Median pay
$40,100
Median annual pay for Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Production
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.
10-year growth
-2.6%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings
1,500
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment
11,200
Estimated U.S. employment for Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost
-300
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Short-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile
What the work involves
Strongest O*NET signals first.
Essential skills
- 1Active Listening
- 2Reading Comprehension
- 3Speaking
- 4Critical Thinking
- 5Monitoring
- 6Active Learning
Knowledge areas
- 1Customer and Personal Service
- 2Computers and Electronics
- 3Production and Processing
- 4English Language
- 5Mechanical
- 6Chemistry
Abilities
- 1Near Vision
- 2Oral Comprehension
- 3Visual Color Discrimination
- 4Oral Expression
- 5Written Comprehension
- 6Arm-Hand Steadiness
Career interests
- 1Realistic
- 2Conventional
- 3Artistic
- 4Investigative
- 5Enterprising
- 6Social
Work styles
- 1Attention to Detail
- 2Dependability
- 3Cautiousness
- 4Adaptability
- 5Perseverance
- 6Achievement Orientation
Work activities
- 1Working with Computers
- 2Controlling Machines and Processes
- 3Getting Information
- 4Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
- 5Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- 6Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
Work context
- 1Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- 2Telephone Conversations
- 3Contact With Others
- 4Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- 5Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- 6Time Pressure
Representative tasks
- 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.
Software and tools
Microsoft Excel · in demandMicrosoft Word · in demandMicrosoft Outlook · in demandSAP software · hot technologyMySQL · hot technologyMongoDB · hot technologyMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyStructured query language SQL · hot technologyMicrosoft Access · hot technologyAdobe Creative Cloud software · hot technologyGit · hot technology
Sources
BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.