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Photography Careers and Jobs

Select, Find and Prepare for Photography Careers and Jobs - all on one page

For visually creative people who want to understand the business side of a photography career, not just the craft. Use the tools below to see which photography roles fit your background and goals.

Photography careers split between commercial/technical work (product, event) and fine-art/editorial work, each with different business models. Use the tools below to explore Photography-related job titles sorted by growth rate, salary, or required education. You can start with entry points like Photography Assistant, or look ahead to advanced roles such as Professional Photographer or Studio Owner. Along the way, you will see specific certifications, such as None formally required; portfolio-driven field, that can help you move up the career ladder.



4 Steps to Use This Page: 1-Explore Careers of Intrerest 2-See Job Listings Matched to Career 3-Prepare for the Career 4-See External Career Resources

Here is a short Helper Video External Link

This page will take you through 4 steps to (1) Select from Photography careers/jobs, (2) Find Photography job listings, (3) Prepare for Photography careers, and (4) Provide Photography career-specific resources.

Step 1: Select a Career/Job: This page starts with 4 ways for you to identify and select from listings of Photography careers/jobs:
A) Fastest Growing Photography Careers - 2023 to 2033 (est.)
These listings are based on job growth estimates and helps you to identify the fastest growing and evolving Photography careers. Some careers may not initially seem related to Photography, so relevant Photography jobs are listed alongside each listing. This can also help us to identify which careers (bottom of the listing) may have negative growth - perhaps due to automation or planned obsolescence.
B) Median Annual Salary U.S. Photography Careers
These listings are sorted (descending) by median annual salary in the U.S. This may help us to identify our ideal career. We may not qualify at this time for the desired career, but this listing and the results provided can help us to explore job details, as well as learn how to appropriately prepare for the career.
C) Photography Career Ladders (Educational Requirements)
These listings will help us to identify Photography careers sorted by educational requirements (with the most difficult to obtain listed first). This may help us to identify career ladders (as we scroll down the list), and help us to get jobs that we qualify for now.
D) Select From a Listing of 97 Photography Jobs.
The list may be quite long. There are two ways you might like to use this list:
1) Filter - As you enter a word, you will filter (limit) the list of job titles
2) Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply explore the list of job titles. There may be many that you might never have considered to be of interest.
Once you have identified a job title of interest, simply click on it.

Step 2: Find a Job: After you have selected a career/job title above, you will see a form asking for your location. You will see several radio selection choices to utilize the job search site of your choice.

Step 3: Prepare For a Career: In this section you will gain access to detailed information to help you prepare for the chosen career. Information may include (not every career choice includes all of the elements below - updates occur quarterly):
Core Duties: Lists the primary worker-related tasks performed in this occupation
Supplemental Duties: Lists additional tasks that are performed but are secondary to the core duties
Work Activities: Summarizes the broad types of behaviors and actions related to this career
Specific Work Activities: Provides more granular day-to-day activities tied to the work performed
Essential Skills: Provides foundational skills that are core to performing this specific occupation
Transferable Skills: Provides career-portable skills that can be applied across multiple occupations and industries
Day-in-the-Life Summaries: Provides a snapshot of the key activities performed on a typical workday in this career
Knowledge Required: Provides the requirements regarding the acquisition of facts and principles
Software Skills: Lists software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized by category and priority
Preparation Required: Provides a summary of the required experience and education
Education Required: Detailed breakdown of the education required
Training and Experience Required: Detailed breakdown of the training and Training and Experience Required
Local Salary Information: Provides national and local salary ranges
Certifications: Provides appropriate government and private-sector certifications and/or credentials that may be required
Professional Associations: Provides professional associations that are related to the career selected
Job Listings: Provides links to active current job listings for the selected career, along with multiple similar job titles to explore. All information appears on this page without navigating away.
Related Careers to Consider: Lists up to 20 careers that might be of interest to you (related to your initial choice - what they do, what they know, and what they're called), ranked by best fit.

** If you clicked on a link from section D (as described in Step 1 above), you will see one or more links to an occupation that is usually a bit more general than your initial job selection - the link(s) is directly related to the specific job you identified through your prior selections.
*NOTE: It is possible that there may not be a career path identified for the specific job you selected in Step 1. If this is the case, scroll up the page and click on a different career/job.

Step 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated): Continue to scroll down the page and you will find tabs that provide detailed (updated) links specific to the career you selected. This information includes:
Videos: Provides a listing of video links related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.
Resumes: Sources for resume materials and techniques. This can help to get you started.
Job Description: Sources that provide job descriptions, which are vital to resume and interview preparation.
Interviews: Provides links that can help you to prepare for and successfully complete the job interview. Can also assist with coffee chats.
Step by Step: Provides links to resources that can help to organize the career search process.
LinkedIn: One of the best professional social media sites that provides links, opportunities, and networking specifically for careers and career development.




