical direction, feedback, and artistic guidance. Required qualifications to be successful in this role: Al roles require an active TS/SCI with Poly Entry Level:
• Education: o High School Diploma/GED with 4 years of relevant experience,
o Associates Degree with 2 years of relevant experience, o or Bachelor's Degree with 0 years of relevant experience
• Software Proficiency: Foundational understanding of design tools like Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign).
• Design Fundamentals: Solid understanding of typography, color theory, and composition.
• Organization: Ability to manage multiple minor projects and meet daily deadlines.
• Communication: Openness to receiving constructive feedback and a willingness to collaborate with team members. Junior Level/Moderate:
• Education: o High School Diploma/GED with 6 years of relevant experience,
o Associates Degree with 4 years of relevant experience, o Bachelor's Degree with 2 years of relevant experience, o or Masters Degree with 0 years of relevant experience
• Software Fluency: Proficiency in industry-standard tools like Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop).
• Communication: Ability to confidently present rough drafts, discuss project briefs, and incorporate constructive feedback.
• Time Management: Capable of handling multiple simultaneous tasks and meeting set deadlines. Mid-Level/Complex:
• Education: o High School Diploma/GED with 8 years of relevant experience,
o Associates Degree with 6 years of relevant experience, o Bachelor's Degree with 4 years of relevant experience, o or Masters Degree with 2 years of relevant experience,
o or PhD with 0 years of relevant experience
• Software: Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and After Effects).
• Technical Knowledge: Working knowledge of motion graphics, UX/UI design principles, web design (HTML/CSS basics), and pre-press print production.
• Visual Storytelling: Ability to translate abstract or technical data into engaging, accessible visual narratives.
• Client Consultation: Strong communication skills for presenting concepts, managing feedback, and negotiating project scope.
• Time Management: Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple complex design projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment. Senior Level/Exceptionally Complex:
• Education: o High School Diploma/GED with 10 years of relevant experience,
o Associates Degree with 8 years of relevant experience, o Bachelor's Degree with 6 years of relevant experience, o or Masters Degree with 4 years of relevant experience,
o or PhD with 2 years of relevant experience
• Interpersonal: Exceptional communication skills to present ideas and negotiate effectively with internal stakeholders and outside vendors. SME Level/Exceptionally Complex:
• Education: o High School Diploma/GED with 12 years of relevant experience,
o Associates Degree with 10 years of relevant experience, o Bachelor's Degree with 8 years of relevant experience, o or Masters Degree with 6 years of relevant experience,
o or PhD with 4 years of relevant experience
• Software Mastery: Expert-level proficiency in industry-standard software suites, such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere, After Effects).
• Technical Design: Proficiency in UX/UI design, HTML/CSS, motion graphics, 3D modeling/rendering, and cross-media design integration.
• Soft Skills: Exceptional problem-solving abilities, high-level client consultation, and the capacity to balance budget limits with high-end creative expectations. CGI is required by law in some jurisdictions to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. The determination of this range includes various factors not limited to skill set, level, experience, relevant training, and licensure and certifications. To support the ability to reward for merit-based performance, CGI typically does not hire individuals at or near the top of the range for their role. Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range for this role in the U.S. is $89,600.00 - $204,000.00. CGI Federal's benefits are offered to eligible professionals on their first day of employment to include: . Competitive compensation
. Comprehensive insurance options
. Matching contributions through the 401(k) plan and the share purchase plan
. Paid time off for vacation, holidays, and sick time
.

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