National
| Median wages (2008) |
$12.51 hourly, $26,010 annual |
| Employment (2006) |
24,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2006-2016) |
Decline rapidly (-10% or lower)
|
| Projected need (2006-2016) |
8,000 additional employees |
51-9131.00 - Photographic Process Workers
Perform precision work involved in photographic processing, such as editing photographic negatives and prints, using photo-mechanical, chemical, or computerized methods.
Sample of reported job titles:
Lab Technician, Photo Technician, Film Technician, Digital Imaging Technician, Photo Printer, Printer, Digital Imager, Digital Retoucher, Photo Lab Technician, Photographic Printer
Tasks
- Read work orders to determine required processes, techniques, materials, and equipment.
- Produce color or black-and-white photographs, negatives, and slides, applying standard photographic reproduction techniques and procedures.
- Examine drawings, negatives, or photographic prints to determine coloring, shading, accenting, and other changes required for retouching or restoration.
- Mix developing and fixing solutions according to established formulas.
- Create work prints according to customer specifications and lab protocols.
- Cut negatives and put them in order.
- Place identification on film as necessary.
- Examine developed prints for defects such as broken lines, spots, and blurs.
- Reprint originals to enlarge them, or in sections to be pieced together.
- Trim edges of prints to enhance appearance, using scissors or paper cutters.
