Photographic developer
Also known as: photo retoucher, photography laboratory technician, photograph printer, photo developer, photograph laboratory technician, photography developer
About this occupation
Photographic developers use chemicals, instruments, and darkroom photographic techniques in specialised rooms in order to develop photographic films into visible images.
Essential skills and knowledge
- remove film negatives from processing machine
- develop film
- identify customer's needs
- cut photographic film
- post-processing of photographs
- enlarge negatives
- monitor film development baths
- remove photographic film from camera
- handle chemicals
- quality standards
- store negatives
- photographic processing techniques
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers (O*NET 49-9061.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Adjust cameras, photographic mechanisms, or equipment such as range and view finders, shutters, light meters, or lens systems, using hand tools.
- Disassemble equipment to gain access to defect, using hand tools.
- Test equipment performance, focus of lens system, diaphragm alignment, lens mounts, or film transport, using precision gauges.
- Clean and lubricate cameras and polish camera lenses, using cleaning materials and work aids.
- Requisition parts or materials.
- Calibrate and verify accuracy of light meters, shutter diaphragm operation, or lens carriers, using timing instruments.
- Typical education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- Preparation
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Conventional, Investigative
Top skills: Troubleshooting, Repairing, Critical Thinking, Equipment Maintenance, Quality Control Analysis, Reading Comprehension
US median pay: US$52,720 a year (2025), 1,650 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalVery important (3.9)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (3.7)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.5)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators
- Calibration Technologists and Technicians
- Motion Picture Projectionists
- Lighting Technicians
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
- Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers
- Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
- Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.