Photo lab

What does a photo laboratory technician do? – tasks and work environment

A photo laboratory technician works with the production, processing, and handling of photographic images and materials. Tasks include developing and copying both analog and digital photographs, color correction, retouching, and quality control of image material. They may also work with chemical processes to produce images and maintain the technical equipment in the photo lab. The work environment is often laboratory-based with machines, chemicals, and computers, requiring precision, technical interest, and a good sense of color and detail. Safety routines for chemical handling are an important part of daily work, and workplaces vary from photo labs, print shops, museums, to image agencies.

Salary development over time

The salary for a photo laboratory technician has increased significantly over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 32,600 SEK per month, rising to 33 600 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary continued to rise to 38 100 SEK per month, representing an increase of approximately 17% in just two years. This salary trend reflects a growing demand for specialized image processing skills, combined with digitalization and technological advancements that demand higher expertise. Employers are also competing for skilled photo laboratory technicians, which may have driven up wage levels. Despite the niche nature of the profession, there is a clear trend towards valuing advanced technical knowledge and experience more and more.

Photo laboratory technician salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 38 100 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 36,000 SEK/month (female, high school diploma, 3 years)
• Highest salary: 39,800 SEK/month (male, private sector employee, post-secondary education less than 3 years)
• Hourly wage: 229 SEK
• Gender differences: Men 38,500 SEK, women 36,900 SEK (women earn 96% of what men do)
• Regional differences: Limited information available

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a photo laboratory technician usually involves high school programs focused on photography or related technical education, sometimes supplemented with post-secondary courses in image processing, photographic techniques, and chemistry. Practical experience is highly valued, as is technical understanding of both analog and digital processes. Due to the niche nature of the profession, much can be learned through internships and on-the-job training.

• High school education: Artistic program, photography specialization (3 years)
• Post-secondary courses: Image processing, photographic techniques (up to 2 years)
• Internships: Common during or after education
• Certifications: Meritorious but not mandatory
• Prerequisites: Interest in technology, color, image, and accuracy

Common benefits and compensations

Photo laboratory technicians are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, subsidized meals, and opportunities for skill development in new image technologies. Some employers also provide extra vacation days, collective insurance schemes, and access to advanced technical equipment for personal use or further training.

Competition and challenges

The competition for jobs as a photo laboratory technician is relatively high due to the niche nature and limited number of positions. Digitalization and automation have changed the job market, decreasing demand for traditional photo lab work, while increasing the need for advanced digital image skills. Continuous further education and adaptation to new technology are necessary to remain competitive. Since the profession often falls within broader occupational groups, such as machine operators in photographic products, finding the exact right position can be challenging. Staying updated on new image formats, color management, and chemical processes is also a challenge.

Tips for aspiring photo laboratory technicians

To succeed as a photo laboratory technician, it’s good to combine technical interest with a sense for images and colors. Precision is crucial, especially when handling chemicals and retouching images, so practicing methodical and systematic work is wise. Being curious and staying updated on the latest photography and image processing technologies makes you more attractive to employers. Good collaboration skills facilitate teamwork with photographers and other creative professionals, while independence is also important since many tasks are performed alone. Flexibility and problem-solving skills are valuable for managing quick changes and technical challenges in daily work.

Key facts about photo laboratory technicians

• Education level: High school education or post-secondary courses
• Work environment: Laboratory-based, often with machines and chemicals
• Work arrangement: Full-time, sometimes shift work
• Demand: Limited number of positions, but 1437 job openings in the occupational group
• Special skills: Image processing, color management, and chemistry

Career paths and future prospects

After several years, a photo laboratory technician can progress to more specialized roles such as image technician, laboratory manager, or quality manager for image production. Some choose to further educate as photographers or work with digital image processing in advertising, media, or museum sectors. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts, no specific assessment is made for the profession due to limited data, but within the broader group of machine operators in chemical and photographic products, there were 1437 job openings at the latest count. Future prospects depend on technological development and ongoing digitalization of image handling.

Frequently asked questions about photo laboratory technicians

• What does a photo laboratory technician earn?
  - A photo laboratory technician has an average salary of 38 100 SEK per month.
• What education is required to become a photo laboratory technician?
  - High school education in photography or technology, often supplemented with post-secondary courses in image processing.
• Are there gender differences in the salary for photo laboratory technicians?
  - Yes, women earn 96% of what men do in the profession.
• What is the working environment like for a photo laboratory technician?
  - The work environment is laboratory-based with technical equipment and chemical handling.
• What career paths are available for photo laboratory technicians?
  - Specializing in image technology, becoming a laboratory manager, or advancing within digital image processing.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - The outlook is uncertain, but there are job opportunities within the broader occupational group.
• What are the key qualities of a photo laboratory technician?
  - Accuracy, technical interest, color perception, and problem-solving skills are central qualities.