Photo lab salary

Introduction to the Profession of Photo Laboratory Assistant

As a photo laboratory assistant, you work with producing and processing photographic materials. This involves handling machines and chemicals to develop, copy, and process photographs. Tasks may also include digital image processing and quality assurance of photographic products. Photo laboratory assistants are part of the group of machine operators in chemical-technical and photographic products.

Photo Laboratory Assistant Salary

The salary for a photo laboratory assistant varies depending on experience, gender, and type of employment. The average salary for a photo laboratory assistant is 33 600 kronor per month. When looking at gender differences, on average, men earn 34 000 kronor, while women earn 32 800 kronor, meaning that women earn 97% of what men do in this profession. Hourly employed photo laboratory assistants have an average hourly wage of 202 kronor, based on 166 working hours per month.

Highest and Lowest Salaries

The highest salary for a photo laboratory assistant is 34800 kr, and it belongs to a man working as a privately employed official with a three-year high school education. The highest salary for a woman in the same profession is 32 800 kr. The lowest salary for a photo laboratory assistant is 32 800 kr, and this salary belongs to a woman working in various sectors with an unspecified level of education. For men, the lowest salary is 33800 kr.

Education and Skills Requirements

To become a photo laboratory assistant, a high school education with a focus on photography, media, or technology is usually required. It is also advantageous to have experience in image processing and working with various types of machines and chemicals. Education in digital image processing and color theory can also be beneficial. Some employers may offer internal training to ensure that employees have the right skills to handle specific equipment and work processes.

Working Conditions and Challenges

Working as a photo laboratory assistant may involve long periods of standing work at machines and exposure to chemicals, requiring precision and safety awareness. The work environment can vary depending on the workplace, from small photo labs to larger industrial facilities. It is important to have good knowledge of safety and health to minimize the risks of chemical exposure.

Future Outlook and Competition

According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, no specific forecast is made for the profession of photo laboratory assistant due to limited data. The profession is part of a broader group of machine operators in chemical-technical and photographic products, making it difficult to predict exactly how the demand for photo laboratory assistants will evolve. Technological advancements and digitalization impact the profession, and it is important to keep up with trends and new technologies to remain competitive in the job market.

Benefits and Perks

Benefits for photo laboratory assistants may vary depending on the employer and workplace. They may include paid training in new techniques and equipment to stay updated in the profession. Other perks may consist of flexible working hours or the opportunity to work from home depending on the tasks. However, this is not always standard in all companies and is something that can be negotiated upon hiring.

In conclusion, being a photo laboratory assistant is a profession with diverse tasks and a salary range influenced by several factors. For those interested in photography and technology, the profession offers opportunities to work with both traditional and digital methods of image production. Despite uncertainties in future prospects, a combination of the right education and experience can create good conditions for a career in this field.