Occupation · SOC 51-9151
Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators
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.
Median wage
$40,100
$30,840–$69,290
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
5,550
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
3 mapped
Core skills
Operations MonitoringQuality Control AnalysisActive ListeningSpeakingService OrientationReading ComprehensionOperation and ControlMonitoringCritical ThinkingComplex Problem SolvingTime ManagementJudgment and Decision MakingTroubleshootingSocial PerceptivenessPersuasionNegotiationActive LearningWritingSystems AnalysisInstructingEquipment SelectionEquipment MaintenanceCoordinationSystems EvaluationLearning StrategiesRepairingProgrammingManagement of Personnel ResourcesManagement of Material ResourcesTechnology DesignMathematicsManagement of Financial ResourcesScienceOperations AnalysisInstallation
Knowledge areas
Customer and Personal ServiceComputers and ElectronicsProduction and ProcessingEnglish LanguageMechanicalChemistrySales and MarketingEducation and TrainingMathematicsLaw and GovernmentAdministration and ManagementFine ArtsEngineering and TechnologyDesignPublic Safety and SecurityAdministrativePersonnel and Human ResourcesEconomics and AccountingCommunications and MediaTelecommunicationsPhysicsTransportationPsychologyForeign LanguageSociology and AnthropologyMedicine and DentistryGeographyBuilding and ConstructionPhilosophy and TheologyTherapy and CounselingFood ProductionBiologyHistory and Archeology
Technology & tools
Adobe Creative Cloud softwareAdobe IllustratorAdobe InDesignAdobe PhotoshopAmazon Web Services AWS softwareCamera Bits Photo MechanicCascading style sheets CSSDockerExpressDigital LabtricityGitHeliconSoft Helicon FocusMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft PublisherMicrosoft WordMongoDBMySQLPhase One Capture OneRESTful APISAP softwareStructured query language SQLTypeScript
Representative tasks
Working with ComputersControlling Machines and ProcessesGetting InformationPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentThinking CreativelyIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesSelling or Influencing OthersTraining and Teaching OthersEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesScheduling Work and ActivitiesResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesDocumenting/Recording InformationHandling and Moving ObjectsAnalyzing Data or InformationDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesProcessing InformationCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsPerforming General Physical ActivitiesGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersAssisting and Caring for OthersInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersStaffing Organizational UnitsDeveloping and Building TeamsDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Digital image selection — identify and forward printable files to printer using basic photo imaging software under direct supervisor guidance in a retail photo lab.Customer print specifications — follow written lab protocols to produce basic prints from standard customer orders under close supervision on entry-level production equipment.Processing machine tanks — fill developer, stop-bath, and fixer tanks with premixed solutions according to labeled instructions in a supervised lab environment.Machine control settings — read and apply preset control adjustments on processing machines following written specification sheets under technician direction.Photographic reproductions — apply standard color or black-and-white reproduction procedures to routine orders under direct oversight in a production photo lab.Scanned image files — operate flatbed or film scanners to digitize negatives and photographic prints following step-by-step procedures in a supervised workflow.Chemical mixing formulas — measure and mix processing chemicals according to posted formulas using standard lab equipment under direct supervision.Digital image quality — review computer-processed images for obvious defects such as color cast or exposure errors using checklist criteria provided by a supervisor.Lab software navigation — locate and open customer image files using photo imaging or database software with guidance from experienced co-workers in a retail lab setting.Active listening on the job — receive and repeat back verbal instructions from supervisors regarding daily print production tasks to confirm accurate understanding in a busy lab environment.
developing
Digital print queue management — select, organize, and direct batches of customer digital images to appropriate printers using photo imaging software with minimal oversight in a commercial lab.Custom print production — produce color and black-and-white prints to varied customer specifications and internal quality standards consistently across routine daily workloads.Processing chemistry preparation — measure, mix, and replenish chemical solutions including developers, bleaches, and washes according to established formulas in a mid-volume photo processing lab.Machine parameter adjustment — set and fine-tune machine controls for different paper types, image sizes, or chemical concentrations based on job requirements and production schedules.Scanner operation for diverse media — digitize a range of media including slides, negatives, and photographic prints using scanner settings adapted to media condition and intended output format.Quality review workflow — review batches of computer-processed digital images against quality benchmarks, flagging and correcting common color balance or density issues before final output.Customer service communication — explain print options, turnaround times, and pricing to customers using clear, accurate language at a retail or commercial photo service counter.Time-managed production tasks — prioritize and complete multiple print orders within established time targets by monitoring lab workload and adjusting personal task sequencing accordingly.Photographic technique application — apply standard reproduction techniques for high-volume color or black-and-white orders, adapting procedures to moderately non-routine source material.Lab software utilization — use desktop publishing, spreadsheet, or order-management database software to track orders, record production data, and retrieve customer files in a routine lab workflow.