Step 1 of 4: Select a Career/Job

13 Photography careers are listed below (sorted by Percentage Change in Total Job Openings - 2023 to 2033 est.). Photography-related jobs specific to each career are also provided. This shows which careers are emerging and growing the fastest. Please Scroll and Select below:

Occupations U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033 (% change) Photography-Related Jobs

Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film 24.1% Motion Picture Photographer; Television News Photographer
Occupation: Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 24.1% Photography-Related Jobs: Motion Picture Photographer; Television News Photographer
Curators 21.6% Photography and Prints Curator; Photography Curator
Occupation: Curators U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 21.6% Photography-Related Jobs: Photography and Prints Curator; Photography Curator
Photographers 17.1% Advertising Photographer; Aerial Photographer; Automotive Photographer; Biological Photographer; Biomedical Photographer; Commercial Photographer; Crime Scene Photographer; Digital Photographer; Event Photographer; Fashion Photographer; Finish Photographer; Food Photographer; Forensic Photographer; Freelance Photographer; Graduation Photographer; Industrial Photographer; Marine Photographer; Medical Photographer; Nature Photographer; Newborn Photographer; News Photographer; Newspaper Photographer; Ophthalmic Photographer; Photographer; Photographic Specialist; Portrait Photographer; Preschool Photographer; Product Photographer; Real Estate Photographer; Sales Photographer; School Photographer; Scientific Photographer; Sports Photographer; Still Photographer; Street Photographer; Studio Photographer; Underwater Photographer; Vehicle Photographer; Wedding Photographer; Wildlife Photographer
Occupation: Photographers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 17.1% Photography-Related Jobs: Advertising Photographer; Aerial Photographer; Automotive Photographer; Biological Photographer; Biomedical Photographer; Commercial Photographer; Crime Scene Photographer; Digital Photographer; Event Photographer; Fashion Photographer; Finish Photographer; Food Photographer; Forensic Photographer; Freelance Photographer; Graduation Photographer; Industrial Photographer; Marine Photographer; Medical Photographer; Nature Photographer; Newborn Photographer; News Photographer; Newspaper Photographer; Ophthalmic Photographer; Photographer; Photographic Specialist; Portrait Photographer; Preschool Photographer; Product Photographer; Real Estate Photographer; Sales Photographer; School Photographer; Scientific Photographer; Sports Photographer; Still Photographer; Street Photographer; Studio Photographer; Underwater Photographer; Vehicle Photographer; Wedding Photographer; Wildlife Photographer
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary 10.1% Photography Professor; Photography Teacher
Occupation: Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 10.1% Photography-Related Jobs: Photography Professor; Photography Teacher
Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers 8% Aircraft Photographic Equipment Mechanic; Aircraft Photographic Equipment Repairer; Photographic Equipment Maintenance Technician; Photographic Equipment Mechanic; Photographic Equipment Repair Technician; Photographic Equipment Technician; Photographic Technician (Photo Tech); Photographic Technologist; Photography Equipment Technician
Occupation: Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 8% Photography-Related Jobs: Aircraft Photographic Equipment Mechanic; Aircraft Photographic Equipment Repairer; Photographic Equipment Maintenance Technician; Photographic Equipment Mechanic; Photographic Equipment Repair Technician; Photographic Equipment Technician; Photographic Technician (Photo Tech); Photographic Technologist; Photography Equipment Technician
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists 5.4% Orthophotography Technician
Occupation: Cartographers and Photogrammetrists U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 5.4% Photography-Related Jobs: Orthophotography Technician
First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers 3.7% Photographic Supervisor; Type Photography Supervisor
Occupation: First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 3.7% Photography-Related Jobs: Photographic Supervisor; Type Photography Supervisor
Retail Salespersons -1% Photographic Supplies and Equipment Salesperson
Occupation: Retail Salespersons U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: -1% Photography-Related Jobs: Photographic Supplies and Equipment Salesperson
Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators -8.7% Computer-Controlled Color Photograph Printer Operator; Photo Lab Technician (Photographic Laboratory Technician); Photograph Developer; Photograph Enlarger; Photograph Finisher; Photograph Inspector; Photograph Mounter; Photograph Printer; Photograph Retoucher (Photo Retoucher); Photograph Tinter; Photographic Colorist; Photographic Hand Developer; Photographic Plate Maker; Photographic Press Screwmaker; Photographic Printer; Photographic Process Worker; Photographic Processing Machine Operator; Photographic Reproduction Technician; Photographic Restorer; Photographic Spotter; Photographic Technician; Photography Colorist; Photography Spotter; School Photographs Detailer; Semiconductor Wafers Photographic Aligner; Semiconductor Wafers Photographic Processor
Occupation: Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: -8.7% Photography-Related Jobs: Computer-Controlled Color Photograph Printer Operator; Photo Lab Technician (Photographic Laboratory Technician); Photograph Developer; Photograph Enlarger; Photograph Finisher; Photograph Inspector; Photograph Mounter; Photograph Printer; Photograph Retoucher (Photo Retoucher); Photograph Tinter; Photographic Colorist; Photographic Hand Developer; Photographic Plate Maker; Photographic Press Screwmaker; Photographic Printer; Photographic Process Worker; Photographic Processing Machine Operator; Photographic Reproduction Technician; Photographic Restorer; Photographic Spotter; Photographic Technician; Photography Colorist; Photography Spotter; School Photographs Detailer; Semiconductor Wafers Photographic Aligner; Semiconductor Wafers Photographic Processor
Printing Press Operators -9.9% Photographic Process Screen Maker
Occupation: Printing Press Operators U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: -9.9% Photography-Related Jobs: Photographic Process Screen Maker
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers -12.2% Photographic Equipment Inspector
Occupation: Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: -12.2% Photography-Related Jobs: Photographic Equipment Inspector
Office Machine Operators, Except Computer -13.5% Document Photographer; Micro Photographer; Photographic Machine Operator
Occupation: Office Machine Operators, Except Computer U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: -13.5% Photography-Related Jobs: Document Photographer; Micro Photographer; Photographic Machine Operator
Prepress Technicians and Workers -17.1% Color Separation Photographer; Lithographic Photographer; Photoengraving Photographer; Photographic Lithographer; Photographic Plate Maker; Photographic Platemaker
Occupation: Prepress Technicians and Workers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: -17.1% Photography-Related Jobs: Color Separation Photographer; Lithographic Photographer; Photoengraving Photographer; Photographic Lithographer; Photographic Plate Maker; Photographic Platemaker

