Photographic Process Worker and Processing Machine Operator salary

Updated October 18, 2026Updated for 2026 tax law

A photographic process worker and processing machine operator earns a median of $40,610 a year ($19.52 an hour) in the US, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025). The average is $46,050. About 4,800 people work in this job.

Bottom 10%$30,090

25th percentile$35,170

Median$40,610

75th percentile$50,150

Top 10%$68,800

Take-home pay on $40,610

Take-home pay (every 2 weeks)

$1,338.85

$34,810 per year · 14.3% total tax rate

Gross pay: $1,561.92
Federal income tax: −$103.58
Social Security (6.2%): −$96.84
Medicare (1.45%): −$22.65
Texas income tax: $0.00
No state income tax on wages
Take-home pay: $1,338.85

Annual breakdown

Gross: $40,610
Federal: $2,693
FICA: $3,107
State + local: $0
Net: $34,810
Marginal federal rate: 12.0%
Marginal state rate: 0.0%

2026 federal brackets (Rev. Proc. 2025-32) and 2026 state rules. Estimates assume wages are your only income and use annual liability, so your actual withholding can differ slightly.

Similar jobs

Butcher and Meat Cutter: $40,140
Slaughterer and Meat Packer: $40,130
Production Worker: $40,110
Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operator and Tender: $41,330
Food Processing Worker: $39,680
Food Cooking Machine Operator and Tender: $41,590
Painting: $41,600
Tailor: $41,640

BLS occupation: Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 (SOC 51-9151). Excludes the self-employed.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a photographic process worker and processing machine operator make an hour?

The median hourly wage is $19.52; the average is $22.14.

What is the salary range for a photographic process worker and processing machine operator?

The bottom 10% earn under $30,090 and the top 10% earn over $68,800 a year.

How much is $40,610 after taxes?

About $34,810 a year in Texas (no state income tax) or $33,675 in California for a single filer in 2026.

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Estimates for information only — not tax, legal or financial advice.