How much does a camera and photographic equipment repairer make?
The median camera and photographic equipment repairer in the United States earns $49,300 per year, about $23.70 an hour. That is the midpoint of the profession: half of all camera and photographic equipment repairers earn more, and half earn less.
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024. SOC code 49-9061.
Camera and photographic equipment repairer salary range
Pay for camera and photographic equipment repairers spans a wide band. The lowest paid 10 percent earn under $36,020 a year, while the highest paid 10 percent take home more than $76,550. The average (mean) wage of $53,420 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $36,020 | $17.32 | Lowest paid |
| 25th percentile | $42,590 | $20.48 | |
| Median (50th) | $49,300 | $23.70 | Midpoint |
| 75th percentile | $62,400 | $30.00 | |
| 90th percentile | $76,550 | $36.80 | Highest paid |
Figures are national wage estimates for camera and photographic equipment repairers (SOC 49-9061), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2024.
Camera and photographic equipment repairer salary by state
Where you work changes the paycheck. Camera and photographic equipment repairers earn the most in Virginia at $70,420 a year, and the least in North Carolina at $36,180. The table below lists every state with published data, ranked by median annual salary.
| State | Median annual | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia | $70,420 | 90 |
| California | $67,060 | 350 |
| Indiana | $61,130 | 50 |
| New York | $56,340 | N/A |
| New Jersey | $55,540 | 60 |
| Texas | $50,780 | 80 |
| District of Columbia | $49,290 | N/A |
| Georgia | $47,700 | 70 |
| Ohio | $47,550 | 50 |
| Florida | $47,190 | N/A |
| Iowa | $46,220 | 50 |
| Tennessee | $43,850 | N/A |
| North Carolina | $36,180 | 30 |
State median wages for camera and photographic equipment repairers (SOC 49-9061), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS state files, May 2024. States where the BLS does not publish a median are not shown.
Job outlook for camera and photographic equipment repairers
The BLS projects employment of camera and photographic equipment repairers to shrink from 2025 to 2035 (down 15.5%). That is a decline, against 3.5% average growth for all occupations. That works out to roughly 1,800 jobs in 2025 moving toward 1,500 by 2035.
Across the decade, the BLS expects about 100 openings a year for camera and photographic equipment repairers. Most come from the need to replace workers who move to other jobs or leave the workforce, on top of any new positions from growth.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, 2025-35 (Table 1.2, Occupational projections and worker characteristics).
How to become a camera and photographic equipment repairer
The typical entry-level education for camera and photographic equipment repairers is a high school diploma or equivalent, according to the BLS. New hires typically complete long-term on-the-job training to reach full competency.
A four-year college degree is usually not required to start, which makes this one of the jobs you can enter without a bachelor's degree. See more high paying jobs without a degree .
Education, training, and experience data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
What affects how much a camera and photographic equipment repairer earns
Certifications, the type of equipment worked on, employer, and region drive most of the pay difference. Flat-rate pay and overtime can push experienced techs well above the median.
Location is one of the clearest factors. The gap between the top paying state (Virginia, $70,420) and the lowest (North Carolina, $36,180) shows how much geography alone can move the number, before experience or specialization.
About 2,010 people work as camera and photographic equipment repairers in the United States. At $49,300 a year, the job pays below the $49,500 median for all U.S. jobs.
Camera and photographic equipment repairer salary FAQ
How much does a camera and photographic equipment repairer make an hour?
The median hourly wage for a camera and photographic equipment repairer is $23.70. The middle half of camera and photographic equipment repairers earn between $20.48 and $30.00 per hour.
What is the highest camera and photographic equipment repairer salary?
The highest paid 10 percent of camera and photographic equipment repairers earn more than $76,550 per year. Top earners usually have the most experience and work in the best paying regions and industries.
How much does a camera and photographic equipment repairer make a year?
The median annual salary for a camera and photographic equipment repairer is $49,300. The average (mean) wage of $53,420 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
Is being a camera and photographic equipment repairer a well paid job?
At $49,300 a year, a camera and photographic equipment repairer earns below the $49,500 median for all U.S. jobs. About 2,010 people work as camera and photographic equipment repairers in the United States.
Which state pays camera and photographic equipment repairers the most?
Virginia has the highest median salary for camera and photographic equipment repairers at $70,420 a year. California ($67,060) and Indiana ($61,130) follow. State medians come from the BLS OEWS state files, May 2024.
Is being a camera and photographic equipment repairer a good career?
Employment of camera and photographic equipment repairers is projected to shrink 15.5% from 2025 to 2035, a decline, against 3.5% average growth for all occupations. The BLS projects about 100 openings each year, from growth and from workers leaving the occupation.
Do you need a degree to become a camera and photographic equipment repairer?
No. The BLS lists the typical entry-level education for camera and photographic equipment repairers as a high school diploma or equivalent, so a four-year degree is usually not required to start.
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