How much does a Photo lab workers make

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  2. Photo lab workers
Image that illustrates Photo lab workers

Photo lab workers

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 lab workers

Average salary 38 100 kr
Males 38 500 kr
Females 36 900 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 1 Vacant jobs ->

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

A photo laboratory technician is responsible for developing, processing, and managing photographic materials such as film, images, and digital files. Tasks include checking and adjusting colors, exposure, and contrast, as well as using specialized machines and chemicals to ensure high image quality. The work often takes place in a laboratory environment where precision and technical understanding are essential. Photo laboratory technicians may also have customer contact, especially for orders or special projects, which requires good service skills and communication abilities.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary for photo laboratory technicians has increased significantly. In 2022, the average salary was 32,600 SEK per month, followed by an increase to 33 600 in 2023. The most notable rise occurred between 2023 and 2024, when the average salary increased to 38 100, corresponding to a salary increase of approximately 13.4% over one year. This trend can be explained by increased demand for technically skilled workers, changes in technology and work processes, and a decreasing number of professionals in the field. The lack of new training programs and retirements have also contributed to rising salary levels in the profession.

Photo laboratory technician 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/hour
  • Women: 36,900 SEK/month
  • Men: 38,500 SEK/month
  • Women earn: 96% of what men do
  • Regional differences: Data unavailable

Education and qualifications

To work as a photo laboratory technician, a high school education in photography, media, or technology is typically required, combined with practical experience in laboratory work and image processing. Many employers prefer applicants who have completed specialized courses or have documented experience in both digital and analog image development. Technical interest and precision are important qualities for success in the profession.

  • High school education: Focus on photography, media, or graphic techniques (3 years)
  • Post-secondary courses: Photography or image processing (less than 3 years)
  • Internships and traineeships: Common in larger laboratories
  • Certifications: Meritorious but not mandatory
  • Prerequisites: Basic technical understanding and interest in photography

Photo laboratory technicians often have the opportunity to work with both historical and modern image production techniques, providing a unique insight into the development of photography. Some workplaces also handle artistic originals and archive materials, making the profession especially interesting for those interested in culture or art.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Benefits for photo laboratory technicians often include collective pension schemes, wellness allowances, and opportunities for skills development in image processing and new technology. Employers sometimes offer subsidized lunches, flexible working hours, and discounts on photography equipment or development services.

Competition and challenges

The market for photo laboratory technicians has changed with digitalization and reduced demand for traditional film development. Competition for services can be high, especially in metropolitan areas with larger laboratories. A challenge is to stay updated on new technologies and software, while demand for specialized analog skills remains in certain niches. The industry’s future is also influenced by outsourcing and automation, which require adaptability and continuous learning.

Tips for those who want to become a photo laboratory technician

To succeed as a photo laboratory technician, it is good to be technically curious and precise, as the profession requires high accuracy in handling equipment and images. Problem-solving skills are helpful when unexpected situations or errors occur. Good service skills and communication abilities are important for meeting customer needs and wishes. It is recommended to supplement your education with courses in digital image processing and seek internships for practical experience. Networking within the industry and following new technical developments can open up more career opportunities. Finally, the profession requires patience and a willingness to work in environments where tasks can vary from day to day.

Key facts about photo laboratory technicians

  • Education level: High school education with a focus on photography/media, often supplemented with courses
  • Work environment: Laboratory setting, sometimes with customer contact
  • Typical working hours: Full-time, daytime
  • Demand: Limited number of positions, 1,437 job openings within the profession
  • Special skills: Both analog and digital image processing

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a photo laboratory technician can develop into a specialist in image processing, a technical manager for laboratory operations, or advance into supervisory roles. There are also opportunities for further education in related areas such as photography, image archiving, or quality assurance. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecast, no specific assessment is made for photo laboratory technicians due to limited data, but within the broader group of machine operators in chemical and photographic products, there are 1,437 job openings. The future outlook is therefore considered stable for those with the right skills and willingness to adapt to technological changes.

Frequently asked questions about photo laboratory technicians

  • What does a photo laboratory technician earn?
    - The average salary for a photo laboratory technician is 38 100 SEK per month.
  • What are the salary differences between men and women?
    - Men earn on average 38,500 SEK and women 36,900 SEK, which means women earn 96% of men's salary.
  • What education is required to become a photo laboratory technician?
    - High school education with a focus on photography or media, preferably complemented by courses in image processing.
  • Are there any specialized skills in demand?
    - Knowledge of both analog and digital image production is highly advantageous.
  • What are the future prospects for the profession?
    - The outlook is uncertain, but there are 1,437 job openings according to the latest data within the profession.
  • What is the highest and lowest salary?
    - The highest salary is 39,800 SEK and the lowest is 36,000 SEK per month.
  • Does a photo laboratory technician usually work full-time or part-time?
    - Most work full-time, but part-time work also occurs depending on the workplace.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-11 02:19:32

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Photo lab workers 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 lab workers 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
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
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 lab workers has the SSYK code 8132, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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