How Much Does a Matte Painter Make?

Updated March 01, 2025
As of March 01, 2025, the average annual pay of Matte Painter in the United States is $55,754. While Salary.com is seeing that Matte Painter salary in the US can go up to $71,031 or down to $40,565, but most earn between $47,804 and $63,750. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and your experience levels. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Related Job Titles to Matte Painter
Digital Matte Painter
$62,069
US
Per Year
Painter
$56,948
US
Per Year
Painter/Illustrator
$47,053
US
Per Year
Painter III
$63,213
US
Per Year
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Similar Job Salaries to Matte Painter by Company

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Company average base salary in (usd) range
Company3/Method Studios
Digital Matte Painter (Temporary)
$65,895/yr
$56,369
$75,421
RANGE: $56,369 - $75,421
MATTE Projects
MATTE Projects is hiring : Design Director in New York
$158,030/yr
$136,094
$179,967
RANGE: $136,094 - $179,967
MATTE PROJECTS
Experiential Designer Job at MATTE PROJECTS in New York
$126,543/yr
$111,309
$141,776
RANGE: $111,309 - $141,776
MATTE PROJECTS
Design Director Job at MATTE PROJECTS in New York
$181,793/yr
$155,701
$207,886
RANGE: $155,701 - $207,886
OSF HealthCare
Painter
$54,652/yr
$47,003
$62,301
RANGE: $47,003 - $62,301
$61,632/yr
$53,586
$69,677
RANGE: $53,586 - $69,677
$66,231/yr
$56,911
$75,552
RANGE: $56,911 - $75,552
$52,834/yr
$45,440
$60,228
RANGE: $45,440 - $60,228
$64,139/yr
$55,163
$73,116
RANGE: $55,163 - $73,116

Open Matte Painter Jobs in the United States

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What Does a Matte Painter Do?

It could be "the surface of planet Ooze, where yellow volcanoes gush with purple lava," or "the Roman Forum, circa 300 B.C.E." The matte painter uses this description to sketch.
Updated December 22, 2021
It is also possible to progress as a Matte Painter through the hierarchy, as you gain more experience and become better at the role, you may have the opportunity to be promoted to a Senior Matte Painter.
Updated December 20, 2021
With the advantages of the digital age, matte painters have slowly transitioned to a digital work environment, using pressure-sensitive pens and graphic tablets in conjunction with a painting software such as.
Updated December 19, 2021
Working with the cameraman, the matte painter would then paint the top part of the castle on the glass matting or blocking out the scene behind the painting.
Updated December 15, 2021
The Matte Artist or Matte Painter is responsible for producing animation for film that are painted representations of background landscapes, scenes, sets or essentially any other element that is difficult or impossible to film.
Updated December 13, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions About a Matte Painter Salaries

What is the average of a Matte Painter in the United States?

The Matte Painter salary range is from $47,804 to $63,750, and the average Matte Painter salary is $55,754/year in the United States. The Matte Painter's salary will change in different locations.

Which location pays the highest Matte Painter salary in the United States?

The Matte Painter salary in San Jose, CA is $69,972 which is the highest in the US.

What kinds of reasons will influence the Matte Painter's salary?

Besides the location, employees' education degree, related skills, and work experience also will influence the salary. Try to improve your skills and experience to get a higher salary for the position of Matte Painter.

What is the growth rate of the Matte Painter's salary?

If you are thinking of becoming a Matte Painter or planning the next step in your career, find the detailed salary report of a Matte Painter.

Recent Salary Report

Below are the most recent Matte Painter salary reports. Employer name has been removed to protect anonymity.

$33 Hourly
A Matte Painter in Racine, WI reported making $33 per hour
Racine, WI
3,000 - 7,6 employees
Part-Time
Company - Public
$4,981 Monthly
A Matte Painter in Beaumont, TX reported making $4,981 per month
Beaumont, TX
1,000 - 3,000 employees
Full-Time
Company - Public
$35 Hourly
A Matte Painter in Jackson, TN reported making $35 per hour
Jackson, TN
7,6 - 15,000 employees
Part-Time
Company - Public
$49,902 Yearly
A Matte Painter in Derry, NH reported making $49,902 per year
Derry, NH
100 - 200 employees
Full-Time
Company - Private
$44,933 Yearly
A Matte Painter in Elgin, IL reported making $44,933 per year
Elgin, IL
6 - 1,000 employees
Full-Time
Company - Private
$68,499 Yearly
A Matte Painter in Mobile, AL reported making $68,499 per year
Mobile, AL
200 - 6 employees
Full-Time
Company - Private