proficient
End-to-end print production — manage the full production cycle from image selection through final output, resolving non-routine quality or equipment issues independently in a high-volume commercial lab.Advanced color reproduction — apply refined color correction and black-and-white tonal techniques autonomously to challenging or non-standard source material including archival and damaged originals.Complex machine troubleshooting — diagnose and correct processing machine malfunctions involving control settings, chemical balance, or mechanical feed issues without supervisory intervention.Chemical process optimization — evaluate solution performance over time and adjust mixing ratios or replenishment rates to maintain consistent output quality across extended production runs.Digital imaging workflow design — configure scanner settings, color profiles, and software processing parameters to optimize digitization quality for a diverse range of photographic media formats.Quality assurance execution — independently conduct systematic quality control analysis on all production output, identifying root causes of recurring defects and implementing corrective actions.Customer specification fulfillment — interpret and execute complex or specialized customer print requirements, including specialty finishes and non-standard sizes, without referral to supervisors.Cross-functional software application — leverage graphics, database, and office suite software together to manage image files, track production metrics, and communicate results to lab management.Non-routine problem resolution — apply critical thinking and deductive reasoning to resolve unfamiliar production problems, such as unexpected chemical interactions or software processing errors, in real time.Production scheduling adherence — independently manage personal workload across competing priority orders, consistently meeting deadlines in a fast-paced commercial photo processing environment.
advanced
Lab production standards leadership — establish and maintain lab-wide quality benchmarks, processing protocols, and equipment maintenance schedules that govern daily operations across all staff levels.Staff training and development — design and deliver on-the-job training programs for emerging and developing photo processing workers, building chemical handling, machine operation, and imaging skills.Workflow process improvement — analyze end-to-end production workflows, identify efficiency gaps, and implement revised procedures that reduce waste and increase throughput across the full lab operation.Technology adoption oversight — evaluate and introduce new photo imaging software, scanning equipment, or processing machinery, leading transition planning and staff capability development.Chemical safety and compliance management — develop and enforce chemical handling, storage, and disposal policies in accordance with regulatory requirements, protecting staff and maintaining lab certification.Customer service excellence strategy — set service quality standards for customer-facing interactions, coaching lab staff on communication practices and escalation handling to ensure consistent client satisfaction.Production capacity planning — assess lab volume trends, equipment utilization, and staffing levels to make resource allocation decisions that sustain output targets during peak and off-peak periods.Cross-department coordination — liaise with sales, inventory, and facilities teams to align consumable supply, equipment uptime, and order intake with lab production capacity at an organizational level.Quality audit and reporting — conduct formal quality audits of lab output and process adherence, compiling findings into management reports that drive continuous improvement decisions.Mentorship of technical skill advancement — coach proficient technicians on advanced color science, archival reproduction methods, and critical problem-solving, elevating the overall technical capability of the lab team.
Also known as
129 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Air Brush ArtistAirbrush ArtistArt TracerAutomatic DeveloperAutomatic MounterAutomatic Print DeveloperBlack and White Printer OperatorColor Laboratory TechnicianColor Printer OperatorComputer-Controlled Color Photograph Printer OperatorCopy and Print AssociateCopy Camera OperatorDarkroom TechnicianDeveloperDeveloping Machine OperatorDigital ImagerDigital Imaging TechnicianDigital Photo PrinterDigital Photo TechnicianDigital Printer OperatorDigital RetoucherDigital TechnicianDoperDrum OperatorDrum WorkerEnlargerFilm CleanerFilm Color TesterFilm CutterFilm DeveloperFilm Developing Machine OperatorFilm Drying Machine OperatorFilm ExaminerFilm InspectorFilm Laboratory TechnicianFilm MounterFilm NumbererFilm PrinterFilm Process OperatorFilm Processing Utility Worker