Photo Lab Technician

Your Fit

Income

$40K

Preparation

Some

Growth

-12.5%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Photo Lab Technician?

A Photo Lab Technician is a professional skilled in processing and developing photographic images from film or digital media. They work with various types of photographic equipment and chemicals to produce high-quality photographs.

Sample job titles:

Photo Lab Technician (Photographic Laboratory Technician), Photo Printer, Photo Specialist, Photo Technician

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Photo Lab Technician.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Photo Lab Technician earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$31K per year	$34K per year	$40K per year	$52K per year	$69K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $9.4K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Photo Lab Technician do?

Work environment

Photo Lab Technicians typically work in dedicated photo laboratories, photography studios, or retail environments offering photo processing services. The work environment requires handling chemicals and operating photo processing machinery, often in a space that is both office-like and industrial.

Quick task list

Develops and processes photographic images from film or digital media.
Operates and maintains photo processing equipment.
Adjusts color balance and image density.
Creates prints, enlargements, and photo products.
Ensures quality control throughout the development process.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Digital Photo Processing: Focusing on processing and printing from digital media, often involving advanced software.
Film Development: Specializing in traditional film processing and darkroom techniques.
Custom Printing: Creating high-quality, customized prints, often for professional photographers or exhibitions.
Photo Restoration: Restoring and digitizing old or damaged photographs.
Commercial Printing: Working in large-scale photo production for commercial or marketing purposes.

Description

In the digital age, the role of a Photo Lab Technician has evolved significantly. Technicians must be adept with both traditional film processing and modern digital techniques. This includes understanding how to operate scanners, printers, and other equipment that translates digital images into prints. They must have a keen eye for detail and color to ensure that the final prints meet customer expectations.

In addition to technical skills, Photo Lab Technicians need to understand various photographic styles and preferences. For film development, they need to be familiar with different types of film, chemicals, and darkroom procedures. The work requires precision and attention to detail, as the development process is delicate and errors can be costly.

The role also involves interacting with customers, understanding their needs, and providing guidance on photo options. Technicians must keep abreast of evolving photography trends and technologies, as well as maintaining the equipment and keeping the lab environment safe, especially when handling chemicals.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Bringing photographs to life, from processing to final print.
Using both creative and technical skills.
Seeing the tangible results of your work and customer satisfaction.

You might make a good Photo Lab Technician if you are...

Passionate about photography and visual arts.
Detail-oriented, with a good eye for color and composition.
Comfortable working with both technology and chemicals.
Skilled in both communication and customer service.
Interested in continuously learning new photographic processing techniques.

Pros:

Opportunities for creative expression.
Working in a field that combines art and technology.
Seeing the immediate results of your work.

Cons:

Potential for repetitive tasks.
The need to work with chemicals, which may require safety precautions.
May require working odd hours, especially in retail environments.

How to become a Photo Lab Technician

Typical education

A high school diploma is often sufficient, with most skills acquired on the job. However, coursework or a degree in photography, graphic design, or a related field can be beneficial.

High school preparation

Courses:

Photography classes to understand the basics of image composition and development.
Chemistry to learn about the chemical processing involved in film development.
Art and design courses to develop an eye for visual aesthetics.
Computer classes for skills in digital photography and software.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining a photography club or contributing to a school yearbook.
Volunteering for community events as a photographer.
Participating in photography or art competitions.

Preparation after high school

Vocational training or courses in photography, particularly those focusing on photo processing.
Internships or apprenticeships in photo labs or with professional photographers.
Workshops and seminars on the latest photo processing software and techniques.

More resources

Professional Photographers of America (PPA) - Offers resources and education for professional photographers.
The Society for Imaging Science and Technology (IS&T) - Provides information on the science and technology of imaging.
Photographic Society of America (PSA) - A worldwide organization that offers a wide range of photographic activities.
National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP) - Offers resources and tutorials for photo editing and digital processing.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.