Shigoto Zukan
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Will AI replace Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators?AI replacement risk 38% and how the work is changing

United States Manufacturing & Repair Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$40,610
25th–75th pct. $35,170–$50,150
Top pay (est.)
$89,400
Top 10% $68,800
Pay in 5 years
$46,200est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$52,500est.
$45,200–$61,000
Outlook score
37/100
★★☆☆☆ Below average
AI replacement risk
38%
Low
Job growth (10 yr)
−5.6%
600 openings / yr

Will AI replace Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators? AI replacement risk

38%
Low
Ranked #349 safest from AI among all U.S. occupations
Very lowLowModerateHighVery high

How AI is changing this job

A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.

AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using O*NET work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →

Skills, education and requirements for Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators

Key skills

Active Listening
3.4
Monitoring
3.2
Reading Comprehension
3.2
Critical Thinking
3.1
Operations Monitoring
3.1
Speaking
3.0
Social Perceptiveness
3.0
Service Orientation
3.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Computers and Electronics
4.1
Customer and Personal Service
3.4
Mechanical
3.0
Production and Processing
3.0
Chemistry
2.5
English Language
2.5
Sales and Marketing
2.5
Administration and Management
2.1

What the work involves

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsControlling Machines and ProcessesRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyPerforming for or Working Directly with the Public

Important abilities

Near VisionVisual Color DiscriminationOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionSpeech RecognitionDeductive Reasoning

Education of workers

High school diploma
84%
Some college
8%
Bachelor's degree
5%
Post-secondary certificate
2%

Training before entry

Up to 1 month
41%
None / short demo
39%
1–3 months
14%
3–6 months
4%
6–12 months
2%

Related work experience

None
44%
1–2 years
31%
6–12 months
14%
1–3 months
6%
3–6 months
2%
Over 10 years
2%

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★☆☆☆☆ Easy to enter (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.