ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Senior Compositor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

All JobsCompositor JobsSenior Compositor JobsSenior Compositor Jobs in California

Senior Compositor information

See California salary details

$24.7K

$79.2K

$161.4K

How much do senior compositor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior compositor in California is $79,236.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,000.00 and $101,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior compositor?

Senior Compositors are experienced visual effects (VFX) professionals who combine multiple elements such as live-action footage, computer-generated imagery (CGI), and other assets to create final, seamless images for movies, television, and commercials. They are responsible for ensuring that all visual elements blend together realistically, matching color, lighting, and perspective. Senior Compositors also lead teams, mentor junior artists, and collaborate closely with directors and other departments to achieve the creative vision of a project.

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

To thrive as a Senior Compositor, you need advanced skills in digital compositing, color grading, and a strong understanding of visual effects pipelines, typically supported by a degree in visual effects or related experience. Expertise in industry-standard software such as Nuke, After Effects, and Photoshop, as well as familiarity with 3D integration, is essential. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective collaboration set outstanding Senior Compositors apart. These skills ensure the seamless integration of visual elements, maintain high production quality, and support efficient teamwork in demanding post-production environments.

How does a senior compositor typically collaborate with other departments during a VFX project?

As a Senior Compositor, you'll work closely with departments such as 3D, lighting, roto/paint, and production to integrate visual elements seamlessly. You'll often receive assets from 3D artists and lighters, ensuring that rendered elements match the live-action footage in terms of color, lighting, and perspective. Effective communication and feedback are crucial, as you'll review shots, provide notes, and sometimes mentor junior compositors. Collaboration tools like ShotGrid and regular dailies help maintain alignment across the team, resulting in polished final shots that meet the director's vision.

How much does a senior compositor get paid?

A senior compositor typically earns between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. They often work with advanced compositing software like Nuke or After Effects and may require specialized training or certifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Compositor jobs in California?

The most popular types of Compositor jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Compositor jobs in California?

For Senior Compositor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Compositor jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Compositor jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Senior Compositor jobs?

Cities in California with the most Senior Compositor job openings:

Senior Compositor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Compositor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $79,236 per year, or $38.1 per hour.

LOS ANGELES, USA - Compositor - MID/SR - Expression of Interest

Barnstorm VFX

Burbank, CA • On-site

$35 - $65/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Note: At this time we are only accepting applications from those artists residing in Los Angeles, California and are legally eligible to work in the US.
Please only apply once to the best suited job by your current residency location.
About Barnstorm
Barnstorm is an Emmy and VES-nominated visual effects studio based in Los Angeles and with operations in Vancouver, Montreal, Atlanta, NYC and the UK. We provide photo-realistic visual effects for a variety of episodic and select sequences in feature films. We pride ourselves in our artists' talent and dedication to producing world-class visual effects.
Who You Are
You are an experienced Nuke Compositor ready to jump into an exciting studio environment with a wide variety of projects. You have an advanced knowledge of Nuke Compositing techniques and a firm photographic grasp of light, depth of field, distortion, and motion blur. You have a strong creative vision and want to contribute those skills to a growing team and company. The ideal candidate has a strong knowledge of Nuke compositing, experience in a fast-paced studio environment, and is passionate about delivering high quality work and pushing their creative boundaries.
What You'll Do
  • Effectively and seamlessly integrate elements with production footage, using rotoscoping, keying, painting, tracking, and other compositing techniques
  • Along with Leads, Supervisors, and other artists, collaborate with other departments to complete assigned tasks under tight deadlines and fast turnaround times.
  • Deliver consistently high-quality work and troubleshoot technical problems on assigned shots.
  • Strive for excellence in terms of aesthetic and technical work.
  • Take direction from Compositing Supervisors, Leads and VFX Producers to execute clients' vision to the highest standards.

What You Bring
  • 3+ years working in on photo real VFX in film and/or episodic
  • 3+ years episodic experience preferred
  • Advance knowledge of Nuke
  • Mocha, Silhouette, experience preferred
  • An ability to work well within a team, with strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
  • A thorough understanding of both feature film and television VFX production pipelines
  • An ability to interpret supervisor and client notes

Pay Range:
The posted pay range is aligned with what we believe is fair pay at the time of posting this role. An applicant's relevant education, experience, skills and qualifications, location and currency may all be considered when deciding pay position within the range. Pay ranges may change.
This is a hybrid based role. The posted pay range is aligned with what we believe is fair pay at the time of posting this role. An applicant's relevant education, experience, skills and qualifications, location and currency may all be considered when deciding pay position within the range. Pay ranges may change.
Benefit plans are dependent on the local plan offering and employment status but all US and Canada plans include a comprehensive health insurance plan, retirement savings, and paid time off.
Barnstorm VFX is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive team that provides a meaningful work environment free of discrimination and harassment. We seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. Indigenous people, people of color, people of all genders or non-genders, and people with disabilities of all types are encouraged to apply. We thank everyone for their interest and application, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Apply