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Textile Colorist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Colorist develops, adjusts, and manages dye formulations to achieve precise and repeatable color results for textiles. * This role combines hands-on lab work with close collaboration with ...

Colorist The Colorist develops, adjusts, and manages dye formulations to achieve precise and ... Proven experience with textile color matching, specifically dye formulation and color matching for ...

Colorist

Carlstadt, NJ · On-site

$35 - $40/hr

The Colorist develops, adjusts, and manages dye formulations to achieve precise and repeatable color results for textiles. * This role combines hands-on lab work with close collaboration with ...

Sr. Colorist

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$80K - $91K/yr

The Sr. Colorist will be responsible for maintaining color quality and aesthetic ... The right candidate will have a strong understanding of textiles, color, and prints. They should be ...

The Sr. Colorist will be responsible for maintaining color quality and aesthetic ... The right candidate will have a strong understanding of textiles, color, and prints. They should be ...

The ideal Candidate will have 5-10 years of experience as a Colorist; with a performance brand is a ... Degree in apparel, textiles or related field. Experience working at an apparel brand in production ...

Textile Colorist information

See salary details

$32K

$50K

$71K

How much do textile colorist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for textile colorist in the United States is $50,010.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,500.00 and $61,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does a textile artist make?

A textile artist's salary varies based on experience, location, and whether they work freelance or for a company. On average, they earn between $30,000 and $70,000 annually, with skilled artists or those in high-demand markets earning more. Developing technical skills and building a strong portfolio can influence earning potential.

What is a textile colorist?

A textile colorist is a professional responsible for developing and applying color to fabrics and textiles, ensuring color accuracy and consistency in production. They often work with color matching tools, dyes, and color standards to achieve desired results in textile manufacturing.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Textile Colorist?

A Textile Colorist typically spends their day developing precise color formulas, matching samples to client specifications, and conducting tests to ensure colors remain consistent during production. You may work closely with designers, manufacturers, and quality control teams to troubleshoot color issues and make necessary adjustments. The role often involves using specialized software and lab equipment to analyze dye lots and create digital or physical swatches. Staying organized and maintaining meticulous records is critical, as even small color discrepancies can impact the final product’s appearance and marketability.

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

To thrive as a Textile Colorist, you need a strong background in color theory, textile design, and material sciences, often supported by a degree in textile engineering or a related field. Expertise in color-matching technology, spectrophotometers, and color formulation software is crucial, and certifications in color science can be advantageous. Attention to detail, creativity, and strong communication skills enable effective collaboration with designers and production teams. These competencies ensure accurate color reproduction, maintain product quality, and meet client or brand specifications in a highly competitive industry.

Is colorist a difficult job?

A textile colorist's job involves developing and matching colors for fabrics, which requires attention to detail, color theory knowledge, and proficiency with color matching tools. The role can be challenging due to the need for precision, consistency, and understanding of fabric properties, but it is manageable with proper training and experience.

How to become a textile colorist?

To become a textile colorist, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by training in textile dyeing and color matching. Many pursue a degree or certification in textile design, color theory, or related fields, and gain experience with color matching tools and dyeing processes in a manufacturing environment.

What is a Textile Colorist job?

A Textile Colorist is responsible for selecting, developing, and matching colors for fabrics and textiles in fashion, home furnishings, or industrial applications. They collaborate with designers, manufacturers, and dyeing technicians to ensure color accuracy and consistency across production. Using knowledge of color theory, dyes, and digital tools, they create appealing palettes that align with brand aesthetics and industry trends. Their role is crucial in maintaining quality and meeting consumer expectations.

More about Textile Colorist jobs
What cities are hiring for Textile Colorist jobs? Cities with the most Textile Colorist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Textile Colorist jobs? The most popular types of Textile Colorist jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Textile Colorist jobs? The top employers for Textile Colorist jobs are:
Infographic showing various Textile Colorist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 27% Full Time, 46% Part Time, 9% Contract, and 18% Nights. Highlights an 67% Physical, 10% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,010 per year, or $24 per hour.
Colorist

Colorist

Actalent

Carlstadt, NJ

$35 - $40/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Colorist

Job Description

  • The Colorist develops, adjusts, and manages dye formulations to achieve precise and repeatable color results for textiles.
  • This role combines hands-on lab work with close collaboration with production teams to ensure accurate color matching, cost-effective material usage, and efficient dye house operations.
  • The Colorist plays a key role in maintaining quality standards, supporting continuous improvement, and contributing to a friendly, community-oriented work environment.

Responsibilities

  • Formulate dye recipes to match standardized and custom colors within required timelines.
  • Analyze lab results and adjust dye formulations to achieve accurate and consistent color matching.
  • Create, document, and update dye recipes, and provide clear instructions to the dye house for execution.
  • Manage dye house scheduling and coordinate workflow priorities to support on-time production.
  • Monitor the use of fabrics, dyes, and chemicals to ensure cost-effective color development and minimal waste.
  • Partner closely with production and dye house teams to ensure color repeatability and consistency on the shop floor.
  • Communicate updates, challenges, and shifting priorities clearly to relevant stakeholders and provide timely progress updates.
  • Support and promote a collaborative team environment focused on productivity, safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
  • Perform additional lab and production support responsibilities as needed to ensure smooth operations.

Essential Skills

  • 2–3 years of hands-on experience creating and adjusting dye recipes, including formulation work for textiles.
  • Proven experience with textile color matching, specifically dye formulation and color matching for fabrics.
  • Ability to analyze laboratory results and translate them into actionable production dye recipes.
  • Strong understanding of color theory, color matching, and color quality principles.
  • Experience working in a laboratory environment with a focus on quality control and quality assurance.
  • Familiarity with textile machinery and dye house operations.
  • Experience with color software, such as color matching or spectrophotometer systems.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or a related science field.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

  • Experience working closely with production and dye house operations to resolve color issues and improve processes.
  • Knowledge of viscosity, formulation techniques, and the behavior of dyes and chemicals in textile applications.
  • Background or exposure to color cosmetics or related color-focused industries.
  • Strong communication skills to clearly convey technical information and priorities across teams.
  • Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, team-oriented environment with a focus on continuous improvement.
  • Interest in building a long-term career within a niche industry focused on color and textiles, with a desire for internal growth and role expansion.

Work Environment

  • This role operates primarily in a laboratory and production-support setting within a niche color and textiles environment.
  • The position follows a first-shift schedule, typically from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  • The work culture is very friendly, kind, and community-oriented, with a strong emphasis on teamwork, safety, and productivity.
  • The Colorist works closely with dye house and production teams, using laboratory equipment, textile machines, and color software such as color matching and spectrophotometer systems.
  • The organization supports professional growth and offers opportunities to move into other roles and advance within the company.
Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Carlstadt, NJ.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $40.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Carlstadt,NJ.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 25, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.


Actalent logo

About Actalent

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Actalent connects passion with purpose. Our scalable talent solutions and services capabilities drive value and results and provide the expertise to help our customers achieve more. Every day, our experts around the globe are making an impact. We're supporting critical initiatives in engineering and sciences that advance how companies serve the world. Actalent promotes consultant care and engagement through experiences that enable continuous development. Our people are the difference. Actalent is an operating company of Allegis Group, the global leader in talent solutions.

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hanover, MD, US

Year founded

1983

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