Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators
SOC code 51-9151 · O*NET-SOC 51-9151.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Manufacturing and production
Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$40,610
a year
Hourly
$19.52
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$46,050
$22.14 per hour
Middle 50%
$35,170 – $50,150
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$30,090 – $68,800
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
4,800
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $30,090
- $14.47/hr
- 25th percentile
- $35,170
- $16.91/hr
- Median percentile
- $40,610
- $19.52/hr
- 75th percentile
- $50,150
- $24.11/hr
- 90th percentile
- $68,800
- $33.08/hr
What do photographic process workers and processing machine operators do?
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.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- 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.
How to qualify for this work
Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 84% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- 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.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)84%
- Some College Courses8%
- Bachelor's Degree5%
- Post-Secondary Certificate2%
Common questions
How much does a photographic process workers and processing machine operators earn?
The national median is $40,610 a year. The full range runs from $30,090 at the 10th percentile to $68,800 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 photographic process workers and processing machine operators without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Active Listening3.4/5
- Reading Comprehension3.3/5
- Speaking3.3/5
- Critical Thinking3.1/5
- Monitoring3.1/5
Knowledge areas
- Customer and Personal Service3.9/5
- Computers and Electronics3.7/5
- Production and Processing3.1/5
- English Language3.1/5
- Mechanical2.6/5
- Chemistry2.6/5
- Sales and Marketing2.5/5
Transferable strengths: Operations Monitoring, Quality Control Analysis, Service Orientation, Complex Problem Solving, Operation and Control.