Colorist salary in United States

Average Yearly Salary of Colorist in United States is approximately 67,379 USD (67,347 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.

What does Colorist do?

A colorist is a professional who specializes in the art of enhancing and manipulating colors in various forms of visual media. They work closely with photographers, filmmakers, graphic designers, and other creative professionals to ensure that the colors in their projects are visually appealing and convey the desired mood or message. Colorists use advanced software tools and techniques to adjust brightness, contrast, saturation, and hue to achieve the desired visual effect. They may also apply color grading and correction techniques to create a cohesive and consistent look throughout a project. Additionally, colorists may collaborate with directors and cinematographers to establish a specific color palette or style for a film or video.

Skills: Colorist, Visual Media, Color Enhancement, Color Manipulation, Color Grading, Color Correction
Job industry: Entertainment

How much does Colorist make?

Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately 3 %


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Salary comparison to National average

Is Colorist a well paid job?

Yes, our data show that Colorist is an averagely well paid job that still allows for some yearly savings. With years and experience the salary might increase even further, resulting in higher satisfaction.

What is considered a high salary for Colorist?

High salary for Colorist would be somewhere between 74,117 USD and 97,700 USD. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.

How much can you save working as Colorist in United States?

Living in United States the approximate monthly expenses are: 2,280 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.

Estimated Yearly Salary: 67,379 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 5,615 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,296 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 32 USD per hour
By working as Colorist a person can save up to 3,332 USD per month or 39,987 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.

NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.

For more information regarding expenses in United States, see costs of living in United States.

Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries

Country's neighbours are: Canada, Mexico.
To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).

Estimated Yearly Salary for Colorist

Last revision of data: 2025-01-04

Salary increase per years of experience

Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following

0 years (beginner) equals base salary

1 to 5 years of experience yields +12% salary increase

6 to 10 years of experience yields +25% salary increase

11 to 15 years of experience yields +16% salary increase

16 to 25 years of experience yields +9% salary increase

more than 25 years of experience yields +10% salary increase

NOTE: Details based on limited set of data. Percentages may vary. The salary increase over years of experience can vary widely based on factors such as job industry, job role, location, company size, and individual performance. To gain even larger increase in salary one is advised to switch jobs and / or employer.

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Data as of 2025

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