15 Photography careers are listed below (sorted by U.S. National Median Salary). Photography-related jobs specific to each occupation are also provided. Please Scroll and Select below::

Occupations National Median Salary Photography-Related Jobs

Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $ 80,360 Photography Professor; Photography Teacher
Occupation: Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary National Median Salary: $ 80,360 Photography-Related Jobs: Photography Professor; Photography Teacher
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists $ 76,210 Orthophotography Technician
Occupation: Cartographers and Photogrammetrists National Median Salary: $ 76,210 Photography-Related Jobs: Orthophotography Technician
Geodetic Surveyors $ 68,540 Aerial Photograph Interpreter; Orthophotography Technician
Occupation: Geodetic Surveyors National Median Salary: $ 68,540 Photography-Related Jobs: Aerial Photograph Interpreter; Orthophotography Technician
First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers $ 65,930 Photographic Supervisor; Type Photography Supervisor
Occupation: First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers National Median Salary: $ 65,930 Photography-Related Jobs: Photographic Supervisor; Type Photography Supervisor
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film $ 61,800 Motion Picture Photographer; Television News Photographer
Occupation: Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film National Median Salary: $ 61,800 Photography-Related Jobs: Motion Picture Photographer; Television News Photographer
Curators $ 61,750 Photography and Prints Curator; Photography Curator
Occupation: Curators National Median Salary: $ 61,750 Photography-Related Jobs: Photography and Prints Curator; Photography Curator
Ophthalmic Medical Technologists $ 47,470 Ophthalmic Photographer
Occupation: Ophthalmic Medical Technologists National Median Salary: $ 47,470 Photography-Related Jobs: Ophthalmic Photographer
Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers $ 46,850 Aircraft Photographic Equipment Mechanic; Aircraft Photographic Equipment Repairer; Photographic Equipment Maintenance Technician; Photographic Equipment Mechanic; Photographic Equipment Repair Technician; Photographic Equipment Technician; Photographic Technician (Photo Tech); Photographic Technologist; Photography Equipment Technician
Occupation: Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers National Median Salary: $ 46,850 Photography-Related Jobs: Aircraft Photographic Equipment Mechanic; Aircraft Photographic Equipment Repairer; Photographic Equipment Maintenance Technician; Photographic Equipment Mechanic; Photographic Equipment Repair Technician; Photographic Equipment Technician; Photographic Technician (Photo Tech); Photographic Technologist; Photography Equipment Technician
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers $ 45,850 Photographic Equipment Inspector
Occupation: Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers National Median Salary: $ 45,850 Photography-Related Jobs: Photographic Equipment Inspector
Prepress Technicians and Workers $ 45,070 Color Separation Photographer; Lithographic Photographer; Photoengraving Photographer; Photographic Lithographer; Photographic Plate Maker; Photographic Platemaker
Occupation: Prepress Technicians and Workers National Median Salary: $ 45,070 Photography-Related Jobs: Color Separation Photographer; Lithographic Photographer; Photoengraving Photographer; Photographic Lithographer; Photographic Plate Maker; Photographic Platemaker
Printing Press Operators $ 41,860 Photographic Process Screen Maker
Occupation: Printing Press Operators National Median Salary: $ 41,860 Photography-Related Jobs: Photographic Process Screen Maker
Photographers $ 40,760 Advertising Photographer; Aerial Photographer; Automotive Photographer; Biological Photographer; Biomedical Photographer; Commercial Photographer; Crime Scene Photographer; Digital Photographer; Event Photographer; Fashion Photographer; Finish Photographer; Food Photographer; Forensic Photographer; Freelance Photographer; Graduation Photographer; Industrial Photographer; Marine Photographer; Medical Photographer; Nature Photographer; Newborn Photographer; News Photographer; Newspaper Photographer; Ophthalmic Photographer; Photographer; Photographic Specialist; Portrait Photographer; Preschool Photographer; Product Photographer; Real Estate Photographer; Sales Photographer; School Photographer; Scientific Photographer; Sports Photographer; Still Photographer; Street Photographer; Studio Photographer; Underwater Photographer; Vehicle Photographer; Wedding Photographer; Wildlife Photographer
Occupation: Photographers National Median Salary: $ 40,760 Photography-Related Jobs: Advertising Photographer; Aerial Photographer; Automotive Photographer; Biological Photographer; Biomedical Photographer; Commercial Photographer; Crime Scene Photographer; Digital Photographer; Event Photographer; Fashion Photographer; Finish Photographer; Food Photographer; Forensic Photographer; Freelance Photographer; Graduation Photographer; Industrial Photographer; Marine Photographer; Medical Photographer; Nature Photographer; Newborn Photographer; News Photographer; Newspaper Photographer; Ophthalmic Photographer; Photographer; Photographic Specialist; Portrait Photographer; Preschool Photographer; Product Photographer; Real Estate Photographer; Sales Photographer; School Photographer; Scientific Photographer; Sports Photographer; Still Photographer; Street Photographer; Studio Photographer; Underwater Photographer; Vehicle Photographer; Wedding Photographer; Wildlife Photographer
Office Machine Operators, Except Computer $ 37,450 Document Photographer; Micro Photographer; Photographic Machine Operator
Occupation: Office Machine Operators, Except Computer National Median Salary: $ 37,450 Photography-Related Jobs: Document Photographer; Micro Photographer; Photographic Machine Operator
Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators $ 35,620 Computer-Controlled Color Photograph Printer Operator; Photo Lab Technician (Photographic Laboratory Technician); Photograph Developer; Photograph Enlarger; Photograph Finisher; Photograph Inspector; Photograph Mounter; Photograph Printer; Photograph Retoucher (Photo Retoucher); Photograph Tinter; Photographic Colorist; Photographic Hand Developer; Photographic Plate Maker; Photographic Press Screwmaker; Photographic Printer; Photographic Process Worker; Photographic Processing Machine Operator; Photographic Reproduction Technician; Photographic Restorer; Photographic Spotter; Photographic Technician; Photography Colorist; Photography Spotter; School Photographs Detailer; Semiconductor Wafers Photographic Aligner; Semiconductor Wafers Photographic Processor
Occupation: Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators National Median Salary: $ 35,620 Photography-Related Jobs: Computer-Controlled Color Photograph Printer Operator; Photo Lab Technician (Photographic Laboratory Technician); Photograph Developer; Photograph Enlarger; Photograph Finisher; Photograph Inspector; Photograph Mounter; Photograph Printer; Photograph Retoucher (Photo Retoucher); Photograph Tinter; Photographic Colorist; Photographic Hand Developer; Photographic Plate Maker; Photographic Press Screwmaker; Photographic Printer; Photographic Process Worker; Photographic Processing Machine Operator; Photographic Reproduction Technician; Photographic Restorer; Photographic Spotter; Photographic Technician; Photography Colorist; Photography Spotter; School Photographs Detailer; Semiconductor Wafers Photographic Aligner; Semiconductor Wafers Photographic Processor
Retail Salespersons $ 33,680 Photographic Supplies and Equipment Salesperson
Occupation: Retail Salespersons National Median Salary: $ 33,680 Photography-Related Jobs: Photographic Supplies and Equipment Salesperson

