How Much Does a Matte Painter Make in California?

Updated March 01, 2025
As of March 01, 2025, the average annual pay of Matte Painter in California is $61,497. While Salary.com is seeing that Matte Painter salary in CA can go up to $78,347 or down to $44,744, but most earn between $52,728 and $70,317. 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.
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Similar Job Salaries to Matte Painter by Company

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Company average base salary in (usd) range
AHMC Healthcare
Painter
$60,390/yr
$51,938
$68,842
RANGE: $51,938 - $68,842
Beacon Grand
Painter
$71,013/yr
$61,075
$80,952
RANGE: $61,075 - $80,952
$62,549/yr
$53,795
$71,303
RANGE: $53,795 - $71,303
$56,993/yr
$49,918
$64,069
RANGE: $49,918 - $64,069
$62,662/yr
$53,892
$71,432
RANGE: $53,892 - $71,432
$60,674/yr
$52,182
$69,166
RANGE: $52,182 - $69,166
$60,788/yr
$52,280
$69,295
RANGE: $52,280 - $69,295
$62,776/yr
$53,990
$71,562
RANGE: $53,990 - $71,562
$62,776/yr
$53,990
$71,562
RANGE: $53,990 - $71,562

Top 10 Highest Paying Cities For Matte Painter Jobs in California

It is important to understand how location impacts your career prospects in the United States. There are some cities where a Matte Painter can find a job easily with a greater salary paid then achieve a higher standard of living. Below is the top cities list for Matte Painter job salaries in California. Some cities can pay higher salaries for Matte Painter jobs, which can indicate that there is a large demand for Matte Painter positions in this city.
The following table shows top 10 cities where the Matte Painter salary is higher than other cities in California. San Jose takes first place in this list, followed by Santa Clara, Fremont. The Matte Painter salary is $69,972 in San Jose, which is higher than the national average. There are 76 cities' Matte Painter salary higher than national average in California.
The average salary for a Matte Painter in California is $61,497, but we found that the city with the highest salary for Matte Painter jobs is San Jose, CA, and it is higher than Santa Clara. Matte Painter jobs in San Jose can have the opportunity to earn higher salaries than in other cities in California.
CITY ANNUAL SALARY MONTHLY PAY WEEKLY PAY HOURLY WAGE
San Jose $69,972 $5,831 $1,346 $34
Santa Clara $69,972 $5,831 $1,346 $34
Fremont $69,860 $5,822 $1,343 $34
San Francisco $69,693 $5,808 $1,340 $34
Daly City $69,693 $5,808 $1,340 $34
Berkeley $68,020 $5,668 $1,308 $33
Oakland $68,020 $5,668 $1,308 $33
Hayward $67,909 $5,659 $1,306 $33
Antioch $64,229 $5,352 $1,235 $31
Vallejo $62,724 $5,227 $1,206 $30

What Does a Matte Painter Do?

A Matte Painter today will instead create an entire world on the computer screen, to be used in scenes for movies where creating the real thing would be too expensive, time consuming, or just impossible.
Updated December 03, 2021
In films, Matte Painters are the creative and talented people behind making incredible photo-realistic landscapes or interior and exterior environments that you just can’t get on a real set.
Updated November 01, 2021
Along with a good eye for detail, a creative and technically orientated mind and a good helping of patience there's a few things that every prospective Matte Painter needs in their arsenal.
Updated October 25, 2021
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

Frequently Asked Questions About a Matte Painter Salaries

What is the average of a Matte Painter in California?

The Matte Painter salary range is from $52,728 to $70,317, and the average Matte Painter salary is $61,497/year in California. 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.