Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators
Also called: Photographic Process Workers
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.
Also called: Air Brush Artist, Airbrush Artist, Art Tracer, Automatic Developer, Automatic Mounter, Automatic Print Developer
Median pay
$40,610
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$30,090 – $68,800
People employed
4,800
Holland code
RCA
Realistic · Conventional · Artistic
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
- 2.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 3.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
- 4.Do you enjoy serving customers or the public?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
- Long hours on your feet
Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators pay by state
Annual median pay by state (29 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators salary in every state →
What photographic process workers and processing machine operators do
- 01Select digital images for printing, specify number of images to be printed, and direct to printer, using computer software.
- 02Create prints according to customer specifications and laboratory protocols.
- 03Produce color or black-and-white photographs, negatives, or slides, applying standard photographic reproduction techniques and procedures.
- 04Set or adjust machine controls, according to specifications, type of operation, or material requirements.
- 05Review computer-processed digital images for quality.
- 06Operate scanners or related computer equipment to digitize negatives, photographic prints, or other images.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service
- Computers and Electronics
- Production and Processing
- English Language
- Mechanical
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: over 1 month, up to and including 3 months.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from photographic process workers and processing machine operators
- Office Machine Operators, Except Computer83% · +1%
- Printing Press Operators79% · +13%
- Prepress Technicians and Workers78% · +20%
- Motion Picture Projectionists76% · −6%
- Print Binding and Finishing Workers74% · +4%
Change into photographic process workers and processing machine operators
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Office Machine Operators, Except Computer83% · $40,960
- Motion Picture Projectionists82% · $38,270
- Printing Press Operators78% · $45,780
- Prepress Technicians and Workers76% · $48,690
- Photographers65% · $44,660