Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators

Overview

Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators has a national median salary of $40,610 per year, with -5.6% projected job growth from 2025–2035. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical education needed to enter this occupation.

Description

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.

Work Values

• Support
• Independence
• Relationships

Work Styles

Responsibilities

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.

Work Activities

• Working with Computers
• Controlling Machines and Processes
• Getting Information
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment

Detailed Work Activities

• Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

T-A-S-K

Technology, Abilities, Skills & Knowledge

Education

Education Levels of Current Workers

The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical education needed to enter this occupation. The chart below shows the highest level of education held by people already working in this field, ages 25 and older. It includes workers who earned more education than the job requires and workers who entered the field under earlier requirements, so the largest bar is not the entry requirement. For example, if someone finished a bachelor's degree and then started working in this field, they are counted under “Bachelor's degree” here, but the job itself typically asks for a high school diploma or equivalent.

Certificates

Certifications applicable to Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators:

Video Resources