16 Photography careers are listed (sorted by Education/Preparation Requirements - descending) to provide career ladders. Photography-related jobs specific to each career are also provided.

Education/Preparation Categories:
5 = Usually requires graduate school (e.g., Master's degree, Ph.D., M.D., or J.D.)
4 = Usually requires a four-year Bachelor's degree
3 = Usually requires vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or Associate's degree
2 = Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, but not always
Please Scroll and Select below:
Occupations Education/Preparation Photography-Related Jobs

Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary 5 Photography Professor; Photography Teacher
Occupation: Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary Education/Preparation: 5 Photography-Related Jobs: Photography Professor; Photography Teacher
Curators 5 Photography and Prints Curator; Photography Curator
Occupation: Curators Education/Preparation: 5 Photography-Related Jobs: Photography and Prints Curator; Photography Curator
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists 4 Orthophotography Technician
Occupation: Cartographers and Photogrammetrists Education/Preparation: 4 Photography-Related Jobs: Orthophotography Technician
Geodetic Surveyors 4 Aerial Photograph Interpreter; Orthophotography Technician
Occupation: Geodetic Surveyors Education/Preparation: 4 Photography-Related Jobs: Aerial Photograph Interpreter; Orthophotography Technician
Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers 3 Aircraft Photographic Equipment Mechanic; Aircraft Photographic Equipment Repairer; Photographic Equipment Maintenance Technician; Photographic Equipment Mechanic; Photographic Equipment Repair Technician; Photographic Equipment Technician; Photographic Technician (Photo Tech); Photographic Technologist; Photography Equipment Technician
Occupation: Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers Education/Preparation: 3 Photography-Related Jobs: Aircraft Photographic Equipment Mechanic; Aircraft Photographic Equipment Repairer; Photographic Equipment Maintenance Technician; Photographic Equipment Mechanic; Photographic Equipment Repair Technician; Photographic Equipment Technician; Photographic Technician (Photo Tech); Photographic Technologist; Photography Equipment Technician
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film 3 Motion Picture Photographer; Television News Photographer
Occupation: Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film Education/Preparation: 3 Photography-Related Jobs: Motion Picture Photographer; Television News Photographer
First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers 3 Photographic Supervisor; Type Photography Supervisor
Occupation: First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers Education/Preparation: 3 Photography-Related Jobs: Photographic Supervisor; Type Photography Supervisor
Ophthalmic Medical Technologists 3 Ophthalmic Photographer
Occupation: Ophthalmic Medical Technologists Education/Preparation: 3 Photography-Related Jobs: Ophthalmic Photographer
Photographers 3 Advertising Photographer; Aerial Photographer; Automotive Photographer; Biological Photographer; Biomedical Photographer; Commercial Photographer; Crime Scene Photographer; Digital Photographer; Event Photographer; Fashion Photographer; Finish Photographer; Food Photographer; Forensic Photographer; Freelance Photographer; Graduation Photographer; Industrial Photographer; Marine Photographer; Medical Photographer; Nature Photographer; Newborn Photographer; News Photographer; Newspaper Photographer; Ophthalmic Photographer; Photographer; Photographic Specialist; Portrait Photographer; Preschool Photographer; Product Photographer; Real Estate Photographer; Sales Photographer; School Photographer; Scientific Photographer; Sports Photographer; Still Photographer; Street Photographer; Studio Photographer; Underwater Photographer; Vehicle Photographer; Wedding Photographer; Wildlife Photographer
