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Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators Salary in California

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators make in California?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$47,320
Median Annual Salary
▲ +3.2% vs 2024
$55,580
Mean Salary
$47,320
Median Salary
$22.75
Hourly Rate
740 people work as Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators in California

Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators salary by percentile in California

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators salary in California — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators in California.10thBottom 10% earn less than $37,900$37,90025th25% earn less than $40,020$40,020MedianHalf earn more than $47,320$47,32075th75% earn less than $67,120$67,12090thTop 10% earn more than $84,430$84,430

Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators in California earn a median salary of $47,320 per year ($3,943/month). This is 20.1% above the national average of $39,396. California ranks #3 out of 29 states for Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators pay. Approximately 740 people work in this occupation across California. Salaries increased by 3.2% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators

Perform work involved in developing and processing photographic images from film or digital media. May perform precision tasks such as editing photographic negatives and prints.

Top Skills

Operations Monitoring
3.5
Active Listening
3.38
Quality Control Analysis
3.38
Reading Comprehension
3.25
Speaking
3.25

Key Knowledge Areas

Customer and Personal Service
3.93
Computers and Electronics
3.7
Production and Processing
3.14
English Language
3.13
Mechanical
2.6
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent (84.1% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators in California

Salaries for Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators in California range from $37,900 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $84,430 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $40,020 and $67,120.

Median $47,320
P10: $37,900 P25: $40,020 P75: $67,120 P90: $84,430
10th
$37,900
25th
$40,020
Median
$47,320
75th
$67,120
90th
$84,430
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $37,900 $18.22 $3,158
25th Percentile $40,020 $19.24 $3,335
Median (50th) $47,320 $22.75 $3,943
75th Percentile $67,120 $32.27 $5,593
90th Percentile (Experienced) $84,430 $40.59 $7,035

Note: The mean (average) salary of $55,580 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#3
California ranks #3 of 29 states
$39,396
National avg. for Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators
+20.1%
vs. national average
Above Average

What does this salary really buy? See Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators salary in California adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators take-home pay in California after taxes →

Explore Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators Data in California

Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators Salary by State

Compare Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators make in California?
The median annual salary for Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators in California is $47,320 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $55,580.
What is the salary range for a Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators in California?
Salaries for Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators in California range from $37,900 at the 10th percentile to $84,430 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $40,020 and $67,120.
What is the starting salary for a Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators in California?
Entry-level Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators positions in California typically start around $37,900 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $40,020 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 740 people are employed as Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators in California is approximately $22.75 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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