How to become a photographic process workers and processing machine operator

Q: How do I become a photographic process workers and processing machine operator?

The typical entry-level education is usually requires a high school diploma or ged, though some occupations may not..

Q: How much does a photographic process workers and processing machine operator make?

The median pay in the United States is $40,610 a year (BLS OEWS May 2025).

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.

Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.Typical entry-level education

$40,610Median pay a year

Steps to get there

Most employers expect usually requires a high school diploma or ged, though some occupations may not..Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.

What photographic process workers and processing machine operators do

Select digital images for printing, specify number of images to be printed, and direct to printer, using computer software.
Set or adjust machine controls, according to specifications, type of operation, or material requirements.
Review computer-processed digital images for quality.
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.
Load circuit boards, racks or rolls of film, negatives, or printing paper into processing or printing machines.

Skills that matter most

Active Listening
Reading Comprehension
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Active Learning
Writing
Learning Strategies

Is photographic process workers and processing machine operator a good career?

On the numbers, this job is close to the average across occupations. Median pay is 20% below the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.

Where it pays most

New York $57,760
Virginia $47,380
California $47,320
Florida $46,840
Wisconsin $46,480

Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators salary by state and city

Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.