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Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators


Nature of the Work About this section

Photographic processing machine operators use various machines to create prints from film or digital photographs. Most digital processing is done automatically by computer software. Photographic process workers perform more delicate tasks, such as retouching photographic negatives, prints, and images to emphasize or correct specific features.

Education and Training About this section

Most skills needed for these jobs can be learned on-the-job in a few months.

Job Outlook About this section

Current and Projected Employment.

2008 Employment 73,000
2018 Employment 61,200
Employment Change -11,800
Growth Rate -16%

Employment change. Employment is expected to decline rapidly. Self-service machines, home printers, and online ordering services will be able to meet most of the demand for digital prints, but there still will be some demand for professionals to operate the machines, and to develop and print photos from people who continue to use film cameras. Using digital cameras and technology, consumers who have a personal computer are able to edit and to retouch pictures on their computers.

Job prospects. Job opportunities will be best for individuals with experience using computers and digital technology.

Earnings About this section

Median annual wages in May 2008 were as follows:

Photographic process workers $26,010
Photographic processing machine operators 20,360

Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians; Computer operators; Jewelers and precious stone and metal workers; Prepress technicians and workers; Printing machine operators; Science technicians.

Sources of Additional Information About this section


Disclaimer:

Links to non-BLS Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.

  • Photo Marketing Association International, 3000 Picture Pl, Jackson, MI 49201. Internet: http://www.pmai.org

O*NET-SOC Code Coverage About this section

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Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos241.htm (visited February 08, 2012).

 

Last Modified Date: June 9, 2011