Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators
Perform work involved in developing and processing photographic images from film or digital media. May perform precision tasks such as editing photographic negatives and prints.
Common Job Titles
- Photo Lab Technician (Photographic Laboratory Technician)
- Photo Printer
- Photo Specialist
- Photo Technician
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- Hands-onOperate photographic processing machines and digital minilabs to develop and process film and digital images following established production protocols.Proficient
- KnowledgeOrganize workflow and prioritize multiple customer orders in high-volume production environments to meet deadlines and optimize resource utilization.Proficient
- KnowledgeAssess image quality and color accuracy using densitometers and color testing equipment to ensure compliance with customer specifications.Developing
- Hands-onExecute precision editing and retouching of photographic negatives and prints using digital editing software and manual tools such as air brushes under time constraints.Developing
- KnowledgeApply Adobe Photoshop and image editing software to manipulate digital photographs and correct defects in customer orders.Developing
- Hands-onCalibrate photographic equipment including enlargers, printers, and processing tanks using thermometers, timers, and measuring instruments to maintain chemical and temperature specifications.Developing
- KnowledgeExplain photographic processing options, turnaround times, and technical requirements when interacting directly with customers in retail or lab environments.Developing
- MindsetRespond to customer service inquiries and quality concerns with professionalism while balancing production schedules and client expectations.Developing
- KnowledgeApply knowledge of chemistry and production processes to mix, monitor, and replenish photographic chemicals and maintain proper processing conditions.Developing
- Hands-onPerform preventive maintenance and troubleshooting on processing equipment including roller transport processors, scanners, and printers to minimize downtime.Developing
- KnowledgeApply creative problem-solving techniques to address technical challenges in image restoration, color correction, and special printing requests.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
5,550
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $30,840. 25th percentile: U.S. $34,460. 50th percentile: U.S. $40,100. 75th percentile: U.S. $51,590. 90th percentile: U.S. $69,290. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $30,840 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $69,290 |
| Workers on average earn | $46,050 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Customer and Personal Service3.9/5
- Computers and Electronics3.7/5
- Production and Processing3.1/5
- English Language3.1/5
- Mechanical2.6/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Adobe Creative Cloud software
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe InDesign
- Adobe Photoshop
- Amazon Web Services AWS software
- Cascading style sheets CSS
- Docker
- Git
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- MongoDB
- MySQL
- SAP software
- Structured query language SQL
- TypeScript
Technology Skills
- Camera Bits Photo Mechanic
- ExpressDigital Labtricity
- HeliconSoft Helicon Focus
- Microsoft Publisher
- Phase One Capture One
- RESTful API
Tools & Equipment
- Artists' brushes
- Automatic photo printers
- Barcode scanners
- Cement splicers
- Chemical stirrers
- Color testing equipment
- Contrast filters
- Darkroom beakers