How to become a Photographer's Assistant

Assists Photographers in taking and developing photographs.

Main tasks

• Schedules and coordinates photo shoots
• Prepares and positions props and backgrounds for photographs
• Provides general assistance and support to the photographer during photo shoots, such as assisting with photographic equipment and lighting
• Operates cameras and other photographic equipment under the direction of the photographer
• Assists in retouching and editing photographs using software
• Maintains and organises photographic equipment and supplies

Ways in

• TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Screen and Media (CUA31020); Certificate IV in Photography and Digital Imaging (CUA41120); Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging (CUA50920)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $105,872 a year
• About 24,900 people work in this job group now, and about 28,300 are projected by 2035. (+13.9%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Photographer's Assistant?

Ways in include: Certificate III in Screen and Media; Certificate IV in Photography and Digital Imaging.

How much does a Photographer's Assistant earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $105,872 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Photographer's Assistant a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 14% by 2035, from about 24,900 to about 28,300 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Photographer's Assistant?

Not always. 38% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Screen and Media; Certificate IV in Photography and Digital Imaging.

Will AI change the work of a Photographer's Assistant?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04