Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operator Salary in 2026
How Much Do Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators Make?
Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators earn a median annual salary of $40,100 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $30,840 at the 10th percentile to $69,290 at the 90th percentile — a range of $38,450. The highest-paying state is New York at $72,160.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $30,840 |
| 25th percentile | $34,460 |
| Median (50th) | $40,100 |
| 75th percentile | $51,590 |
| 90th percentile | $69,290 |
Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operator Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| New Yorktop | $72,160 |
| Washington | $51,730 |
| Michigan | $51,590 |
| Maryland | $50,770 |
| Ohio | $50,120 |
| California | $45,850 |
| Wisconsin | $44,750 |
| New Jersey | $41,250 |
| Utah | $40,250 |
| Kentucky | $38,900 |
| Oregon | $38,650 |
| Texas | $37,980 |
| Missouri | $37,370 |
| Massachusetts | $37,230 |
| Virginia | $36,430 |
| Indiana | $36,290 |
| Pennsylvania | $36,130 |
| Florida | $35,960 |
| New Mexico | $35,960 |
| Arizona | $35,520 |
| North Carolina | $33,590 |
| Iowa | $32,100 |
| Tennessee | $31,370 |
| Georgia | $29,830 |
| Illinois | $29,120 |
| Kansas | $29,120 |
| Alabama | $28,910 |
| South Carolina | $28,860 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators
Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operator Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$30,840 – $34,460 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$40,100 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$51,590 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $69,290+ |
How to Earn More as a Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operator
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators in New York earn $72,160 — $32,060 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($51,590) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operator Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operatorthis career | $40,100 |
| Photonics Technician | $77,390 |
| Photographer | $42,520 |
| Motion Picture Projectionist | $38,180 |
| Office Machine Operator | $39,020 |
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SOC: 51-9151.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.