Occupation: Photographers Education/Preparation: 3 Photography-Related Jobs: Advertising Photographer; Aerial Photographer; Automotive Photographer; Biological Photographer; Biomedical Photographer; Commercial Photographer; Crime Scene Photographer; Digital Photographer; Event Photographer; Fashion Photographer; Finish Photographer; Food Photographer; Forensic Photographer; Freelance Photographer; Graduation Photographer; Industrial Photographer; Marine Photographer; Medical Photographer; Nature Photographer; Newborn Photographer; News Photographer; Newspaper Photographer; Ophthalmic Photographer; Photographer; Photographic Specialist; Portrait Photographer; Preschool Photographer; Product Photographer; Real Estate Photographer; Sales Photographer; School Photographer; Scientific Photographer; Sports Photographer; Still Photographer; Street Photographer; Studio Photographer; Underwater Photographer; Vehicle Photographer; Wedding Photographer; Wildlife Photographer
Prepress Technicians and Workers 3 Color Separation Photographer; Lithographic Photographer; Photoengraving Photographer; Photographic Lithographer; Photographic Plate Maker; Photographic Platemaker
Occupation: Prepress Technicians and Workers Education/Preparation: 3 Photography-Related Jobs: Color Separation Photographer; Lithographic Photographer; Photoengraving Photographer; Photographic Lithographer; Photographic Plate Maker; Photographic Platemaker
Electromechanical Equipment Assemblers 2 Photographic Equipment Assembler
Occupation: Electromechanical Equipment Assemblers Education/Preparation: 2 Photography-Related Jobs: Photographic Equipment Assembler
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers 2 Photographic Equipment Inspector
Occupation: Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers Education/Preparation: 2 Photography-Related Jobs: Photographic Equipment Inspector
Office Machine Operators, Except Computer 2 Document Photographer; Micro Photographer; Photographic Machine Operator
Occupation: Office Machine Operators, Except Computer Education/Preparation: 2 Photography-Related Jobs: Document Photographer; Micro Photographer; Photographic Machine Operator
Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators 2 Computer-Controlled Color Photograph Printer Operator; Photo Lab Technician (Photographic Laboratory Technician); Photograph Developer; Photograph Enlarger; Photograph Finisher; Photograph Inspector; Photograph Mounter; Photograph Printer; Photograph Retoucher (Photo Retoucher); Photograph Tinter; Photographic Colorist; Photographic Hand Developer; Photographic Plate Maker; Photographic Press Screwmaker; Photographic Printer; Photographic Process Worker; Photographic Processing Machine Operator; Photographic Reproduction Technician; Photographic Restorer; Photographic Spotter; Photographic Technician; Photography Colorist; Photography Spotter; School Photographs Detailer; Semiconductor Wafers Photographic Aligner; Semiconductor Wafers Photographic Processor
Occupation: Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators Education/Preparation: 2 Photography-Related Jobs: Computer-Controlled Color Photograph Printer Operator; Photo Lab Technician (Photographic Laboratory Technician); Photograph Developer; Photograph Enlarger; Photograph Finisher; Photograph Inspector; Photograph Mounter; Photograph Printer; Photograph Retoucher (Photo Retoucher); Photograph Tinter; Photographic Colorist; Photographic Hand Developer; Photographic Plate Maker; Photographic Press Screwmaker; Photographic Printer; Photographic Process Worker; Photographic Processing Machine Operator; Photographic Reproduction Technician; Photographic Restorer; Photographic Spotter; Photographic Technician; Photography Colorist; Photography Spotter; School Photographs Detailer; Semiconductor Wafers Photographic Aligner; Semiconductor Wafers Photographic Processor
Printing Press Operators 2 Photographic Process Screen Maker
Occupation: Printing Press Operators Education/Preparation: 2 Photography-Related Jobs: Photographic Process Screen Maker
Retail Salespersons 2 Photographic Supplies and Equipment Salesperson
Occupation: Retail Salespersons Education/Preparation: 2 Photography-Related Jobs: Photographic Supplies and Equipment Salesperson

Scroll through the picklist (below). There are 97 specific Photography job titles listed. Select those that may be of interest - you will get active job listing links, along with detailed resources to help you prepare for a career related to that job.
You can use this form two ways:

hidden filler

Filter - As you enter a keyword, you will filter (limit) the list of job titles below

Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply explore the list of job titles. There may be many that you might never have considered to be of interest.

