Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers

SOC code 49-9061 · O*NET-SOC 49-9061.00 · Medium preparation needed · Skilled trades

Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$52,720

a year

Hourly

$25.35

per hour

10th$34,320Median$52,72090th$83,940

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$56,040

$26.94 per hour

Middle 50%

$41,630 – $66,070

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$34,320 – $83,940

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

1,650

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $34,320; $16.50/hr
25th percentile: $41,630; $20.02/hr
Median percentile: $52,720; $25.35/hr
75th percentile: $66,070; $31.77/hr
90th percentile: $83,940; $40.35/hr

What do camera and photographic equipment repairers do?

Repair and adjust cameras and photographic equipment, including commercial video and motion picture camera equipment.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Adjust cameras, photographic mechanisms, or equipment such as range and view finders, shutters, light meters, or lens systems, using hand tools.
Disassemble equipment to gain access to defect, using hand tools.
Test equipment performance, focus of lens system, diaphragm alignment, lens mounts, or film transport, using precision gauges.
Clean and lubricate cameras and polish camera lenses, using cleaning materials and work aids.
Install electrical assemblies and wiring in aircraft camera housings and memory cards or film in cameras, following blueprints and using hand tools and soldering equipment.
Requisition parts or materials.
Calibrate and verify accuracy of light meters, shutter diaphragm operation, or lens carriers, using timing instruments.
Examine cameras, equipment, processed film, or laboratory reports to diagnose malfunction, using work aids and specifications.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 32% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

See all zone 3 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)32%
Post-Secondary Certificate28%
Less than a High School Diploma13%
Some College Courses11%

Common questions

How much does a camera and photographic equipment repairers earn?

The national median is $52,720 a year. The full range runs from $34,320 at the 10th percentile to $83,940 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a camera and photographic equipment repairers without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Critical Thinking3.5/5
Reading Comprehension3.1/5
Active Listening3.1/5

Knowledge areas

Mechanical3.9/5
Computers and Electronics3.7/5
Customer and Personal Service3.6/5
English Language3.5/5
Engineering and Technology3.3/5
Administrative2.8/5
Education and Training2.8/5
Sales and Marketing2.7/5

Transferable strengths: Troubleshooting, Repairing, Equipment Maintenance, Quality Control Analysis, Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making.