Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers
Camera and photographic equipment repairers fix and adjust cameras and related equipment.
Repairers work on still (film and digital), video, movie, and TV cameras. They also work on lenses, projectors, and a variety of less common photo equipment
Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers are in the Arts, A/V Technology, and Communications career cluster and the Audio and Video Technology and Film pathway.
Quick Facts
Wages: |
Not Available Read more about wages |
Outlook: |
Percent Growth
3.4% Below statewide average Read more about outlook |
Education & Training: |
Long-term on-the-job training (more than 12 months) is common. |
On the Job: |
Work Activities
Assess your skills |
Job Title Examples: |
Camera Technician,
Photo Equipment Technician,
Photo Technologist
See more job title examples |
Source: Minnesota Department of Education, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, and CareerOneStop.
Wages & Outlook
Wages
Wages vary by the type of equipment repaired, the worker's level of experience, and the speed at which they work.
Camera and photographic equipment repairers who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. Repairers who are self-employed must provide their own insurance.
View the Regional Wage Comparison Chart for:
Employment
In Minnesota, about 221 camera and photographic equipment repairers work in this very small occupation.
About 13 percent of camera and photographic equipment repairers are self-employed.
Major employers:
- Camera sales stores
- Camera repair shops
- Electronics stores
Outlook
A major factor in the decline of this occupation is that some cameras are inexpensive. People are more likely to buy new cameras than repair cheap ones. Similarly, people are also more likely to buy new digital cameras because of the technological advancements. However, people who own expensive cameras will get them repaired when they do not work.
Despite the decline in jobs, openings will occur as current workers leave this occupation.
| Employment | Employment Change | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 2020 | Number | Percent | |
| U S | 3,300 | 3,600 | 300 | 9.1% |
| Minnesota | 29 | 30 | 1 | 3.4% |
| 2010 | 2020 | Number | Percent | |
Source: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and Minnesota Department of Education.
On the Job
Overview
Camera and photographic equipment repairers fix and adjust cameras and related equipment.
Cameras and other photographic equipment have become easier to use. However, the internal parts of even simple cameras have grown much more complex. This is because electronic circuits and precision parts are common. For example, cameras now use many electronic features, such as light and flash meters. This trend toward electronic parts makes the work of repairers more complex.Repairers work on still (film and digital), video, movie, and TV cameras. They also work on lenses, projectors, and a variety of less common photo equipment. Repairers first review the service order to find out what is wrong. They may refer to diagrams or other instructions provided by the manufacturer. They also inspect the item to find the damage, and take it apart to look for broken parts. They make repairs, or clean and lubricate the parts. Then they reassemble the equipment and adjust it.
Work Activities
The following list of occupational tasks is specific to this career.
- Review service work orders, which describe equipment problems. May also read diagrams or instructions.
- May talk to customers to explain repair work or discuss repair cost estimates.
- Use small hand tools, such as jewelers' screwdrivers and files.
- Use complex testing instruments to test and measure parts and settings.
- May track inventory and order parts and supplies from manufacturers and wholesalers.
- Take apart cameras and other equipment to find broken or damaged parts.
- Repair a variety of photographic equipment, cameras, lenses, and projectors.
- Inspect equipment to identify damage.
- Clean, lubricate, adjust, polish, and make small repairs. May send complex repairs to the manufacturer.
People in this career perform the following list of tasks, but the tasks are common to many occupations.
- Repair and maintain electronic equipment.
- Update and use job-related knowledge.
- Inspect equipment, structures, or materials.
- Get information needed to do the job.
- Make decisions and solve problems.
- Repair and maintain mechanical equipment.
- Identify objects, actions, and events.
- Handle and move objects.
- Use computers.
- Monitor events, materials, and surroundings.
Working Conditions
In a typical work setting, people in this career:
- Have a medium level of social contact. They work with customers, but also spend time alone making repairs.
- Communicate by phone on a daily basis. They also interact with customers when they come into the shop.
- Almost always work indoors.
- May share work space with other repairers.
- Must be very exact in their work to avoid costly damage to equipment.
- Make decisions that affect others on a monthly basis. They usually decide a course of action without consulting a supervisor first.
- Work very independently. They set their own daily tasks and goals.
- Must meet strict weekly deadlines.
- Usually work a regular 40-hour week, although some may work overtime.
- May work evenings and Saturdays in some shops.
Interpersonal Relationships
Physical Work Conditions
Work Performance
Hours/Travel
Physical Demands
In a typical work setting, people in this career:
- Use hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
- Sit for long periods of time while testing and repairing equipment.
- Use fingers or hands to grasp, move, or assemble small objects.
- See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
- Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
- Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
- See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
- Understand the speech of another person.
- See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
- Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
- Determine the distance between objects.
- Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
- Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
- Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
- Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
- Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
- Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
- Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
People in this career frequently:
It is important for people in this career to be able to:
It is not as important, but still necessary, for people in this career to be able to:
Source: Minnesota Department of Education.