Enter a Keyword (filter the list below)
OR - leave blank and scroll through the choices:



Select a Job Title (Scroll and Select) :

Advertising Photographer
Aerial Photograph Interpreter
Aerial Photographer
Aircraft Photographic Equipment Mechanic
Aircraft Photographic Equipment Repairer
Automotive Photographer
Biological Photographer
Biomedical Photographer
Color Separation Photographer
Commercial Photographer
Computer-Controlled Color Photograph Printer Operator
Crime Scene Photographer
Digital Photographer
Document Photographer
Event Photographer
Fashion Photographer
Finish Photographer
Food Photographer
Forensic Photographer
Freelance Photographer
Graduation Photographer
Industrial Photographer
Lithographic Photographer
Marine Photographer
Medical Photographer
Micro Photographer
Motion Picture Photographer
Nature Photographer
Newborn Photographer
News Photographer
Newspaper Photographer
Ophthalmic Photographer
Orthophotography Technician
Photo Lab Technician (Photographic Laboratory Technician)
Photoengraving Photographer
Photograph Developer
Photograph Enlarger
Photograph Finisher
Photograph Inspector
Photograph Mounter
Photograph Printer
Photograph Retoucher (Photo Retoucher)
Photograph Tinter
Photographer
Photographic Colorist
Photographic Equipment Assembler
Photographic Equipment Inspector
Photographic Equipment Maintenance Technician
Photographic Equipment Mechanic
Photographic Equipment Repair Technician
Photographic Equipment Technician
Photographic Hand Developer
Photographic Lithographer
Photographic Machine Operator
Photographic Plate Maker
Photographic Platemaker
Photographic Press Screwmaker
Photographic Printer
Photographic Process Screen Maker
Photographic Process Worker
Photographic Processing Machine Operator
Photographic Reproduction Technician
Photographic Restorer
Photographic Specialist
Photographic Spotter
Photographic Supervisor
Photographic Supplies and Equipment Salesperson
Photographic Technician
Photographic Technician (Photo Tech)
Photographic Technologist
Photography and Prints Curator
Photography Colorist
Photography Curator
Photography Equipment Technician
Photography Professor
Photography Spotter
Photography Teacher
Portrait Photographer
Preschool Photographer
Product Photographer
Real Estate Photographer
Sales Photographer
School Photographer
School Photographs Detailer
Scientific Photographer
Semiconductor Wafers Photographic Aligner
Semiconductor Wafers Photographic Processor
Sports Photographer
Still Photographer
Street Photographer
Studio Photographer
Television News Photographer
Type Photography Supervisor
Underwater Photographer
Vehicle Photographer
Wedding Photographer
Wildlife Photographer


Step 2 of 4: Find a Job

Find Job Listings: Cartographers and Photogrammetrists.


Search results will open in a new tab.

Note: Job search results work best for U.S.-based locations. For international searches, try searching for "[job title] in [city, country]" directly on the selected job board, or visit their country-specific website.

Step 3 of 4: Prepare For a Career





Cartographers and Photogrammetrists

Description: Research, study, and prepare maps and other spatial data in digital or graphic form for one or more purposes, such as legal, social, political, educational, and design purposes. May work with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). May design and evaluate algorithms, data structures, and user interfaces for GIS and mapping systems. May collect, analyze, and interpret geographic information provided by geodetic surveys, aerial photographs, and satellite data.

U.S. Total Employment (2023):
13,200
U.S. Total Employment (2033 est.):
13,900
Employment Change (2023-2033 est.):
700 (5.4%)
Average Annual Job Openings (2023-2033 est.):
1,200
Please click on a section below to expand and see detailed occupational information related to "Cartographers and Photogrammetrists":

