Also called: Photographic Process Worker, Film Processor
Develops film, makes prints and scans negatives at photo labs and archives, and prints large fine-art photos for artists and customers.
They run film processors, make prints, and scan negatives. Film photography's comeback keeps some labs busy. Specialty labs also print large fine-art prints.
Based on BLS photographic process workers, May 2024 estimates.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
High school diploma, about 0 years after high school. A high school diploma plus paid on-the-job training at a lab; photography classes and darkroom experience help you get hired.
Ways in: On-the-job training. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Photography.
Shrinking (about -10% over 10 years). BLS projects decline.
High risk for 10 years. Digital photography and automated printing kiosks replaced most lab work; a small film-revival niche remains.
Age 18+. One way to start: Apply to photo labs and print shops for lab technician jobs
Classes: Chemistry, Photography, Art.
Official data: O*NET occupation 51-9151.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.