About Stampede Studios Stampede Studios offers a true 360° agency experience, specializing in Creative Marketing, Content and Post-Production Finishing. We are a diverse team of passionate ...
About Stampede Studios Stampede Studios offers a true 360° agency experience, specializing in Creative Marketing, Content and Post-Production Finishing. We are a diverse team of passionate ...
Video Colorist information
See California salary details
$11.39 - $13.80
13% of jobs
$13.80 - $16.22
9% of jobs
$16.72 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$16.22 - $18.63
18% of jobs
The median wage is $20.24 / hr.
$18.63 - $21.05
16% of jobs
$21.05 - $23.47
11% of jobs
$23.47 - $25.88
4% of jobs
$25.88 - $28.30
3% of jobs
$28.90 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$28.30 - $30.71
6% of jobs
$30.71 - $33.13
14% of jobs
$33.13 - $35.54
5% of jobs
$35.54 - $37.96
1% of jobs
$11
$23
$37
How much do video colorist jobs pay per hour?
As of Jun 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for video colorist in California is $23.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $30.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
How much does a video colorist make?
The average salary for a video colorist ranges from $40,000 to $80,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of projects. Experienced colorists working in high-end post-production or with specialized skills can earn higher salaries, especially if they work on commercial or feature film projects. Many colorists also freelance, which can affect income variability.
What does a Video Colorist do?
A Video Colorist is responsible for adjusting and enhancing the color, tone, and mood of a video to achieve a specific artistic or cinematic look. They work with color grading software like DaVinci Resolve or Adobe Premiere Pro to balance colors, correct exposure, and create a cohesive visual style. Colorists collaborate closely with directors, cinematographers, and editors to maintain consistency and enhance storytelling. Their work is essential in films, TV shows, commercials, and online content to create a polished final product.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Video Colorist position, and why are they important?
A Video Colorist needs a strong understanding of color theory, digital imaging, and post-production workflows, often requiring experience in film, television, or digital video projects. Proficiency with professional color grading software such as DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro, or Baselight is essential, and some positions may seek certification in these tools. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for collaborating with directors, editors, and cinematographers. These skills and qualities are crucial to delivering visually compelling content that aligns with the creative vision of a project and meets technical standards.
What does a typical day look like for a Video Colorist and who do they usually collaborate with?
A typical day for a Video Colorist involves reviewing footage, performing color grading and correction tasks, and ensuring consistency and visual appeal throughout the project. Video Colorists work closely with directors, cinematographers, and editors to interpret creative briefs and achieve the desired mood or style. Collaboration is key, as they often participate in review sessions to implement client feedback and finalize deliverables. The role may also involve managing file formats, maintaining project organization, and staying up-to-date with emerging post-production technologies. This team-oriented environment makes communication skills and a collaborative mindset essential for success.
What does a video colorist do?
A video colorist is responsible for adjusting and enhancing the color, contrast, and overall visual tone of video footage to achieve a desired aesthetic or mood. They use specialized software and tools like DaVinci Resolve or Adobe Premiere to ensure color consistency and quality across scenes, often working closely with directors and editors during post-production.
How much do colorists earn?
Video colorists typically earn between $40,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of projects. Entry-level colorists may start at lower salaries, while experienced professionals working on high-profile projects can earn significantly more.
How to become a video colorist?
To become a video colorist, you typically need a strong understanding of color theory, proficiency in color grading software such as DaVinci Resolve or Adobe Premiere, and experience with video editing. Many colorists gain skills through formal education in film or digital media and build a portfolio by working on various projects, often starting as an assistant or intern in post-production environments.
What are the most commonly searched types of Video Colorist jobs in California? The most popular types of Video Colorist jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Video Colorist jobs in California? For Video Colorist jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Video Colorist jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Video Colorist jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Video Colorist jobs? Cities in California with the most Video Colorist job openings:
Freelance Online Finishing Editor/Colorist (DaVinci Resolve)
Los Angeles, CA • On-site
Contractor
Posted 23 days ago
Job description
About Stampede Studios
Stampede Studios offers a true 360° agency experience, specializing in Creative Marketing, Content and Post-Production Finishing. We are a diverse team of passionate innovators dedicated to delivering ground-breaking marketing campaigns and the highest quality digital content across multiple platforms. We're motivated by our world-class partnerships and driven by a desire to see the impact of our work on screens big and small.