Core Duties

Important Core Job Duties (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 96 (%) Description: Compile data required for map preparation, including aerial photographs, survey notes, records, reports, and original maps.
Importance: 96 (%) Description: Revise existing maps and charts, making all necessary corrections and adjustments.
Importance: 89 (%) Description: Inspect final compositions to ensure completeness and accuracy.
Importance: 88 (%) Description: Build and update digital databases.
Importance: 87 (%) Description: Determine map content and layout, as well as production specifications such as scale, size, projection, and colors, and direct production to ensure that specifications are followed.
Importance: 84 (%) Description: Examine and analyze data from ground surveys, reports, aerial photographs, and satellite images to prepare topographic maps, aerial-photograph mosaics, and related charts.
Importance: 83 (%) Description: Collect information about specific features of the Earth, using aerial photography and other digital remote sensing techniques.
Importance: 77 (%) Description: Delineate aerial photographic detail, such as control points, hydrography, topography, and cultural features, using precision stereoplotting apparatus or drafting instruments.
Importance: 77 (%) Description: Prepare and alter trace maps, charts, tables, detailed drawings, and three-dimensional optical models of terrain using stereoscopic plotting and computer graphics equipment.
Importance: 73 (%) Description: Identify, scale, and orient geodetic points, elevations, and other planimetric or topographic features, applying standard mathematical formulas.
Importance: 71 (%) Description: Study legal records to establish boundaries of local, national, and international properties.
Supplemental Duties
Important Supplemental Job Duties (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 64 (%) Description: Determine guidelines that specify which source material is acceptable for use.
Importance: 53 (%) Description: Select aerial photographic and remote sensing techniques and plotting equipment needed to meet required standards of accuracy.
Importance: 50 (%) Description: Travel over photographed areas to observe, identify, record, and verify all relevant features.
Work Activities

Important General Work Activities (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 97 (%) Description: Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Importance: 94 (%) Description: Working with Computers: Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Importance: 84 (%) Description: Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Importance: 84 (%) Description: Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Importance: 84 (%) Description: Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Importance: 84 (%) Description: Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Importance: 83 (%) Description: Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Importance: 82 (%) Description: Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Importance: 82 (%) Description: Communicating with People Outside the Organization: Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Importance: 82 (%) Description: Analyzing Data or Information: Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Importance: 81 (%) Description: Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Importance: 77 (%) Description: Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Importance: 76 (%) Description: Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Importance: 76 (%) Description: Scheduling Work and Activities: Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Importance: 76 (%) Description: Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information: Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Importance: 75 (%) Description: Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Importance: 74 (%) Description: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Importance: 70 (%) Description: Performing for or Working Directly with the Public: Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Importance: 70 (%) Description: Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others: Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Importance: 68 (%) Description: Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others: Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Importance: 68 (%) Description: Developing Objectives and Strategies: Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment: Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Importance: 65 (%) Description: Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others: Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Importance: 65 (%) Description: Training and Teaching Others: Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Importance: 64 (%) Description: Developing and Building Teams: Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Importance: 61 (%) Description: Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People: Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Specific Work Activities

Important Specific Work Activities
How can you begin to build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. Specific Work Activities appear below:
Analyze physical, survey, or geographic data.
Calculate geographic positions from survey data.
Create maps.
Determine design criteria or specifications.
Determine operational methods.
Gather physical survey data.
Inspect finished products to locate flaws.
Operate computer systems.
Select tools, equipment, or technologies for use in operations or projects.
Survey land or bodies of water to measure or determine features.
Knowledge Required

Knowledge Required (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 88 (%) Description: Geography: Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Importance: 83 (%) Description: Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Importance: 69 (%) Description: English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Design: Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Importance: 65 (%) Description: Mathematics: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Essential Skills

Essential Skills (in order of importance)
These are the foundational skills most central to success in this occupation. For the Top 5 most important, how can you begin building experience and confidence using these skills now?
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Importance: 58 (%) Description: Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Importance: 58 (%) Description: Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Importance: 56 (%) Description: Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Transferable Skills

Transferable Skills (in order of importance)
These are skills that can transfer across occupations and industries. For the Top 5 most important, how can you strengthen these skills now so they support both this career and future career flexibility?
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Day-in-the-Life Summaries

Day-in-the-Life Summaries
These summaries show the main types of activities you are likely to perform on a regular basis in this occupation. How can you imagine your typical workday — using these examples to see if this type of work fits you?
Activity: Analyze environmental or geospatial data.
Activity: Assess characteristics of land or property.
Activity: Create visual designs or displays.
Activity: Determine operational methods or procedures.
Activity: Develop technical specifications for products or operations.
Activity: Gather data about operational or development activities.
Activity: Inspect completed work or finished products.
Activity: Operate computer systems or computerized equipment.
Activity: Select materials or equipment for operations or projects.
Software Skills

