Photographic process workers and processing machine operators
SOC Code: 51-9151Also known as:
Air Brush Artist, Airbrush Artist, Art Tracer, Automatic Developer, Automatic Mounter
Median Annual Salary
$40,100
-2.6% growth (2024-2034)
2K
Openings/Year
11K
Current Jobs
What Photographic process workers and processing machine operators Do
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.
💰 Salary
$40,100
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-2.6%
Decline
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
2K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Short-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
11,200
Projected Employment (2034)
10,900
Related Careers
Office machine operators, except computer
$39,020 •
-15.2% growth
Camera and photographic equipment repairers
$49,300 •
-15.1% growth
Prepress technicians and workers
$47,300 •
-14.6% growth
Printing press operators
$45,160 •
-8.1% growth
Etchers and engravers
$40,450 •
-0.7% growth
Top Skills Required
Operations Monitoring
Active Listening
Quality Control Analysis
Reading Comprehension
Speaking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Select digital images for printing, specify number of images to be printed, and direct to printer, using computer software.
- Create prints according to customer specifications and laboratory protocols.
- Produce color or black-and-white photographs, negatives, or slides, applying standard photographic reproduction techniques and procedures.
- Set or adjust machine controls, according to specifications, type of operation, or material requirements.
- Review computer-processed digital images for quality.
- Operate scanners or related computer equipment to digitize negatives, photographic prints, or other images.
- Fill tanks of processing machines with solutions such as developer, dyes, stop-baths, fixers, bleaches, or washes.
- Measure and mix chemicals to prepare solutions for processing, according to formulas.
- Load digital images onto computers directly from cameras or from storage devices, such as flash memory cards or universal serial bus (USB) devices.
- Operate special equipment to perform tasks such as transferring film to videotape or producing photographic enlargements.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
College Rankings
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do photographic process workers and processing machine operators make?
The median annual salary for photographic process workers and processing machine operators is $40,100.
What education do photographic process workers and processing machine operators need?
Most photographic process workers and processing machine operators positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Is becoming photographic process workers and processing machine operators a good career choice?
Photographic process workers and processing machine operators is projected to see -2.6% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 1,500 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for photographic process workers and processing machine operators?
The best colleges offer strong programs in related fields with experienced faculty and industry connections.
What other job titles are similar to photographic process workers and processing machine operators?
Photographic process workers and processing machine operators may also be known as: Air Brush Artist, Airbrush Artist, Art Tracer, Automatic Developer, Automatic Mounter, Automatic Print Developer, Black and White Printer Operator, Color Laboratory Technician, Color Printer Operator, Computer-Controlled Color Photograph Printer Operator, Copy and Print Associate, Copy Camera Operator, Darkroom Technician, Developer, Developing Machine Operator, Digital Imager, Digital Imaging Technician, Digital Photo Printer, Digital Photo Technician, Digital Printer Operator.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.