Photographic Equipment Technicians

Photographic equipment technicians, sometimes called camera technicians, maintain, test, disassemble, and repair cameras and other equipment used to take still and motion pictures. They are responsible for keeping the equipment in working order.

Photographic equipment technicians use a variety of hand tools (such as screwdrivers, pliers, and wire cutters) for maintenance and repair of the complex cameras used by motion picture and still photographers.

As hobbyists' cameras and equipment become more convenient to use, they become more complicated to maintain and repair. Professional cameras—especially those of filmmakers—also have become increasingly more complicated and expensive. In both cases, photographic equipment is too valuable to entrust to the care of anyone but a skilled photographic equipment technician. Today, there are approximately 2,600 camera and photographic equipment repairers working in the United States, providing services that range from quick and simple adjustments to complicated repairs requiring specialized equipment.

Salary Range

$25,000 to $100,000+

Minimum Education Level

High School Diploma

Certification/License

None

Outlook

Decline

Personality Traits

Hands On

Problem-Solving

Technical

Career Ladder

Repair Shop Owner

Photographic Equipment Repair Supervisor

Photographic Equipment Technician

Photographic Equipment Trainee