How to become a Photographic Print Processor

Edits, adjusts and enhances digital images, and prints photographic images from digital media using various computer software, calibration tools and other digital equipment.

Main tasks

• Evaluates digital images for quality issues like exposure and focus
• Adjusts images by cropping and adjusting colour, brightness and contrast for optimal print quality
• Adjusts settings and runs automatic developing equipment
• Inspects prints and adjusts settings on print-making equipment to produce required number, size and type of prints
• Monitors and tests photographic processing and printing equipment, and maintains operational standards
• May develop black and white images by separate processes, and operate enlargers
• May assist customers to turn photographs into customisable products

Ways in

• TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Print Binding, Finishing and Packaging (ICP31320); Certificate III in Printing (ICP31220); Certificate IV in Printing and Graphic Arts Management (ICP40120); Diploma of Printing and Graphic Arts Business Management (ICP50120); Diploma of Visual Arts (CUA51120); Certificate II in Printing and Graphic Arts (ICP20120)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $73,112 a year
• About 900 people work in this job group now, and about 1,000 are projected by 2035. (+4.9%)
• AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Photographic Print Processor?

Ways in include: Certificate III in Print Binding, Finishing and Packaging; Certificate III in Printing.

How much does a Photographic Print Processor earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $73,112 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Photographic Print Processor a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 5% by 2035, from about 900 to about 1,000 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Photographic Print Processor?

Usually not. Only 24% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Print Binding, Finishing and Packaging; Certificate III in Printing.

Will AI change the work of a Photographic Print Processor?

AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

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