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Surfacing Artist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

RH

Gold Leaf Finishing Specialist -California

Torrance, CA · On-site

$22 - $27/hr

Prepare surfaces through sanding, sealing, and layering gesso and bole for proper adhesion and ... Strong artistic judgment, attention to detail, and commitment to craftsmanship * Background in fine ...

Surface Experts

Floor Installer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

... Surface Experts Field Repair Technician role. Skills, experience and characteristics we are looking for include: * Experience working with your hands , whether that's in construction, artistic ...

Apple

Digital Sculptor (All levels)

Cupertino, CA · On-site

... surfaces and are responsible for the production data sets. We are a group of imaginative, problem ... We work hand in hand with Industrial Designers and partner closely with engineers, artists, model ...

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Surfacing Artist information

See California salary details

$13

$50

$188

How much do surfacing artist jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for surfacing artist in California is $50.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.62 and $37.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Surfacing Artist, you need a solid understanding of texture painting, shading, and material definition, usually supported by a degree in art, animation, or a related field. Proficiency in industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, Substance Painter, Photoshop, and rendering engines like Arnold or RenderMan is typically required. Strong attention to detail, creativity, and collaboration skills help artists produce visually compelling surfaces that match the project's artistic vision. These skills ensure assets look realistic or stylistically appropriate, directly impacting the quality and believability of digital environments and characters.

What are some common challenges Surfacing Artists face when ensuring visual consistency across different assets?

Surfacing Artists often work on multiple assets that need to look cohesive within a project’s visual style, which can be challenging due to varying lighting conditions, asset types, and technical limitations. Achieving consistent textures and materials requires close collaboration with modelers, lighting artists, and art directors, as well as a strong understanding of the project’s shaders and rendering pipeline. Staying organized and maintaining clear documentation of texture maps and naming conventions helps streamline the process and minimize inconsistencies.

What is a Surfacing Artist?

A Surfacing Artist is a professional in the animation, visual effects, or video game industries responsible for creating the textures, materials, and finishes that define the look and feel of 3D models. They apply color, patterns, and surface qualities to characters, environments, and props, ensuring they appear realistic or stylized as required by the project. Surfacing Artists work closely with modelers, lighting artists, and art directors to achieve the desired visual outcome. Their work is crucial for making digital assets look believable and appealing on screen.

What is the difference between Surfacing Artist vs Texture Artist?

AspectSurfacing ArtistTexture Artist
CredentialsTypically requires a background in 3D modeling, texturing, and digital art, often with a focus on surfacing techniquesRequires skills in texturing, shading, and material creation, often with similar software knowledge
Work EnvironmentWorks primarily in 3D modeling and rendering pipelines within game or film studiosWorks in digital art and texturing departments, often collaborating closely with modeling and lighting teams
Industry UsageCommonly used in game development, film, and animation for creating detailed surface qualitiesUsed across similar industries for adding surface detail and realism to models

While both roles involve creating surface details for 3D assets, Surfacing Artists focus on defining the look and feel of surfaces, including materials and finishes, whereas Texture Artists primarily apply textures to models to add detail and realism. Both roles require similar skills and often overlap, but their specific focus areas differ within the pipeline.

What are popular job titles related to Surfacing Artist jobs in California? For Surfacing Artist jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Surfacing Artist jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Surfacing Artist jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Surfacing Artist jobs? Cities in California with the most Surfacing Artist job openings:
Surfacing Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surfacing Artist job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 61% Full Time, 38% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 77% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,459 per year, or $50.7 per hour.

Creative Repair Specialist - Training Provided

Surface Experts - San Francisco

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$27 - $35/hr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • Bonus based on performance
  • Company car
  • Paid time off
  • Training & development
  • Wellness resources

Benefits:
  • Competitive compensation
  • Bonus opportunities and add-on commissions
  • No required overtime, no nights, no weekends
  • Paid holidays and accruable vacation
  • Wellness stipend
  • Paid training
  • A company car and phone allowance
  • The strength of a national brand with a local owner who works closely with the team
As a Surface Experts Field Technician, you'll visit customers to repair small spot damage on interior surfaces such as countertops, appliances, tubs, floors, glass cooktops, and more. Our unique approach provides a huge benefit to property managers, hotels, builders, or anyone looking to avoid costly and time consuming replacements.
Learn about our company here: https://www.surfaceexperts.com
See a day in the life of a Surface Experts Technician: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJ0nCFdtqqs
Click here to see a day in the life of a Surface Experts Technician:
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Complete repairs onsite - each typically takes under an hour
  • Apply creative problem solving skills from your training to identify the right solution
  • Grow relationships with customers built upon trust, reliability and quality service
  • Travel primarily within San Francisco to reach customer sites
  • Identify additional opportunities and educate customers on available services
  • Work as a team to collaborate and reach goals

Required Qualifications:
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills
  • Attention to detail, especially the ability to match colors
  • Professional, caring and service-minded
  • Work within reasonable timelines
  • Licensed to operate a passenger car and have a clean driving record
  • Ability to lift 30 pounds, climb stairs, and kneel to access repairs

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience working with your hands (professional or hobby) including maintenance, construction, artists, trades, restoration, and home projects.
  • Experience working in or with facilities maintenance is a big plus

This Surface Experts franchise is independently owned and operated by a franchisee. Your application will go directly to the franchisee, and all hiring decisions will be made by the management of this franchisee. All inquiries about employment at this franchisee should be made directly to the franchise location, and not to Surface Experts Corporate.