Education & Training
Preparation
To work as a camera and photographic equipment repairer, you typically need to:
- have a high school diploma or GED;
- have an associate degree; and
- complete long-term on-the-job training.
Education after high school
Most camera and photographic equipment repairers complete a formal training program in electronics. Professional-technical schools and two-year colleges offer electronics programs. You receive a certificate or associate degree when you complete the program.
#no ed attainment table because rolled up SOC
On-the-job training
Beginning repairers receive on-the-job training. Training typically lasts at least one year. You usually begin as a helper. As you progress, you work on more complex tasks. Training includes:
- using equipment and tools;
- making repairs; and
- providing customer service.
Equipment manufacturers also provide training for repairers.
Military training
Some branches of the military train people to be precision instrument and equipment repairers. This military occupation includes camera repairers. Training lasts nine to 34 weeks, depending on your specialty. Further training occurs on the job.
Related Programs (Current training programs available)
Fields of Study (What to study to prepare for this career)
Click on any of the Fields of Study listed below to find out more about preparing for this career.
Helpful High School Courses
You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.
Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this occupation include:
- Equipment Maintenance and Repair
- Photography
Many camera and photographic equipment repairers are self-employed. If you think you might want to run your own business some day, you should also consider taking:
- Accounting
- Entrepreneurship
- Introduction to Business
The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.
You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.
Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career.
Source: Minnesota Department of Education.
Skills
People in this career need to:
- Read and understand work-related materials.
- Listen to others, understand, and ask questions.
- Express ideas clearly when speaking.
- Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
- Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
- Identify problems and review information. Develop, review, and apply solutions.
- Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
- Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
- Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
- Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
- Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
- Develop rules or follow guidelines when arranging items.
- Use math skills to solve problems.
- Manage the time of self and others.
- Check how well one is learning or doing something.
- Use several methods to learn or teach new things.
- Look for ways to help people.
- Repair and maintain equipment.
- Determine the causes of technical problems and find solutions for them.
- Determine the tools and equipment needed to do a job.
- Install equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
- Test and inspect products, services, or processes. Evaluate quality or performance.
- Maintain equipment on a routine basis. Determine when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
- Operate and control equipment.
- Design equipment and technology to meet user needs.
- Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
- Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
- Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.
Communicate
Reason and Problem Solve
Use Math and Science
Manage Oneself, People, Time and Things
Work with People
Work with Things
Perceive and Visualize
Knowledge
People in this career need knowledge in the following areas:
- Mechanical: Knowledge of designing, using, and repairing machines and tools.
- Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of computer hardware and software.
- Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of providing special services to customers based on their needs.
- Engineering and Technology: Knowledge of how to build machines, buildings, and other things. Also includes knowledge of how to use computers, machines, and tools to do work more usefully.
- English Language: Knowledge of the meaning, spelling, and use of the English language.
Interests
People in this career are people who tend to:
- Consider independence important. They like to make decisions and try out ideas on their own. They prefer jobs where they can plan their work with little supervision.
- Consider achievement important. They like to see the results of their work and to use their strongest abilities. They like to get a feeling of accomplishment from their work.
- Have realistic interests. They like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like to work with plants, animals, and physical materials such as wood, tools, and machinery. They often prefer to work outside.
- Have conventional interests. They like work activities that follow set procedures, routines, and standards. They like to work with data and detail. They prefer working where there is a clear line of authority to follow.
- Have investigative interests. They like work activities that have to do with ideas and thinking. They like to search for facts and figure out solutions to problems mentally.
Source: Minnesota Department of Education.
Licensing / Certification
Certification Details
No certifications are found for this career.
Licensing Details
No State of Minnesota license requirements are found for this career.
Source: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and CareerOneStop.
Jobs
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Hiring Practices
Employers prefer to hire qualified repairers with three to five years of experience. For repairers without experience, employers look for knowledge of electronics. They also look for mechanical aptitude and the ability to understand technical manuals and blueprints.
Photographic equipment repair is precise, detail-oriented work. Employers look for trainees who are patient and persistent. In addition, repairers who work with customers must be able to communicate well and get along with people.
Advancement Opportunities
Camera and photographic equipment repairers who work for manufacturers or in large shops may become supervisors or managers. Some may advance to jobs repairing larger or more complex equipment. Repairers in smaller shops often advance by earning higher wages. Some experienced repairers start their own businesses.
Some repairers advance by taking jobs in related fields, such as instrument design and testing. This type of job change may require further training.
Job Title Examples
Camera Technician, Photo Equipment Technician, Photo Technologist, Photographic Equipment Repair Technician, Photographic Technician (Photo Tech), Repairman, Technician, Camera Repair Technician, Camera Repairman, Repair Technician
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Related Industries
Below are industries related to Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers you may be interested in reading about. Employers in these industries typically hire
Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers. Click on the names to link to their industry profile.
Computers And Electronic Products
Education
Electrical Equipment
Electronics And Appliance Stores
Hospitals
Information And Internet Services
Motion Pictures And Sound Recording
Publishing And Broadcasting
Wholesale Trade
Source: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and Minnesota Department of Education.