Software Skills
These are examples of software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized from most to least important for your career preparation. How can you start learning or practicing the highest-priority tools so that you feel confident using them on the job?
High-Priority Tech Skills
Geographic information system:
ESRI ArcGIS software
Widely Used Tech Skills
Geographic information system:
Geographic information system GIS systems
Emerging Tech Skills
Computer aided design CAD software:
Autodesk AutoCAD
Bentley MicroStation
Data base user interface and query software:
Microsoft Access
Oracle Database
Structured query language SQL
Desktop publishing software:
Adobe InDesign
Development environment software:
C
Microsoft Visual Basic
Document management software:
Adobe Acrobat
Microsoft SharePoint
Electronic mail software:
Microsoft Outlook
Enterprise application integration software:
Extensible markup language XML
Enterprise resource planning ERP software:
SAP software
Graphics or photo imaging software:
Adobe Creative Cloud software
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop
Object or component oriented development software:
Python
Office suite software:
Microsoft Office software
Operating system software:
Microsoft Windows
Presentation software:
Microsoft PowerPoint
Spreadsheet software:
Microsoft Excel
Web platform development software:
JavaScript Object Notation JSON
Word processing software:
Microsoft Word
General Software Tools
Analytical or scientific software (scroll table below):
Boeing Kork Digital Mapping
Boeing SoftPlotter
Image analysis software
RSI ENVI
Terrasolid TerraScan
Textron Systems Geospatial Solutions RemoteView
Computer aided design CAD software:
Cosmo Software Cosmo World
MultiGen Paradigm Vega Prime
Data base management system software:
SAP Adaptive Server Enterprise
Data base user interface and query software:
Autodesk World
Data compression software:
Arbor Image Draftsman
Desktop publishing software:
Corporate Montage CADScript
QuarkXPress
Development environment software:
Software development tools
Standardized general markup language SGML
Electronic mail software:
Email software
Flight control software:
Leica AEROPLAN LiDAR
Geographic information system:
ESRI ArcInfo
ESRI ArcView
ESRI software
Geographic information system GIS software
Graphics or photo imaging software:
Aldus FreeHand
Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite
Image processing software
Steroplotter software
Information retrieval or search software:
Digital databases
Master Seafloor Digital Database
Rand McNally World Digital Database
World Vector Shoreline
Internet browser software:
Microsoft Internet Explorer
Map creation software (scroll table below):
Aerotriangulation adjustment software
Bentley Systems InRoads Suite
Digital mapping software
ERDAS ER Mapper
Geomechanical design analysis GDA software
Hexagon Intergraph
Intergraph ImageStation Stereo Softcopy Kit SSK
MapInfo
Mapping software
Mapthematics GeoCart
Precision analytical aerotriangulation pugging software
RockWare ArcMap
Platform interconnectivity software:
IBM iSeries Access
Web page creation and editing software:
Adobe Dreamweaver
Quark Immedia
Preparation Required
Preparation Required - How much preparation is needed to obtain this type of job?
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, conservation scientists, art directors, and cost estimators.
Education Required

Education Required - by frequency of educational attainment
This shows you details about the level of education most commonly held by workers in this occupation. How can you begin planning the educational pathway that will prepare you best for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%) Level of Education
Frequency of Attainment: 35.7 (%) Level of Education: Post-Secondary Certificate
Frequency of Attainment: 30.0 (%) Level of Education: Bachelor's Degree
Frequency of Attainment: 11.2 (%) Level of Education: Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree
Frequency of Attainment: 11.0 (%) Level of Education: Master's Degree
Frequency of Attainment: 10.6 (%) Level of Education: Some College Courses
Frequency of Attainment: 1.5 (%) Level of Education: Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
Training and Experience Required

Training and Experience Required - by frequency of training and work experience attainment
This section shows you how often different types of training and work experience are required for this occupation. How can you start gaining the kinds of experience and training that are most common for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%) Level of Training and Work Experience
Frequency of Attainment: 35.7 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: None
Frequency of Attainment: 25.3 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
Frequency of Attainment: 21.3 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months
Frequency of Attainment: 12.9 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
Frequency of Attainment: 2.0 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 8 years, up to and including 10 years
Frequency of Attainment: 2.0 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 10 years
Frequency of Attainment: 1.0 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years
Certifications
Certifications
These are examples of certifications that may be important for this occupation. How can you begin exploring which certifications fit your goals and what steps you would need to take to earn them?
Certified Photogrammetric Technologist External Link
Certified Photogrammetrist (ASPRS) External Link
Geographic Information Systems Professional External Link
GEOINT Professional Certification Cartography External Link
GEOINT Professional Certification Imagery Science External Link
Related Careers to Consider


Step 4 of 4: Career-Specific Resources

This section contains detailed external resources appropriate to "Cartographers and Photogrammetrists". Explore these resources to start learning more. Links are constantly updated, so bookmark this page.

Videos

Here is a listing of videos related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.


Resumes

Here are resources that allow you to see example resumes for this occupation. It may be helpful to see examples from others who have this type of experience.


Job Description

Here are resources that provide job descriptions, which are vital for resume and interview preparation.


Interviews

There are many great resources that can help guide you through the interview process. These links provide help in preparing and performing an effective interview, specific to this occupation.


Salary Data

Here are links to help you identify salary ranges for this occupation. These data are necessary prior to effective salary negotiations.


Raises

Here are resources that help you to prepare to ask for a raise. These links will help you to prepare for the salary negotiation process.


Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Cartographers and Photogrammetrists". Use these links to find a job.


Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Cartographers and Photogrammetrists". Use these links to find a job.


Classifieds

There are various sources for job classified ads. These links should help get you started to find a job for this occupation.


Step-by-Step

Here are links to help guide you, step-by-step, to become a(n): Cartographers and Photogrammetrists


Career Change

Here are resources to help you prepare for a career change. It is helpful to look carefully at the information provided in Section 3: Career Change (detailed previously on this page) prior to using these links. There is much to learn ...


LinkedIn®

Here are links to various posts and groups from LinkedIn ® that relate to this occupation. Great way to start building professional contacts in the field that might be most appropriate for you.


Career Path

Here are links to various resources to help you explore the career path related to the "Cartographers and Photogrammetrists" occupation.






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