Negative mower

What does a Negativklippare do? – Tasks and work environment

A Negativklippare primarily works within the photographic production industry and is mainly responsible for handling, sorting, and processing photographic film and negative material. Tasks include cutting, organizing, and sometimes restoring negatives for further production, archiving, or digitization. The work often takes place in specialized environments where precision, accuracy, and an eye for image quality are crucial. The work can be both independent and in close collaboration with photographers, laboratory technicians, and other machine operators within chemical and photographic production. The environment is characterized by high demands for order and careful handling of sensitive materials.

Salary development over time

Negativklippare has experienced a clear positive salary development in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 32,600 SEK per month, which increased to 33 600 SEK in 2023 and further to 38 100 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to a nearly 17% increase over two years. The largest increase occurred between 2023 and 2024, likely due to increased demand for specialized machine operators in photographic production and a general wage rise in the industry linked to skill shortages. The industry has also been affected by technological developments and increased demands for digital skills, which may have contributed to further raising salary levels.

Negativklippare salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 38 100 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 36,000 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 39,800 SEK/month
• Hourly wage (average): 229 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn on average 36,900 SEK (96% of men's salary), men 38,500 SEK
• Regional differences: Specific data is lacking, but salary levels may vary depending on the labor market and demand regionally

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a Negativklippare often involves high school programs in technology or media, followed by post-secondary education in photography, image technology, or related fields. Practical experience in laboratory environments and knowledge of both analog and digital image handling are highly valuable. Employers often seek accuracy, technical understanding, and good handling of sensitive materials.

• High school education: Technology or media program, 3 years
• Post-secondary education: Photography production or image technology, shorter than 3 years
• Internship: Workplace-based internships are common and provide valuable experience
• Certifications: Courses in image restoration and digital image management can be advantageous
• Prerequisites: Good knowledge of photographic techniques and material handling

Common benefits and compensation

Negativklippare are often covered by collective agreements that provide access to occupational pension, insurance, and extra vacation days. Other common benefits include wellness allowances, work clothes, and sometimes subsidized lunch. Larger companies may also offer opportunities for skills development and training.

Competition and challenges

The profession as a Negativklippare is characterized by a limited labor market with few specialized positions. The shift towards digital image management has reduced the need for traditional negative cutters, although certain niches within cultural heritage and archives still require this expertise. The main challenges involve staying updated on new technologies and adapting to rapid industry changes. Competition for the few available positions is often high, and experience and specialized knowledge are necessary to stand out during recruitment.

Tips for those who want to become a Negativklippare

To succeed as a Negativklippare, it is good to combine technical precision with patience and an interest in details. Developing a sense for image quality and working systematically under time pressure are crucial, especially when handling large volumes of material. Flexibility and the ability to quickly learn new tasks provide advantages, as does an interest in both analog and digital technology. For the curious and analytically inclined, seeking internships or trainee programs can help build experience. Good teamwork and communication skills facilitate collaboration with photographers and other specialists. Finally, demonstrating responsibility and respect for the sensitive materials often handled in the profession is important.

Key facts about Negativklippare

• Education level: High school + short post-secondary education
• Work environment: Laboratory-based, often with specialized equipment
• Work form: Independent work but often in teams with other technicians
• Demand: 1,437 available jobs in the occupational group of machine operators, chemical technicians, and photographic products
• Special skills: Handling photographic materials and digital image technology

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a Negativklippare, there are opportunities to advance to more qualified roles in image restoration, digitization projects, or leadership positions in production labs. Some choose further education in archive work or specialize in digital image handling and technical support. The Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast for the occupational group of machine operators in chemical and photographic products indicates insufficient data for a confident future assessment, but demand for related services remains stable with 1,437 available jobs. Technological development and digitalization are expected to influence the profession, but the need for expertise in older image materials and specialized handling keeps the skillset highly valued in certain segments.

Frequently asked questions about Negativklippare

• What does a Negativklippare earn?
  - The average salary for a Negativklippare is 38 100 SEK per month.
• What is the highest salary for a Negativklippare?
  - The highest salary is 39,800 SEK per month and belongs to a man with post-secondary education.
• What education is required to become a Negativklippare?
  - High school education in technology or media, followed by short post-secondary training in photography or image technology, is recommended.
• Are there gender differences in salary?
  - Yes, women earn on average 96% of what men do in the profession.
• What are the future prospects for Negativklippare?
  - The outlook is uncertain, but there are 1,437 available jobs in the occupational group according to the latest data.
• What personal qualities are important for the profession?
  - Accuracy, patience, and an interest in details are particularly valuable for a Negativklippare.
• What does the job practically involve?
  - The work involves handling, cutting, and processing photographic negatives in a laboratory environment.