Image that illustrates Photo developer

Photo developer

38 100 kr

Machine operators, chemical technology and photographic products

36 000 - 39 800 kr / month

Women earn 96% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Photo developer

Average salary 38 100 kr
Males 38 500 kr
Females 36 900 kr

What does a Fotoframkallare do? – Tasks and work environment

Fotoframkallare work with processing and producing photographic images from digital or analog originals. Tasks often include handling advanced printing machines, adjusting colors and contrasts, as well as post-processing and quality control of the final product. The profession also involves customer contact, advising on image selection and formats, and sometimes simple repairs of photographic equipment. Fotoframkallare typically work in photo labs, retail environments, or larger production facilities, with an environment characterized by precision, accuracy, and some monotonous tasks, especially in high-volume settings.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, Fotoframkallare have experienced a clear positive salary trend. In 2022, the average salary was 32,600 SEK per month, increasing to 33 600 SEK in 2023. The latest data for 2024 shows a further increase to 38 100 SEK, representing a total growth of approximately 17% over the period. This trend reflects increased demand for technical skills and specialized knowledge in photo and image processing, as well as technological advances making the job more complex. Additionally, a shortage of experienced Fotoframkallare and some retirements have contributed to rising wages in the profession.

Fotoframkallare salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 38 100 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 36,000 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 39,800 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 229 SEK
  • Women earn: 36,900 SEK/month (96% of men's salary)
  • Men earn: 38,500 SEK/month
  • Regional differences: No specific salary data available

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a Fotoframkallare often involves high school education with a focus on photography, image, or media technology, but post-secondary courses in photography and image processing are also valuable. Practical experience from photo labs, digital image editing, and machine handling is highly valued by employers. Success requires both technical understanding and an eye for detail, as well as a willingness to stay updated on new techniques and software.

  • High school education: Artistic programs with a focus on image and form (3 years)
  • Post-secondary courses: Vocational higher education in photography or image processing (1–2 years)
  • Certifications: Courses in digital image processing, color management, and machinery technology
  • Internships: Workplace-based learning in photo labs or retail environments
  • Prerequisites: Technical interest and basic IT skills

Many Fotoframkallare have developed specialist skills in restoring old photographs and can help customers digitize, enhance, and preserve memories from multiple generations. This niche expertise has become increasingly in demand as digital technology enables advanced image restoration.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Fotoframkallare are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, subsidized lunches, opportunities for training in new techniques, and staff discounts on photo products and equipment. Some employers also offer flexible working hours and extra vacation days, especially in larger companies or chains with collective agreements.

Competition and challenges

The profession of Fotoframkallare has changed significantly in recent years, primarily due to digitalization and automation of the development process. Competition for jobs is moderate in many areas, but the number of positions has decreased as more individuals opt for digital solutions. At the same time, there remains a steady demand for specialists in image restoration and advanced development. Challenges include staying updated with new technology and maintaining high precision despite sometimes high work pace. Since the work often involves working under pressure and with large volumes, resilience and accuracy are crucial qualities.

Tips for aspiring Fotoframkallare

To succeed as a Fotoframkallare, it is beneficial to have a genuine interest in photography and technology, and to be curious about new digital solutions in image processing. Precision is essential, as small mistakes can affect the final result, so practicing systematic and methodical work is wise. Being service-oriented and attentive is important, as much of the work involves direct contact with customers who often have high quality expectations. Flexibility and the ability to quickly adapt to new tasks or machines are advantages, especially when new technologies are introduced. Continual education in image editing and color management increases chances of employment and career advancement. Creativity can also be helpful, particularly when working on custom orders or restoring older photos. Finally, patience and perseverance are key, as some tasks can be monotonous but require the same level of precision each time.

Key facts about Fotoframkallare

  • Average salary: 38 100 SEK/month
  • Education level: High school or post-secondary education in photography/image
  • Work environment: Photo lab, retail, or production facility
  • Gender salary gap: Women earn 96% of men's salary
  • Job openings in the profession: 1,437 (May 2024)

Career paths and outlook

Fotoframkallare can, after a few years of experience, advance to supervisory roles within photo labs or stores, or specialize in digital image restoration and advanced post-processing. Some choose to start their own business or move into educational roles within photography and image processing. The future outlook is considered stable within niche areas, although the total number of jobs has decreased somewhat due to digitalization. The Employment Service does not provide a specific prognosis for Fotoframkallare, but within the broader group of Machine Operators, Chemical Technicians, and Photographic Products, there are currently 1,437 job openings, indicating some demand in the job market.

Frequently asked questions about Fotoframkallare

  • What does a Fotoframkallare earn?
    - The average salary for a Fotoframkallare is 38 100 SEK per month.
  • What are the lowest and highest salaries for a Fotoframkallare?
    - The lowest salary is 36,000 SEK and the highest is 39,800 SEK per month.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 36,900 SEK and men 38,500 SEK, which means women earn 96% of men's salary.
  • What education is required to become a Fotoframkallare?
    - High school education in photography or image, and preferably post-secondary courses or internships.
  • What are the future prospects for a Fotoframkallare?
    - The outlook is uncertain, but there is some demand within niche areas and 1,437 job openings in the profession.
  • What work environments are common for a Fotoframkallare?
    - Common workplaces include photo labs, photo stores, and larger production facilities.
  • What does it mean to be a Fotoframkallare today?
    - The profession involves both technical handling of development equipment and customer service, often with a focus on digital image processing.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Photo developer is 39800 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a post-secondary education, less than 3 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 36900 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Photo developer is 36000 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 38500 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 33300 kr 37300 kr
35-44 35000 kr 39100 kr
45-54 35400 kr 39200 kr
55-64 34800 kr 38900 kr
Snitt 96% 34200 kr 38100 kr
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession Photo developer has the SSYK code 8132, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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