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.
Median pay
$40,610
Growth to 2035
−6%
declining
Openings a year
600
Time to qualify*
1 month
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Photographic process workers and processing machine operators
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- On-the-job training
- Short-term on-the-job training
- Prior experience
- None
Calculate your switch to photographic process workers and processing machine operators
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Outdoors in all weather
Hazardous conditions
Exposure to disease
Photographic process workers and processing machine operators: 0% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core 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.
Also called: Digital Printer Operator · Film Processor · Film Technician · Lab Technician · Photo Lab Specialist · Photo Lab Technician (Photographic Laboratory Technician) · Photo Printer · Photo Specialist
Outlook and AI
Photographic process workers and processing machine operators held 5,300 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 5,000 by 2035 (−6%, declining; all jobs: +3.5%).
Compare with
- Photographic process workers and processing machine operators vs. Prepress technicians and workers
- Photographic process workers and processing machine operators vs. Camera and photographic equipment repairers
- Photographic process workers and processing machine operators vs. Printing press operator
- Photographic process workers and processing machine operators vs. Etchers and engravers
- Photographic process workers and processing machine operators vs. Office machine operators, except computer
- Photographic process workers and processing machine operators vs. Painting, coating, and decorating workers
- Photographic process workers and processing machine operators vs. Semiconductor processing technician
- Photographic process workers and processing machine operators vs. Print binding and finishing workers
- Photographic process workers and processing machine operators vs. Paper goods machine setters, operators, and tenders
- Photographic process workers and processing machine operators vs. Photographer