Combining decades of knowledge and experience from top talent in the business, we foster an environment where individual growth and creativity is not only encouraged but celebrated. Bottom line, we love what we do, and it shows in our work.
POST-FINISHING
Stampede Post Productions is a full-service finishing company that makes your creative dreams a reality. Always at the forefront of technology, we have all the tools necessary to facilitate your needs from start to finish. From Feature Films and Television Shows to Trailers, Commercials, and EPKs, we can customize a seamless workflow and package that works for your budget. We excel in creating the highest quality media within limited time and financial constraints, while providing an outstanding level of customer service...and we're always there at the finish!
About the role
This is a freelance role. You are applying to be on our freelance online editor list to be called in when needed. If successful, this can be to fill-in for a day, week, or even multiple weeks. We will first put freelancer on a calendar hold before officially booking, unless otherwise challenged.
Online Finishing Editors are responsible for conforming hi-resolution final picture to offline reference edits on Trailers, TV Spots, and other entertainment marketing assets. All Online editing work will be done in DaVinci Resolve so experience with that platform is a must! This Online Finishing Editor job also requires the ability to color grade final material, work in mixed HDR/UHD/2K/HD resolutions, perform minor paint vfx work, and master deliverables in multiple different aspect ratios, social re-sizes, resolutions, and frame rates. All work is required to be on-site at our post facility in Hollywood, which is a fast-paced, client deadline driven environment.
What you'll do
Qualifications
Qualified Applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.
Stampede Studios offers a true 360° agency experience, specializing in Creative Marketing, Content and Post-Production Finishing. We are a diverse team of passionate innovators dedicated to delivering ground-breaking marketing campaigns and the highest quality digital content across multiple platforms. We're motivated by our world-class partnerships and driven by a desire to see the impact of our work on screens big and small.
Combining decades of knowledge and experience from top talent in the business, we foster an environment where individual growth and creativity is not only encouraged but celebrated. Bottom line, we love what we do, and it shows in our work.
POST-FINISHING
Stampede Post Productions is a full-service finishing company that makes your creative dreams a reality. Always at the forefront of technology, we have all the tools necessary to facilitate your needs from start to finish. From Feature Films and Television Shows to Trailers, Commercials, and EPKs, we can customize a seamless workflow and package that works for your budget. We excel in creating the highest quality media within limited time and financial constraints, while providing an outstanding level of customer service...and we're always there at the finish!
About the role
This is a freelance role. You are applying to be on our freelance online editor list to be called in when needed. If successful, this can be to fill-in for a day, week, or even multiple weeks. We will first put freelancer on a calendar hold before officially booking, unless otherwise challenged.
Online Finishing Editors are responsible for conforming hi-resolution final picture to offline reference edits on Trailers, TV Spots, and other entertainment marketing assets. All Online editing work will be done in DaVinci Resolve so experience with that platform is a must! This Online Finishing Editor job also requires the ability to color grade final material, work in mixed HDR/UHD/2K/HD resolutions, perform minor paint vfx work, and master deliverables in multiple different aspect ratios, social re-sizes, resolutions, and frame rates. All work is required to be on-site at our post facility in Hollywood, which is a fast-paced, client deadline driven environment.
What you'll do
- Picture Conforming
- Paint and minor visual effects
- Color Grading in different color spaces
- Versioning/Mastering
- Creation of Deliverables
- Quality Control
- Perform other related finishing needs assigned by post-supervisors
Qualifications
- 6 years of experience in Online Finish Editing
- Dolby Vision Certificate
- Expert in DaVinci Resolve Editing and Color
- Knowledge of Fusion and Photoshop a plus
Qualified Applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.