How To Become A Photo Retoucher: What It Is and Career Path

What is a photo retoucher and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Like to work with photos? Then be a Photo Retoucher who uses computer software to perform editing or retouching art or photographs. You will use software to edit the tone, color, size, or position of images. Photo Retouchers usually work under a photographer or a client. A Photo Retoucher will perform adjustments to an image. Retouchers mask blemishes, smooth skin, and whiten teeth. They often thin faces or enhance the eyes. Retouchers can also change the hair color or enhance the body. A retouch may also repair a damaged box or remove fingerprints or smooth the surface of a photo. Highlights might also be added or any other requests by the clients.

A Photo Retoucher needs a degree from an art school or a university that offers a degree in art. You may also want to take classes in photography as well as graphic design. Computer courses are also good. You will need to know how to use software and hardware designed for photographs. You must also pay attention to detail and be precise. A Photo Retoucher can make about $47,000 annually, but the salary range changes due to experience and education.

ScorePhoto RetoucherUS Average

Salary

4.0

Avg. Salary $51,529

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity

5.0

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.59%

Asian 14.87%

Black or African American 5.64%

Hispanic or Latino 17.64%

Unknown 5.16%

White 56.10%

Gender

female 47.03%

male 52.97%

Age - 40

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 40

Stress Level

6.0

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level

4.3

Complexity Level is basic

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance

7.3

Work Life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a photo retoucher

Explore photo retoucher education requirements

Most common photo retoucher degrees

Bachelor's

70.0 %

Associate

20.8 %

High School Diploma

3.5 %

Start to develop specific photo retoucher skills

Skills	Percentages
Adobe Photoshop	25.56%
Product Photography	16.04%
Style Guides	6.35%
Mac	5.52%
Digital Assets	5.20%

Complete relevant photo retoucher training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New photo retouchers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a photo retoucher based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real photo retoucher resumes.

Research photo retoucher duties and responsibilities

Manage and complete assignments from editorial and advertisement photographers to be publish in domestic and international media outlets.
Create image silhouettes for clipping paths.
Create clipping paths for images that need to be place in layouts
Edit, organize & retouch photographs for internal projects, create detail presentations in InDesign & PowerPoint.

Prepare your photo retoucher resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your photo retoucher resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a photo retoucher resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose From 10+ Customizable Photo Retoucher Resume templates

Build a professional Photo Retoucher resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Photo Retoucher resume.

Apply for photo retoucher jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a photo retoucher job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

How do photo retouchers rate their job?